🪰 10 Ideas of How To Get Rid Of Flies Outside
Flies might be small, but they’re one of the most irritating nuisances when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, gardening, or relaxing on your patio, a swarm of buzzing flies can ruin the mood fast.
Good news? You can take back your outdoor space. Here are 10 clever, natural, and effective ways to get rid of flies outside and enjoy the fresh air in peace. 🪴☀️
🧼 1. Eliminate the Attraction: Clean Your Outdoor Space First
Before you reach for the bug spray, take a look around. Flies are attracted to rotting food, garbage, pet waste, and standing water. By eliminating these, you eliminate the invitation.
✅ What to Do:
- Regularly clean up after pets.
- Keep trash bins sealed with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean out drains and gutters to remove stagnant water.
- Avoid leaving food scraps or uncovered drinks outside.
📝 Tip: A weekly clean-up routine can drastically reduce fly populations!
🌿 2. Use Natural Fly Repellent Plants
Flies hate certain strong-smelling herbs. Planting these in pots or garden beds around your patio or deck can naturally deter them.
Best Plants to Repel Flies:
- 🌱 Basil
- 🌼 Lavender
- 🌿 Mint
- 🌾 Lemongrass
- 🌼 Marigolds
💡 Bonus: These plants add color and fragrance to your yard too!
🍋 3. Make DIY Citrus + Clove Fly Repellents
Flies detest the combination of citrus and clove. This all-natural method is chemical-free, pretty to display, and effective.
How to Make:
- Slice a lemon or orange in half.
- Stick 8–10 whole cloves into each half.
- Place them on outdoor tables or windowsills.
🎯 Perfect for patios, garden parties, or picnics!
🧂 4. Set Vinegar and Dish Soap Traps
This classic fly trap works indoors and outdoors. It lures flies with the scent of vinegar, then traps them with soap.
What You’ll Need:
- A shallow dish or jar
- Apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
Directions:
- Fill the dish with vinegar.
- Add dish soap (breaks the surface tension).
- Place it where flies congregate.
🧪 This method is eco-friendly and surprisingly effective.
🔥 5. Light a Citronella Candle or Torch
Citronella is a natural oil extracted from lemongrass, and it’s one of the most popular outdoor pest repellents.
Where to Use:
- Place candles or torches around seating areas, decks, and pathways.
- Choose large citronella buckets for longer burn time during parties.
🌕 Adds cozy outdoor ambiance while keeping flies away!
🧴 6. Spray DIY Essential Oil Fly Repellent
Skip harsh chemical sprays and mix your own bug spray using essential oils. Flies dislike strong scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass.
Easy DIY Spray:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel or vodka
- 10–15 drops essential oil (peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus)
🧴 Spray around doorways, picnic tables, umbrellas, or even on outdoor cushions.
🪟 7. Hang Fly-Repelling Scented Bags
This old trick works wonders with a modern twist. Transparent water-filled bags reflect light in a way that disorients flies. Add scents and spices to double the effect.
What You’ll Need:
- A clear zip-top bag
- Water
- A few shiny pennies
- A few drops of peppermint oil or bay leaves
👝 Hang the bags near doors, on fences, or from trees near your patio.
🧊 8. Keep Food Covered and Cool
Outdoor food spreads are a magnet for flies. If you’re entertaining outside, take these precautions:
How to Protect Food:
- Use mesh food covers
- Serve cold dishes over bowls of ice
- Place sticky fly paper discreetly around food stations
🍉 Tip: Avoid sugary beverages being left open — they’re fly favorites!
🛠️ 9. Install Outdoor Fans
Flies are weak fliers. Installing a ceiling or floor fan outside can literally blow them away.
Where Fans Work Best:
- Covered patios or gazebos
- Outdoor dining areas
- BBQ stations
🌬️ Fans provide a cooling breeze for guests AND a fly-free zone!
🦟 10. Try a Solar-Powered Bug Zapper or UV Trap
Modern fly zappers are more stylish and eco-friendly than ever. Many use solar power and attract flies with UV light at night.
What to Look For:
- Solar charging panels
- Waterproof design
- Silent zapping or catch bin options
💡 Great for larger yards or gardens with persistent fly problems.
💬 Final Thoughts: Fight Flies Smart, Not Hard
Flies don’t belong in your backyard sanctuary. By combining natural repellents, smart prevention, and creative DIY tricks, you’ll create a space that’s inviting for guests—but unwelcoming for pests.
Remember: Consistency is key. One clean-up or fly trap may work temporarily, but combining several methods ensures long-lasting results.
📌 Pin This for Later:
Save these 10 clever ideas to your Pinterest board for every season. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, camping weekend, or peaceful garden retreat, these fly-free outdoor hacks will have your back.
Which idea are you trying first? Let us know in the comments or tag your own DIY fly trap photos with #FlyFreeBackyard!
