Nothing ruins a pleasant summer barbecue or peaceful indoor moment quite like the persistent buzzing of flies. These common household pests are more than just annoying—they can carry diseases, contaminate food, and generally make your living spaces uncomfortable.
The good news is that you don’t need to live with these unwelcome guests or resort to harsh chemicals to address the problem. There are numerous practical, affordable methods to get rid of flies fast. In this article, we will explore 15 proven strategies that can help get rid of flies in the house and yard.
What is Flies: Know Your Enemy
Before we discuss solutions, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Different types of flies have different behaviors, preferences, and breeding habits. Identifying which type has invaded your space can help you target your approach more effectively.
Common types of flies you might encounter include:
- House flies: These medium-sized gray flies are the most common indoor nuisance. They’re attracted to garbage, pet waste, and food residue.
- Fruit flies: Tiny, tan-colored flies that hover around ripe or fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other sweet, organic materials.
- Drain flies: Small, moth-like flies that breed in the organic matter buildup inside drains and plumbing fixtures.
- Cluster flies: Slightly larger than house flies, these pests enter homes in the fall seeking winter shelter and often gather in clusters near windows.
- Blow flies (bottle flies): Metallic blue or green flies that are attracted to decomposing organic matter, including meat and animal carcasses.
- Horse flies and deer flies: Larger outdoor flies that deliver painful bites and are attracted to movement, carbon dioxide, and body heat.
Most common household flies have remarkably short life cycles—house flies can complete their entire life cycle from egg to adult in just 7-10 days under ideal conditions. A single female house fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. This explains how a small fly problem can quickly escalate into a major infestation if not addressed promptly.
Flies are attracted to food sources, moisture, warmth, and waste materials. They often enter homes through open doors and windows, gaps around utility lines, or damaged screens. Understanding these entry points and attractants is key to both elimination and prevention.
How to Get Rid of Flies Indoors
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar is a remarkably effective bait for fruit flies and other small flying insects. Its sweet, fermented scent is irresistible to these pests, making it an excellent foundation for a simple trap.
To create this trap, fill a small bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar (about an inch deep) and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts the flies with its appealing smell. The soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown when they land, rather than being able to rest on the surface.
For even better results, you can cover the container with plastic wrap and poke several small holes in it. It is large enough for flies to enter, but not large enough for them to easily find their way out. Place these traps in areas where you’ve noticed fly activity.
Monitor your traps daily and replace the mixture every few days, or sooner if you catch a large number of flies. Many homeowners report catching dozens of fruit flies within the first 24 hours of setting up these traps.
2. Homemade Fly Paper
Commercial fly paper works well, but you can easily make your own effective version with items already in your kitchen. This sticky trap catches flies that come in contact with it and prevents them from continuing to buzz around your home.
To make homemade fly paper, cut strips of brown paper bags or parchment paper about 1-2 inches wide and 10-12 inches long. Punch a small hole at the top of each strip and thread a string through for hanging.
In a small saucepan, mix equal parts corn syrup and sugar with a small amount of water. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool slightly.
Dip the paper strips into the sticky mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then hang them to dry partially—they should remain tacky. Once they’re ready, hang these sticky strips in areas with high fly activity, away from places where people might accidentally walk into them.
These homemade strips work just like commercial fly paper but without any chemical additives. They’re particularly effective in enclosed spaces like garages, porches, or kitchens.
3. The Classic Fly Swatter
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. A good old-fashioned fly swatter remains one of the fastest ways to address an immediate fly problem. Modern fly swatters come in various designs, including electric versions that eliminate the need for perfect aim.
For best results with a traditional fly swatter, approach flies slowly from behind or from the side, as their compound eyes give them excellent forward vision but poorer rear vision.
Strike quickly but not too forcefully—a lighter, faster movement often works better than a heavy swat that creates enough air movement to alert the fly.
Electric fly swatters can create a charged grid that electrocutes flies on contact. These are particularly useful for active flies that are difficult to hit with a traditional swatter. They’re also satisfying to use, as the small “zap” sound confirms a successful hit.
4. Essential Oil Repellent Spray
Several essential oils naturally repel flies due to their strong scents that mask attractants and interfere with flies’ ability to locate food sources. Lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and citronella oils are particularly effective against various fly species.
You can create a repellent spray by adding 10-15 drops of essential oil to a cup of water with a teaspoon of dish soap. For a stronger solution, you can use a base of 1/4 cup vodka or witch hazel with 3/4 cup water. This helps the oils disperse more effectively.
Then, spray this solution around windows, doorways, outdoor eating areas, and other places where flies tend to enter or congregate. The pleasant scent is refreshing for humans but repulsive to flies. Reapply the spray every few days or after cleaning surfaces.
For outdoor use, you can create more concentrated versions by doubling the essential oil content. Many people find that using multiple essential oils in combination provides broader protection against different fly species.
5. Basil and Other Fly-Repelling Plants
Certain plants naturally repel flies thanks to the compounds they release into the air. Basil is one of the most effective fly-repellent plants and has the added benefit of being a useful culinary herb. Other effective plants include lavender, mint, bay leaves, rosemary, and marigolds.
You can place potted basil or other repellent plants on windowsills, near doorways, and on outdoor tables where flies tend to be problematic.
For enhanced effect, gently bruise a few leaves to release more of the aromatic compounds into the air. You can also hang bundles of dried herbs like lavender or bay leaves in areas where flies are common.
These plants work best as part of a comprehensive fly control strategy. While they may not eliminate an existing infestation, they can help deter new flies from settling in your space and provide a pleasant, natural ambiance. As an added benefit, many of these plants can be used in cooking or tea-making.
6. Vodka Spray for Quick Results
For a fast-acting fly repellent that works immediately, vodka can be surprisingly effective. The alcohol content evaporates quickly, taking unwanted odors that might attract flies with it. The smell is unpleasant to flies but dissipates rapidly for humans.
Fill a spray bottle with inexpensive vodka (no need to use premium brands) and spray lightly around areas where flies congregate. This works particularly well for outdoor gatherings where food is present. Avoid spraying directly on food or surfaces that will contact food.
For enhanced effectiveness, you can add a few drops of essential oil like lemongrass or eucalyptus to the vodka before spraying. The combination of alcohol and essential oils creates a double deterrent that can provide immediate relief from fly problems during outdoor events.
7. Light Traps
Flies are naturally attracted to light, and this behavior can be exploited to trap them effectively. Commercial UV light traps attract flies and then capture them with sticky surfaces or electrocute them with charged grids. These devices are particularly effective in food preparation areas, garages, and other spaces where flies are persistent problems.
For a DIY version, place a desk lamp over a bowl of soapy water in a darkened room. The flies will be attracted to the light, and many will fall into the water below, where the soap prevents them from escaping. This method works best at night when the trap light is the primary light source in the area.
Light traps work continuously and require minimal maintenance, making them excellent for ongoing fly control. Position them away from windows and away from food preparation areas. For maximum effectiveness, you can place them 4-6 feet off the ground, as flies typically fly in this height range when indoors.
8. Carnivorous Plants
For a unique and natural approach to fly control, you can also consider adding carnivorous plants to your indoor garden. Venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants naturally attract and consume flies and other small insects.
Place these plants near windows or areas where flies frequently enter your home. They work best for light to moderate fly issues rather than major infestations.
These plants require specific care conditions, including high humidity and the right type of water (distilled or rainwater). So you need to research their needs before purchasing.
While carnivorous plants won’t eliminate a serious fly problem on their own, they can help reduce numbers while adding an interesting conversation piece to your home. They’re particularly effective against fruit flies and fungus gnats.
Environmental Management for Long-Term Control
9. Proper Food Storage and Waste Management
Perhaps the most important long-term strategy for fly control is eliminating the food sources that attract them in the first place. Flies are primarily attracted to food residue, garbage, and organic waste, so proper management of these items is essential.
Try to store all food in sealed containers, especially fruits and vegetables that are ripening. Use tightly-lidded trash cans and empty them regularly—at least every other day during summer months when flies are most active. Clean your garbage cans periodically with disinfectant to remove residues that might attract flies.
Pay special attention to recycling bins, which often contain sweet residues from beverages. Rinse containers before recycling them, and clean your recycling bin regularly. Pet food and water should be removed when not in use, and pet waste should be promptly cleaned up from yard areas.
10. Drain Cleaning and Maintenance
Drains are common breeding sites for certain types of flies, particularly drain flies (also called moth flies or sewer flies) that thrive in the organic matter buildup inside. Regular drain cleaning can eliminate these breeding grounds and prevent fly problems before they start.
Pour boiling water down drains weekly to flush away organic buildup. For more thorough cleaning, use a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar—pour the baking soda down first, followed by the vinegar.
The foaming action helps dislodge the biofilm where flies breed. Let this mixture work for several hours or overnight, then flush with boiling water.
For stubborn problems, you can use a drain brush to physically remove buildup from the sides of pipes, or try an enzymatic drain cleaner that specifically targets organic matter. Pay special attention to floor drains in basements and utility rooms, as these often-overlooked drains can become significant breeding sites.
Don’t forget other potential breeding sites like garbage disposals, overflow drains in sinks and tubs, and condensate drains from air conditioning units. Regular maintenance of all these water-carrying systems can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing a fly problem.
11. Door and Window Screens
Physical barriers remain one of the most effective ways to prevent flies from entering your home in the first place. Inspect all window and door screens for tears or gaps and repair or replace damaged screens promptly. For doors that open frequently, you can consider installing self-closing screen doors or magnetic screen curtains.
Pay particular attention to areas around utility entries—places where pipes, vents, or cables enter your home often have small gaps that can allow flies to enter.
Seal these openings with expanding foam, caulk, or weather stripping as appropriate. Check weather stripping around doors and windows annually and replace as needed to maintain a tight seal.
For homes without air conditioning that rely on open windows for cooling, window screens are essential. If installing permanent screens isn’t possible, you can consider temporary window screens or netting. The small investment in proper screening can prevent significant fly problems and reduce the need for other control methods.
12. Natural Predators in Garden Areas
Encouraging natural fly predators in your yard and garden can help control outdoor fly populations before they make their way indoors. Birds, bats, dragonflies, and predatory wasps all consume flies as part of their diet and can provide ongoing biological control.
Install bird feeders and bird baths to attract insect-eating birds to your yard. You can also add bat houses to support these amazing nocturnal insect predators—a single bat can consume thousands of insects nightly.
Plant flowers that attract dragonflies and other beneficial insects, such as cosmos, black-eyed Susan, and lavender.
For immediate outdoor areas like patios and decks, you can consider installing purple martin houses or encouraging paper wasps.
13. Fly-Repelling Outdoor Plants
Strategic landscaping with fly-repellent plants can create natural barriers around your home and outdoor living spaces. Plants like marigolds, lavender, basil, mint, bay, and tansy naturally repel flies and other insects while adding beauty to your landscape.
Plant these repellent species near doorways, windows, outdoor dining areas, and garbage storage locations. For container gardens on patios and decks, include a mix of these protective plants among your decorative flowers. Herb gardens are particularly effective, as many culinary herbs also have excellent insect-repelling properties.
For maximum effectiveness, occasionally trim or lightly brush these plants when you’re using the space, as this releases more of the aromatic compounds that repel flies.
Some plants, like citronella grass, are most effective when their leaves are slightly crushed to release their essential oils. This natural approach not only helps with fly control but also enhances your outdoor living environment with beautiful, functional plantings.
14. Electric Fly Zappers for Outdoor Spaces
For patios, decks, and other outdoor living areas, electric fly zappers provide continuous control with minimal maintenance. These devices attract flies with UV light and then eliminate them with an electrified grid. Modern versions are more energy-efficient and less obtrusive than older models.
Position these devices 15-20 feet away from seating areas, as they will attract flies to the vicinity before killing them. The ideal placement is between likely fly sources (like garbage areas or neighboring properties) and your outdoor living space.
For best results, turn zappers on about 30-60 minutes before you plan to use the outdoor space, allowing them to clear the area of flying insects before your arrival.
Some models now include attractant cartridges that can enhance their effectiveness against specific fly species. While these devices do require an electrical connection, many solar-powered options are now available for areas without convenient outlets.
15. Diatomaceous Earth for Breeding Areas
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms that can help control flies by targeting their breeding areas.
Food-grade DE is safe for use around humans and pets but deadly to insects with exoskeletons. The microscopic sharp edges in the powder damage their protective covering, causing dehydration and death.
Sprinkle DE in areas where flies might breed, such as around garbage cans, compost bins, or damp soil areas. For large outdoor areas like animal pens, a generous application of DE can significantly reduce emerging adult fly populations. The powder remains effective as long as it stays dry, so reapply after rain or irrigation.
While DE is non-toxic, avoid creating dust when applying it, as the powder can be irritating if inhaled. For indoor use, focus on hidden areas like behind appliances or under sinks, where moisture might create potential breeding sites. This approach works best as a preventative measure or for addressing the larval stages of flies rather than controlling adults already in flight.
When to seek a Professional?
Here’s a section on when to seek professional help for a fly problem:
While there are many effective DIY methods for controlling flies around your home and yard, there are certain situations where it’s best to bring in professional pest control experts. Consider seeking professional assistance if:
- The fly infestation is widespread and severe, with large numbers of flies appearing in multiple areas of your property despite your efforts to eliminate them. Persistent, heavy infestations may require the specialized treatments and equipment that exterminators have access to.
- You suspect the flies may be breeding in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids, attics, or underground. Professional pest controllers can thoroughly inspect your home and locate and treat any breeding sites that you may have missed.
- The fly problem is accompanied by unpleasant odors or visible signs of rotting organic matter, which could indicate a larger issue requiring professional intervention. Flies are often a symptom of a more serious sanitation or structural problem.
- You have attempted DIY solutions for an extended period with no lasting improvement. Stubborn fly infestations may need industrial-strength pesticides or traps that are only available to licensed exterminators.
- You have young children, elderly family members, or pets in the home, and want to minimize their exposure to chemical fly control products. Professional exterminators can apply targeted, low-risk treatments.
- The fly species causing problems in your home are particularly difficult to control, such as cluster flies or phorid flies. These may require specialized identification and treatment methods.
Don’t hesitate to call in the professionals if your fly problem escalates beyond what basic DIY methods can handle. Their expertise can quickly get your home and yard back under control when your efforts fall short.
