ULTIMATE Tips on How to Get Rid of Flies (inside and Outside)

Flies are more than just annoying—they're potential health hazards. A single female fly can lay hundreds of eggs, quickly turning one buzzing pest into a full-blown infestation. Here's how to get rid of flies naturally without calling an exterminator.

Why Flies Are More Than Just Annoying

Flies feed on garbage, excrement, and decaying matter before landing on your food and surfaces. This behavior makes them carriers for over 60 different pathogens that can cause serious illnesses. With their short 14-21 day lifespan, they work quickly to reproduce—making prompt action essential.

1. Repair tears in window and door screens
2. Install or replace weatherstripping around doors
3. Caulk small gaps around windows, pipes, and vents
4. Use door sweeps on exterior doors

Pro tip: Inspect your home at night with the lights on—you'll be able to spot even tiny gaps where light escapes.

1. Store food in airtight containers
2. Wipe counters immediately after meal preparation
3. Take out garbage regularly (daily during fly season)
4. Clean up pet food and water bowls after feeding
5. Rinse recyclables before storing them

1. Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a jar halfway with apple cider vinegar, add a drop of dish soap, and cover with plastic wrap with small holes poked in it
2. Light traps: Place UV light traps in areas away from food preparation
3. Sticky traps: Hang these in areas with high fly activity

1. Plant basil, lavender, or mint near windows and doors
2. Make a repellent spray with 10 drops of lemongrass, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oil in water
3. Place bowls of cloves, citrus peels, or cucumber slices in problem areas

1. Keep garbage bins clean and tightly sealed
2. Position garbage cans as far from entry doors as practical
3. Clean up pet waste promptly from your yard
4. Cover compost piles or use a compost bin with a lid
5. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent standing water

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup water
2. 1/4 cup white vinegar
3. 2 teaspoons dish soap
4. 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray directly on flies or in areas where they congregate.

1. Vacuum frequently to remove eggs and larvae
2. Mop floors with a vinegar solution
3. Clean drains where organic matter builds up
4. Wipe down trash cans weekly with a disinfectant

The most effective strategy for getting rid of flies is prevention. By eliminating entry points and removing attractions, you'll significantly reduce future problems. Remember to:

1. Clean kitchen areas thoroughly before bedtime
2. Address moisture issues in and around your home
3. Keep compost and garbage properly maintained
4. Check for and repair any potential entry points seasonally

With these methods, you can reclaim your space from these persistent pests without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive services. Start with sealing entry points and removing food sources for immediate impact, then implement the other strategies for long-term control