While flies are less bothersome outside than inside your home, they can still disrupt your enjoyment of the yard. So, what can you do to keep flies at bay outdoors?
The good news is that various home remedies for fly control also work well in outdoor settings, augmented by some effective strategies for your outdoor spaces.
Here, pest control professionals share their top tips for keeping flies away from your outdoor areas, allowing you to savor warm summer evenings on your patio.
Effective Ways to Deter Flies Outdoors
Whether you're attempting to eliminate horseflies or tackle any flying pests like moths, these quick tips can help maintain fly-free outdoor spaces.
1. Keep Food Covered
Flies are drawn to food sources, making it crucial to eliminate any available options. Especially when dealing with fruit flies, Gene Caballero, a pest control specialist, advises keeping food covered and removing trash promptly.
"This includes items like pet food, trash, and food remnants," he notes. "If dining outdoors, be vigilant about cleaning up spills and covering food not in use."
Gene Caballero is the Co-Founder of GreenPal, a platform likened to Uber for lawn care, and has over 25 years in landscaping.
2. Cover Your Trash
Just like fresh food, decaying waste attracts flies. Jim Tarman, a pest control expert, emphasizes the importance of covering outdoor trash bins and disposing of waste regularly.
"Timely disposal is key," he explains. "Arrange for waste pickup during vacations, and keep bins away from seating areas and out of sunlight to slow down rotting and bad odors."
With over 17 years of experience, Jim specializes in pest management for both residential and commercial clients.
3. Maintain Your Yard
Yard waste, pet droppings, and unkempt grass can attract flies. Jim Tarman advises promptly cleaning pet waste to prevent egg-laying and keeping your lawn trimmed to avoid fly habitats.
4. Incorporate Fly-Repelling Plants
Certain plants that repel flies, like lavender, peppermint, and marigolds, can be effective, according to Gene Caballero. These plants not only deter pests but also enhance the beauty of your yard.
5. Use Fans for Airflow
Fans are typically utilized for cooling but can also help with fly control when dining or relaxing outdoors, says Jim Tarman. Indoor fans can work, or you can explore a portable fly-repellent fan.
"Outdoor fans create airflow that makes it harder for flies to fly around," he suggests. "You might notice fewer flies on breezy days, so a fan can replicate that effect." A disco ball can also confuse their flight paths while adding flair to your space.
6. Light Citronella Candles
For an attractive option to keep flies away, consider citronella candles. These candles create a cozy atmosphere while emitting a lemony scent that deters flies, explains Vincent Luca, a pest control expert.
Citronella and Blue Lavender Candle | $10.98 at Walmart
This large, three-wick citronella candle is perfect for freshening up your outdoor space and keeping bugs at bay.
7. Utilize Fly Traps
Various fly traps are available to capture those pesky flies, says Nicole Carpenter, CEO of Black Pest Prevention.
"Sticky traps, like this tube trap from Amazon, are effective. You can also try bait traps that lure flies with scents and trap them in soapy water."
For a natural approach, you can create a DIY fly trap using vinegar to eliminate gnats.
Outdoor Fly Magnet | $29.99 for two at Amazon
This outdoor fly magnet attracts flies with bait and traps them in water, preventing them from disturbing your relaxation time.
8. Create Physical Barriers
Using physical barriers can be the most effective strategy to block flies, suggests Zahid Adan, a garden expert.
"Consider installing screens on windows, doors, and patio enclosures to prevent flies from entering your home or outdoor areas. Make sure the screens are intact and gap-free," he advises.
If screens disrupt your outdoor aesthetic, you can opt for outdoor curtains or a curtained outdoor daybed for a secure seating area.
9. Avoid Overwatering Plants
Overwatering can lead to more issues than just harming the plants, warns Vincent Luca. "Flies are attracted to damp spots, so try to avoid excessive watering to keep them away," he suggests.
Learn how to water plants properly in hot weather and determine the best watering schedule for your garden plants to promote their health and minimize fly attraction.
Remember, keeping flies away from your outdoor areas not only enhances your experience in nature but also helps prevent them from invading your home.
