How To Get Rid Of Flies

Getting rid of flies depends on the type of flies you’re dealing with, but the general approach involves eliminating breeding sites, reducing attractants, and using targeted control methods. Here’s a general guide:

Identify the Type of Flies

House Flies: Common in homes, attracted to food and waste.
Fruit Flies: Small flies found near rotting fruits and fermented liquids.
Drain Flies: Breed in damp organic matter, often found in sinks and drains.
Blow Flies (Bottle Flies): Attracted to dead animals and decaying matter.

Eliminate Breeding Grounds and Attractants

Flies breed in moist, decaying organic matter where they can lay their eggs and provide a food source for larvae (maggots). The most common breeding grounds for flies include:

Garbage and Trash Bins – Unsealed or overflowing trash cans, especially those containing food waste, attract flies and provide an ideal environment for breeding.
Animal Waste – Manure, pet feces, and other animal droppings are prime locations for fly eggs, particularly for houseflies and stable flies.
Rotting Organic Material – Decaying fruits, vegetables, and other food scraps left out in the open or in compost piles are major attractants for fruit flies and houseflies.
Standing Water and Moist Areas – Areas with stagnant water, such as clogged drains, leaky pipes, and damp soil, can serve as breeding grounds for drain flies and fungus gnats.
Compost Piles – Poorly managed compost that remains overly wet and contains food scraps can attract flies.
Decaying Animal Carcasses – Dead rodents, birds, or other small animals in hidden areas (attics, walls, crawl spaces) provide an ideal site for blowflies and flesh flies.
Fermenting Liquids – Unclean beer taps, spilled sugary drinks, and fermented fruit juices can attract fruit flies.
Dirty Drains and Grease Traps – Organic buildup in drains and grease traps in kitchens and food establishments provide an ideal place for drain flies to lay eggs.
Mulch, Manure, and Damp Soil – Outdoor breeding grounds, especially for fungus gnats and other moisture-loving flies, include areas with excessive organic buildup.
Rotting Plant Matter and Grass Clippings – Piles of decomposing leaves, cut grass, and mulch that retain moisture attract certain types of flies.

By controlling moisture, cleaning up organic waste, and sealing entry points, you can significantly reduce fly infestations.

Use Fly Traps and Control Methods

Traps & Sticky Solutions

Sticky fly paper/tape – Hang strips in high-traffic fly areas.
UV light traps – Attract and electrocute flies.
Bottle traps – Cut the top off a plastic bottle, invert it, and add a sugary bait inside.

Natural Remedies & Repellents

Apple cider vinegar trap – Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar, add dish soap, and cover with plastic wrap with holes.
Essential oils – Peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, or lavender oil can repel flies when applied to cotton balls or diffused.
Cloves and lemon – Insert cloves into a halved lemon and place in fly-prone areas.
Basil and mint plants – Growing these herbs near doors or windows can deter flies.

Chemical & Commercial Solutions

Insecticides & fly sprays – Use sprays containing pyrethrin for instant knockdown.
Residual sprays – Apply long-lasting insecticides to entry points and fly-prone areas.
Fly bait granules – Place in areas where flies congregate.

Electronic & Mechanical Methods

Electric fly zappers – Effective for indoor and outdoor fly control.
Fly fans – Create airflow that discourages flies from landing.
Bug vacuums – Handheld devices that suck up flies.

Prevent Future Infestations

Dispose of Garbage Properly – Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly. Clean bins to remove food residue.
Clean Up Food Spills Immediately – Even small crumbs or liquid spills can attract flies. Regularly wipe down countertops and floors.
Keep Drains Clean – Flies, especially drain flies, breed in organic matter that accumulates in sink and floor drains. Use enzymatic drain cleaners or hot water and vinegar to break down buildup.
Pick Up Animal Waste – Pet feces are a major breeding site for flies. Clean up yards, kennels, and litter boxes frequently.
Manage Compost and Organic Waste – If composting, ensure the pile is properly aerated and covered to prevent flies from laying eggs.
Reduce Moisture – Flies thrive in damp environments. Fix leaks, unclog drains, and remove standing water from basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas.
Turn Over Mulch and Grass Clippings – Keep yard debris dry and well-turned to prevent decomposition that attracts flies.
Install and Maintain Screens – Use fine mesh screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep flies out. Repair any holes or gaps.
Use Air Curtains or Fans – In commercial settings, air curtains at entry points can help block flies. For homes, using fans near entrances can create a deterrent.
Seal Cracks and Gaps – Check for small openings around doors, windows, and utility lines, and seal them to prevent fly entry.
Keep Landscaping Well-Maintained – Overgrown vegetation can provide shade and moisture where flies can thrive. Trim bushes and remove decaying plant matter.
Secure Outdoor Garbage Bins – Keep lids tightly closed and ensure bins are not leaking or collecting excess moisture.
Manage Livestock Areas – If you have animals, clean stalls and coops regularly, and consider using fly predators (parasitic wasps that kill fly larvae) for natural control.

By combining these strategies, you can greatly reduce the risk of fly infestations in both residential and commercial settings. If the infestation persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service for thorough inspection and treatment.