How To Get Rid Of Flies 

House flies are some of the oldest and most successful insects in the world. Found practically everywhere, flies can be more than just annoying pests.

Flies are unsanitary and known to spread disease. Worse, many of the rumors you’ve heard about flies are actually true. Yes, they do defecate when they land. Yes, they “vomit” on foods before they eat them, and yes they can spread serious diseases like typhoid and E-coli.

It’s no wonder you are trying to figure out how to get rid of flies! And that’s just what we are here to help you do. Today, we are going to discuss what flies are, what attracted them to your yard or home in the first place, and go over some effective fly-control methods you can use to get rid of them.

But first, let’s talk about how to identify a fly problem in your home.

Identifying A Fly Problem

Flies reproduce quickly and can be problematic when they get out of control.

Flies are everywhere and are one of the most common insects to buzz around homes, yards, gardens, and commercial buildings. This means that you’ll likely see more than one fly hanging out throughout the day. Does this mean you have a fly problem?

Not necessarily. However, even just one or two flies can drive someone mad and lead to a particular frustrating fly problem if left to their own devices.

You may have an Fly problem if you notice:

• Small dark spots around your home that look like pepper (fly feces)

• Maggots (Flies in their larval stage)

• Swarms of flies on your property

If you notice any of the above signs, you may be dealing with a fly problem.

If you come across maggots, this means you may have located a fly breeding ground. This can be disgusting, but it can also give you some idea on how to get rid of flies at the source, which will be helpful when deciding where to place fly traps and use insecticides.

But how did this happen? Why do you have a fly problem at all? When you are looking at how to get rid of flies, the first question you should ask yourself is what has brought them around in the first place.

Let’s take a look.

What Attracts Flies?

Flies are most often attracted by left out food sources like fruit, meat, and other decaying organisms. 

Wondering how to get rid of flies? Let’s start by taking a look at what keeps them coming around. The truth is, you’ll never be able to fully get rid of flies and keep them from coming back unless you address what is attracting them.

For the most part, flies are attracted to:

• Garbage
• Rotting fruit from fruit trees
• Rotting vegetables from vegetable gardens
• Left over foods
• Animal feces in the yard
• Dead animals or rotting meat
• Alcohol
• Soda

After reading the above list, it’s no surprise that many of us see flies hanging out around picnic areas, dumpsters, and barns. Those of you with fruit trees, veggie gardens, and pets may now also understand why you have a higher instance of fly issues than your neighbors.

But don’t worry. There are steps you can take to ease your fly problem. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods for how to get rid of flies.

How To Get Rid Of Flies – Best Treatment Methods

There are a few different ways to go about getting rid of flies.

There are several different methods you can use to get rid of flies. You may use one method at a time or, If you have a very severe fly infestation, you may opt to use several methods at once.

Some of the most popular methods for how to get rid of flies include: 

• Insecticides
• Repellents
• Traps

The below video discusses how to get rid of flies in a few simple steps. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to get rid of flies using insecticides and repellents.

How To Get Rid Of Flies Using Insecticides and Repellents

Insecticides are a common and effective method many use to get rid of flies. 

There are pros and cons to using insecticides and repellents. If you have a severe fly problem, insecticides may be necessary to control and get rid of flies in and outside of your home.

Unfortunately, insecticides also use toxic chemicals to kill and control flies. These toxic ingredients can be harmful to pets and people if not used carefully, so if you do choose to use an insecticide, do so with caution.

Luckily, there are plenty of all natural repellents that use safe ingredients for those looking at how to get rid of flies naturally.

Let’s take a look at some effective insecticides and natural repellents you can use to help you get rid of the fly infestation you’re dealing with.

Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray

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Wondercide is one of our favorite products for indoor and outdoor use because it is completely safe for families, children, and pets. It is also effective in getting rid of a number of different pests including ants, spiders, roaches, and flies.

This product is an excellent choice if you are wondering how to get rid of flies naturally with a repellent, as it uses essential oils that are natural and safe. It doesn’t stain carpets or fabrics and is fine to use in the presence of kiddos and fur friends.

Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug-In

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If you’re struggling with how to get rid of flies indoors, we recommend trying an ultrasonic pest repellent plug in like this one by RESCUE. These plug-ins are highly effective and work well to not only repel flies, but also to help get rid of bed bugs, mosquitoes, roaches, spiders, mice, and other creepy crawlies you don’t want hanging around your home.

We like this alternative to insecticides and repellents because it is safe to use around children and pets and is effective. It’s a hands-off, mess free way to keep your home pest free.

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Fly Fogger Fogger

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For those of you wondering how to get rid of flies in your backyard, a fly fogger may just do the trick. We like this backyard fly control flogger by Cutter because it is not only effective against flies, but also works to control mosquitoes, wasps, ants, moths, and more. It can cover nearly 1,200 square feet and is safe to use around picnic areas, patios, backyards, gardens and more.

That said, this is an insecticide repellent that uses chemicals and should be used with caution around children and pets.

UltraShield EX Fly Control Insecticide

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If you have a serious fly infestation and want to know how to get rid of flies using a good insecticide, we like the UltraShield EX Fly Repellent by Absorbine. It is specifically designed to help reduce and control flies and is safe to use around animals.

This product was originally designed to be used with horses, but you can use it on a number of animals including dogs. You can even use it as a spray around your property.

That said, do keep in mind this is an insecticide, so read the directions carefully to ensure you are using it safely, especially when using it around pets and children.

Martin’s Permethrin Multi-Purpose Insecticide

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And finally, if you are looking at how to get rid of flies using an insecticide, anything with Permethrin is highly effective.

Martin’s Permethrin insecticide uses this ingredient to help control and eliminate fly problems in and around your home. This is a common, professional grade insecticide used in commercial buildings, farms, and schools. It is a high quality fly repellent and insecticide, however it can be toxic and should be used with caution, especially around children and pets.

How To Get Rid Of Flies Using Traps

Fly traps like this one are a common and effective method of fly control. 

If you are looking for how to get rid of flies without having to use chemicals or repellents, another popular method is the implementation of fly traps.

There are several different fly traps that are popular amongst home owners, but the most common traps tend to use lures to attract the flies and glue strips to trap and kill them.

Other common fly traps that work when wondering how to get rid of flies are fan traps and electric traps. Depending on the severity of your fly problem, you may want to use fly traps as well as repellents or insecticides to help you get rid of them.

GreenWay Window Fly Trap

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One of our favorite fly trap products is this kid and pet safe trap by GreenWay. It’s a completely safe, non-toxic way you can control the fly problem in your home without having to use poisons or insecticides.

The trap is simple to use and lures flies and other flying pests to land on the glue strip, trapping and stopping them from buzzing around your home. You can use this trap for up to two months and then replace it as needed.

Outdoor Disposable Hanging Fly Trap

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This is one of the most common fly traps around and for good reason. It is very effective and easy to use for those wondering how to get rid of flies outdoors.

It uses water-soluble bate that lures flies and traps them, keeping them from becoming a nuisance. It is made of non-toxic ingredients and is safe to use in areas where kids and pets play. That said, because it uses lures to attract flies, we suggest you hang it at least twenty feet from your home.

KATCHY Indoor Fly Trap

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Wondering how to get rid of flies using a cool, techy looking fly trap? We found this unique and somewhat pretty fly trap by KATCHY. It takes function and style and puts them together, using a UV light to attract flies and other pests like mosquitoes and gnats, and sucks them into the fan, trapping them with sticky glue.

This is an excellent alternative to fly traps that catch flies and leave them trapped to glue in the open, meaning you can place this out wherever you want without having to worry about seeing hundreds of flies stuck to a glue trap.

However, while this is an effective fly trapping method, the directions clearly state it does not kill the flies and should be used alongside a repellent or insecticide.

SEWANTA Victor Fly Trap

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Another fly trap we like for those looking at how to get rid of flies outdoors is this hanging fly trap by SEWANTA. It uses bait to help lure flies and then traps them inside the trap so they are out of sight and no longer a nuisance.

The order above includes two fly traps and works well to keep flies under control. That said, this product does use baits and can attract flies, so place it at least twenty feet away from places you are eating or gathering.

TERRO Fruit Fly Trap

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And if you are looking at how to get rid of flies both indoors and out using traps, we recommend this apple-shaped fly trap by Woodstream. It specifically attracts and traps adult fruit flies and is safe to use inside and out.

It comes baited and lures flies in, effectivly keeping them trapped and killing them so they are no longer pestering you inside your home. You can also place this trap on outdoor tables and porches. However, according to the directions, this works best when placed near common breeding areas or where you have noticed the most fly activity.

How To Get Rid Of Flies Using Home Remedies

Everyone has heard of a Venus Fly Trap. These amazing plants can help you catch and control flies naturally in your home.

Unfortunately, flies are a common and highly annoying pest. Worse, they can be highly unsanitary and carry some serious diseases. Still, using insecticides and repellents aren’t always an option and you may find that it’s actually easier to use DIY methods to get rid of flies yourself.

So, if you are wondering how to get rid of flies using home remedies, we want to help. Here are some of our favorite home remedies you can use to control the flies in and around your home.

How To Get Rid of Flies Using A Homemade Fly Bottle Trap

Not willing to run to the store to buy a bunch of fly traps? Don’t worry. You can make your own at home using a simple soda bottle, sugar and water. Here’s how.

• Empty and rinse a two-liter plastic soda bottle
• Cut off the top third of the bottle and place the “head” to the side for later
• Fill one third of the bottle with a sugar water mixture
• Place the “head” part of the bottle you removed upside down into the opening of the body of the bottle and tape it in place if you wish.
• This trap lures flies into the bottle through the opening and traps them as they are unable to find their way back out.
• Place this homemade fly trap anywhere you notice fly activity indoors or out to control these pests.

How To Get Rid of Flies Using Plants

Flies don’t like certain plants and will be repelled or deterred from infesting your garden or yard if you include them. Below is a list of common plants flies will be deterred by.

• Basil
• Bay Leaf
• Lavender
• Nasturtiums
• Mint
• Venus Fly Trap

You can grow many of the above plants indoors as well. With lavender, you can cut it and hang it in bundles around your windows and near entry and exit points to keep flies away. The Venus Fly Trap does best indoors near windows and can help control flies in your home, but if you have a serious fly infestation you should use it along with other methods of fly control.

How To Get Rid of Flies Using Natural Ingredients 

Flies are deterred by many natural ingredients you may already have, like apple cider vinegar, lemon, and essential oils like Eucalyptus oil. Here is a recipe you can easily make to help get rid of flies.

• Make a fly by pouring apple cider vinegar in a jar and topping it with a paper funnel
• Cut lemons in half and place them at entry and exit points of the home
• Cut cloth into strips and soak them in Eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil and hang them outside and around the perimeter of your home.
• Mix apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, and dish soap on a dish and leave it out to attract and kill flies.

What Are Flies? Facts You Should Know

Flies are a common and annoying pest in many households across the world.

Flies are one of the most common and most successful insects found throughout the world. They have been around for nearly 250 million years and there are over 120,000 species of flies living among us today.

The most common fly you will come across is the house fly. This is the fly that buzzes around your head while you’re eating dinner and beats against the window during summertime.

Common house flies live around 30 days or less, and in that time they can reproduce five to six times, with up to 100 eggs in each batch.

House flies are highly annoying and can even be hazardous to our health, but did you know flies are also quite beneficial to our ecosystem? In fact, like honey bees, flies are wonderful pollinators and even feed on flower nectar.

They are also a major food source for other important wildlife like birds, spiders, snakes, and more.

That said, there are plenty of reasons to want to keep flies outside, where they belong. Let’s talk about the potential dangers flies can pose to both humans and pets.

Are Flies Dangerous To People And Pets?

Flies are unsanitary and can lead to the spread of serious illnesses.

Flies themselves are not dangerous. They aren’t poisonous and the common house fly does not bite or sting. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t cause serious problems and health risks.

Because of a fly’s unsanitary breeding and eating habits, they can be vectors of diseases and help transmite serious illnesses, including but not limited to:

• Conjunctivitis
• Dysentery
• Cholera
• Gastroenteritis
• Salmonellosis
• Typhoid fever
• E-Coli
• And Tuberculosis

Remember, flies are most attracted to rotting organisms like meat, animal carcases, feces, garbage and rotting fruit. All of these things can carry bacteria and harmful germs, which flies can pick up on their feet and carry with them to the next item they land on.

So, the next time someone freaks out when a fly lands on their hamburger at the family picnic, you’ll understand why.

How To Get Rid Of Flies When Dealing With An Infestation – When Should I Call A Professional?

Most people find they can get rid of flies on their own without having to call professionals.

In most cases, fly removal can be done simply using the above methods like repellents, insecticides, and traps.

However, if you are wondering how to get rid of flies and you have a very intense fly infestation, it may be time to call in the big guns.

Professionals are helpful when it comes to indoor fly infestations in particular and can assist you in removing flies and their larvae for good. Because flies reproduce very quickly, it can be difficult to remove them thoroughly from your home, and an infestation can continue to grow if not handled quickly.

Once you do get rid of flies, make sure to follow the below methods to help keep them from coming back.

How To Get Rid Of Flies For Good – Tips On Preventing Future Fly Problems

Flies are common, but you can avoid future fly problems by following a few guidelines.  

Now that you know how to get rid of flies for good, let’s go over the two most basic steps you can take to help keep them from coming back.

• Home Maintenance

Most experts agree that keeping up with routine maintenance in your home can help keep flies out. Caulk and seal entry and exit points, fix ripped screens, and keep lids of garbage cans.

Vacuum and clean often and try to avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink or left over foods like meat products out overnight. Practicing these good habits will also help you keep roaches, mice, and other pests away as well.

• Yard Maintenance

Hang fly traps at least 20 feet away from where you and your family like to spend time outdoors. If you have fruit trees or vegetable gardens, make sure to routinely pick up fallen fruit and veggies to keep them from rotting and attracting pests like flies and fleas.

For those of you with pets, remember that feces is highly attractive to flies. Feces is also a fly’s primary breeding ground, so remove pet waste often. Seal outside garbage bins and keep them in your garage until trash day.

And remember, while flies can be annoying and even hazardous, they are important and beneficial insects. By using the above methods and remedies, hopefully you’ll be able to keep them out of your home and outside where they belong!

Good luck!