As the weather warms up, your patio becomes the perfect spot for outdoor gatherings and grilling with family and friends. However, there’s one pesky problem that can ruin the fun—flies. They buzz around your face and land on your food, constantly interrupting your enjoyment. Don’t let these unwelcome guests spoil your outdoor experience! Here’s how to get rid of flies on the patio and keep your space pest-free.
Why Are There So Many Flies Outside My House?
Flies are most active from spring through fall, with their peak season during the summer months. Female flies can lay over 100 eggs after mating, and if the weather is warm enough, those eggs hatch into larvae in less than 8 hours. Adult flies can live for up to 3 months, so if you’re dealing with a fly problem, it’s important to address the source of the issue.
To effectively get rid of flies, start by identifying and removing the breeding grounds that are attracting them. Flies are particularly drawn to garbage and organic waste, where they lay their eggs. When they land on these areas, they can spread contamination to other surfaces. By eliminating the sources of attraction both indoors and outdoors, you’ll be taking the first step toward a fly-free home and patio.
Why Is It Important To Get Rid Of Flies?
Flies are not only annoying, but they’re also carriers of harmful bacteria and diseases. These restless insects move from one place to another, landing on surfaces like walls, your skin, pet waste, and trash, increasing the risk of spreading infection. Flies are known to transmit serious illnesses such as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and conjunctivitis. They can also carry dangerous pathogens like salmonella, anthrax, and tuberculosis, and even the eggs of parasitic worms.
If you’re ready to tackle your fly problem, it’s time to explore how to effectively get rid of flies and keep your home safe and clean.
How To Get Rid Of Flies
Flies are not only annoying, but they’re also carriers of harmful bacteria and diseases. These restless insects move from one place to another, landing on surfaces like walls, your skin, pet waste, and trash, increasing the risk of spreading infection. Flies are known to transmit serious illnesses such as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and conjunctivitis. They can also carry dangerous pathogens like salmonella, anthrax, and tuberculosis, and even the eggs of parasitic worms.
If you’re ready to tackle your fly problem, it’s time to explore how to effectively get rid of flies and keep your home safe and clean.
HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FLIES OUTSIDE?
You can easily get rid of flies outside with these six simple steps:
- Use an Oscillating Fan: Set up a fan on an extension cord on your patio. Flies struggle to fly in strong wind, so the breeze will keep them away from your space.
- Make Natural Fly Traps: Dissolve 1/4 cup of sugar in 1 cup of water in a jar for each trap. Roll a piece of paper into a cone and tape it inside the jar, ensuring the narrow end is just above the liquid. The funnel will attract flies into the jar, where they’ll get trapped.
- Light Citronella Candles: Citronella, an oil extracted from lemongrass, is a natural fly and mosquito repellent. Light several citronella candles around your patio to keep flies at bay with the strong, aromatic scent.
- Swat the Flies: If you want an immediate solution, grab a fly swatter. For extra efficiency, use an electric fly swatter that zaps the flies with a loud zap, taking care of your pesky problem fast.
- Hang Vodka Bags: Flies are repelled by the smell of vodka. Fill small plastic bags halfway with cheap vodka, zip them almost closed, and hang them around your yard with twine and clothespins. The odor will drive the flies away.
- DIY Fly Strips: Create your own fly strips by cutting cloth into 12-inch long strips and moistening them with a few drops of essential oils like clove, lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus. Hang the strips around your patio to naturally repel flies with their strong scents.
By using these methods, you can keep flies away and enjoy your outdoor space in peace!
What Smells Do Flies Hate?
For some reason, flies hate the smell of certain products, which makes them ideal for use in homemade fly repellents.
Here are several natural remedies to get rid of flies, along with their pros and cons:
- Vodka and Essential Oils
- How to use: Mix 1 cup of vodka, 2 teaspoons of aloe vera juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil, and ½ teaspoon of an essential oil blend in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on infested areas.
- Pros: No chemicals, easy to use, effective.
- Cons: May cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.
2. Lemongrass Oil
- How to use: Combine 20-25 drops of lemongrass oil with ½ cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Spray on doorways, windows, and other areas to repel flies.
- Pros: Natural, fresh-smelling, non-toxic.
- Cons: Essential oils can be expensive.
3. Cloves and Citrus
- How to use: Insert 6-12 cloves into halved lemons or apples and use as a centerpiece during meals. Alternatively, use clove oil.
- Pros: Chemical-free, doubles as an attractive decoration.
- Cons: Effective mainly against houseflies.
4. Vinegar and Witch Hazel
- How to use: Mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup witch hazel, and 30-60 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on fly-prone areas.
- Pros: Natural, works well as a repellent, can be used as body lotion.
- Cons: Only effective against houseflies, may irritate eyes.
5. Fly-Repelling Herbs
- How to use: Grow basil, elder, lavender, tansy, wormwood, rue, and mint in pots near doorways to repel flies.
- Pros: Effective, purifies the air, adds a pleasant aroma.
- Cons: Some herbs may not thrive depending on environmental conditions.
6. Citronella
- How to use: Light citronella candles or use camphor to repel flies with their smoke.
- Pros: No chemicals, works on all types of flies.
- Cons: Smoke can aggravate respiratory conditions.
7. Malt Vinegar
- How to use: Heat malt vinegar in a pot until it starts to boil, then place it in fly-infested areas. The scent will repel flies.
- Pros: Natural, effective.
- Cons: May be difficult to control the scent in large areas.
Each of these methods provides a natural and chemical-free way to get rid of flies, though some may be more suited for specific environments or types of flies.
HOW TO KEEP FLIES AWAY
To not only get rid of flies but also prevent them from re-entering your home, try these smart strategies:
- Keep Things Clean: Flies are attracted to open trash cans, uncovered compost bins, and dog waste. Clean up food scraps immediately after outdoor gatherings, secure trash cans with tight lids, and dispose of dog droppings promptly.
- Embrace Spiders: Unless a spider’s web is in your way, leave them be. Spiders are natural predators of flies and will gladly help keep their numbers in check by snaring any flies they can catch.
- Plant Fly-Repelling Herbs: Use plants like basil, lavender, and mint both inside and around your home to naturally repel flies. These herbs can also add a lovely aroma to your patio and barbecue areas.
- Watch for Water: Flies need water to survive and are attracted to stagnant puddles, birdbaths, and areas with moisture from dripping sprinklers. Eliminate these water sources to reduce fly attraction.
- Clean Fruit Bird Feeders: Fruit bird feeders are often a magnet for flies. Once your feathered friends are done eating, remove any leftover rinds or scraps to prevent flies from gathering around the feeders.
- Mow Your Lawn Regularly: Flies like to lay eggs in long grass, which provides moisture and shelter. Mowing your lawn regularly, especially in the summer, will help eliminate potential breeding grounds for flies.
By maintaining a clean environment and using natural deterrents, you can keep flies from making a return and ensure your outdoor spaces remain fly-free.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, getting rid of flies on your patio and preventing their return involves a combination of cleanliness, natural repellents, and smart strategies. By keeping your outdoor spaces tidy, eliminating food and water sources, and using natural fly-repelling herbs and remedies, you can discourage these pests from invading your home and yard. Whether through the power of citronella, the help of spiders, or regular lawn care, you can create an environment that flies will want to avoid. With these simple and effective techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space without the nuisance of flies.
