How To Keep Flies Away From Your House

Want to get rid of flies around your house? Here’s exactly how to keep them away for good. Flies are more than just annoying. They carry bacteria, land on your food, and buzz in your ear at the worst moments. If you’ve noticed more of them hanging around your home, it’s time to act. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most effective ways to keep flies away—naturally and efficiently.

Let’s start with why they’re coming around in the first place. Flies don’t just show up for no reason. They’re drawn to:

• Food that’s left uncovered
• Trash bins that aren’t sealed
• Pet waste
• Rotting fruit or vegetables
• Dirty drains

They use their strong sense of smell to detect food, even from a distance. Once they find a reliable source, they tend to return—and bring friends.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

This may sound basic, but cleanliness is your first line of defense. Flies are scavengers. If there’s nothing for them to eat or smell, they’ll move on.¹ Here’s what to focus on:

• Wipe down counters daily. Use vinegar or a disinfectant to remove food residue.
• Wash dishes right away. Don’t leave them in the sink overnight.
• Take out the trash often. A sealed lid is a must.
• Keep the floor clean. Crumbs and spills attract flies.
• Check fruit bowls. Overripe fruit is a magnet for flies.

2. Close the Entry Points

Flies often slip in through small cracks or open doors.

• Install screens on windows and doors. Make sure there are no holes.
• Keep doors closed when not in use. Consider using magnetic mesh curtains if you go in and out often.
• Seal gaps around windows, vents, or doorframes with weatherstripping or caulk.

3. Use Natural Fly Repellents

Several scents and ingredients drive flies away. These are safe, affordable, and easy to use. Popular natural repellents:

• Lemon and cloves. Cut a lemon in half and stick a few cloves in it. Place near windows or counters.
• Vinegar and dish soap trap. Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Flies get trapped and drown.²
• Basil, mint, or lavender. Flies dislike these herbs. Place small pots on windowsills or near doorways.
• Essential oils. Eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemongrass oils can be mixed with water and sprayed around entry points.

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4. Take Care of Drains

Fruit flies and drain flies often breed in moist, grimy drains. How to clean them:

• Pour boiling water down the drain daily.
• Use a baking soda and vinegar mixture weekly. Pour half a cup of baking soda, then a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz. After 10 minutes, flush with hot water.
• If needed, use an enzymatic cleaner to break down organic buildup.

5. Set Up Fly Traps

If you already have a fly problem, traps help reduce their numbers quickly. Options include:

• Sticky fly paper. Hang in areas where flies tend to gather.
• DIY bottle trap. Cut a plastic bottle in half. Invert the top half and place it inside the bottom half like a funnel. Add bait like fruit or vinegar inside. Flies get in but can’t get out.
• UV light traps. These devices attract flies with light, then trap or kill them on contact.

6. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean

Flies often start outside, especially near garbage or pet waste.

• Pick up pet droppings daily.
• Keep outdoor trash bins sealed. Rinse them out regularly.
• Don’t let compost rot openly. Use a tightly sealed compost bin if you’re composting.
• Avoid standing water. Old buckets, clogged gutters, or birdbaths can attract flies and mosquitoes.

7. Use Fans Indoors

Flies are weak fliers. A strong fan near a doorway or kitchen can make it difficult for them to land or stay in the area.

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If none of these steps help, or if you notice a large swarm of flies regularly, there could be a hidden problem—such as a dead animal, sewer issue, or breeding site in the walls. A professional pest inspection can help identify and treat the root cause.

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FAQs

1. What smell do flies hate the most?

Flies dislike the scent of cloves, eucalyptus, peppermint, basil, and lavender. Using these around the house can keep them away naturally.

2. How do I keep flies away from food during a meal outside?

Use food covers, set out lemon-and-clove halves on the table, and run a fan nearby to keep flies from landing.

3. Why do I have flies even though my house is clean?

They may be breeding in hidden areas like drains, garbage disposals, or even under appliances. Check for unnoticed moisture or organic material.

4. Can flies lay eggs in my home?

Yes. Houseflies can lay eggs in garbage, spoiled food, or pet waste. Fruit flies often lay eggs on ripening fruit or in drains.

5. Are fly sprays safe to use in the kitchen?

Use caution. Avoid spraying near food or utensils. If you choose a spray, opt for natural versions and ventilate well after use.

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References:

1. https://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcfilthflies.htm ↩︎
2. https://www.charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32222/Managing-Fruit-Flies-in-Your-Kitchen-Compost-Bin ↩︎