19 Expert Solutions on How to Get Rid of Flies Outside

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Flies can be a real nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Luckily, there are plenty of methods to keep these uninvited guests at bay. From natural repellents to simple traps, you can create a fly-free environment with a bit of effort and creativity. Let’s explore a variety of techniques to help you reclaim your outdoor space!

Using a Light Trap to Lure and Capture Flies

A light trap with a glowing lamp attracting flies in a garden.
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A light trap can be a fun way to deal with flies outside. These traps attract flies with light, making it easy to catch them. Just set it up in your yard, and watch as the flies are drawn in!

Creating a DIY Fly Trap with Sugar Water

A DIY fly trap made from a jar, sugar water, and a red funnel. The setting is outdoor.
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Making a DIY fly trap with sugar water is super easy and effective. Just mix sugar with water in a jar and place a funnel on top to guide the flies in. They’ll be drawn to the sweet scent and won’t be able to escape!

Utilizing Vinegar as an Effective Fly Deterrent

A bowl of vinegar surrounded by flies outdoors.
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Vinegar is a simple and natural way to keep flies away from your outdoor space. Just place a bowl of vinegar where flies tend to gather, and they’ll be drawn to it. This method is easy and can help reduce those annoying pests without harsh chemicals.

Planting Fly-Repellent Herbs in Your Garden

A patio with potted herbs like basil, mint, and lavender can help keep flies away from your outdoor space.
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Growing herbs like basil, mint, and lavender can help keep flies away from your outdoor space. These plants not only smell great but also act as natural repellents. Adding them to your garden is an easy and effective way to enjoy your time outside without pesky flies buzzing around.

Using a Fan to Create Airflow and Deter Flies

A picturesque outdoor setting, possibly a patio or a courtyard. A table is set with a variety of food items, including bread, fruits, and beverages. Adjacent to the table is a large fan that appears to be misting the area.
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A fan can be a simple yet effective way to keep flies away from your outdoor space. The airflow makes it hard for flies to land, giving you a more enjoyable time outside. Just set up a fan near your seating area, and let the breeze do the work!

Natural Repellents Using Essential Oils

A collection of essential oils placed on a rustic wooden surface. There are five distinct colored unlabeled bottles.
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Essential oils can be a great way to keep flies away from your outdoor space. Scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are known to repel these pesky insects. Just mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around your patio or garden for a fresh and effective solution.

Setting Up a Homemade Fruit Fly Trap

A photo of a homemade fruit fly trap placed outdoors. A bowl filled with overripe fruit is covered with plastic wrap, with several small holes poked into the plastic.
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Creating a homemade fruit fly trap is super easy and effective. Just grab a bowl of overripe fruit and cover it with plastic wrap, poking small holes in the top. The flies will be drawn in but won’t be able to escape, helping you keep your outdoor space fly-free!

Employing Citronella Candles for Outdoor Spaces

A citronella candle on a wooden table surrounded by greenery
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Citronella candles are a simple way to keep flies at bay in your outdoor areas. The scent of citronella is known to repel these pesky insects, making your space more enjoyable. Light a few candles around your patio or garden, and you’ll notice a difference in no time!

Hanging Up Fly Paper for Sticky Traps

Fly paper hanging from a tree branch with flies stuck on it.
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Fly paper is a simple and effective way to manage flies outdoors. Just hang it in areas where flies gather, and watch them get stuck. It’s a no-fuss solution that helps keep your outdoor space more enjoyable!

Using Commercial Fly Sprays for Quick Solutions

A photo of a woman wearing a mask and a gray t-shirt, seen from the back. She is in an outdoor setting, possibly a garden or yard, and is actively spraying a mist or solution from a white container.
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Commercial fly sprays can be a fast way to tackle those annoying flies outside. Just grab a bottle, follow the instructions, and spray around your outdoor spaces. You’ll notice a difference in no time, making your yard more enjoyable for everyone!

Using Garlic as a Natural Fly Repellent

Fresh garlic bulbs on the ground with green plants in the background.
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Garlic is a great natural option to keep flies away. You can crush some cloves and mix them with water to create a spray. Just apply it around your outdoor areas, and those pesky flies will think twice before sticking around!

Maintaining Cleanliness to Discourage Flies

A clean outdoor patio area with plants and a table.
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Keeping your outdoor space clean is key to keeping flies away. Regularly remove food scraps, pet waste, and standing water to make your yard less inviting for these pests. A tidy area not only looks great but also helps reduce the fly population around your home.

Creating a Compost Bin to Reduce Attractants

A wooden compost bin with a mossy top, surrounded by greenery.
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Setting up a compost bin is a smart way to cut down on flies outside. By composting kitchen scraps and yard waste, you reduce the smell that attracts these pests. Plus, you’ll have rich soil for your garden, making it a win-win!

Installing Screens on Porches and Patios

A cozy porch with wooden flooring, two rocking chairs, and large screens allowing sunlight and greenery to come through.
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Installing screens on your porch or patio is a simple way to keep flies out while still enjoying the fresh air. These screens act as a barrier, allowing you to relax without worrying about pesky insects buzzing around. Plus, they can add a nice touch to your outdoor space!

Employing Natural Predators to Control Fly Populations

A colorful garden with a bird looking up onto the flying flies.
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Using natural predators is a great way to manage fly populations outside. Birds, for example, love to snack on flies and can help keep their numbers down. Planting flowers that attract these feathered friends can create a win-win situation for your garden and your fly problem.

Employing Sticky Traps for Effective Capture

Colorful sticky traps laid on the grass on the garden capturing flies.
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Sticky traps are a simple and effective way to catch flies outdoors. Just place them in areas where flies are a problem, and watch as they get stuck. These traps can help reduce the fly population without using harsh chemicals.

Using Beer as an Attractant in Traps

A fly trap using beer as an attractant.
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Beer can be a fun way to lure flies away from your outdoor space. Just set up a trap with some beer, and the scent will draw them in. Once they’re in, they won’t be able to escape, helping you keep your area fly-free!

Creating a Natural Fly Spray with Soap and Water

A spray bottle filled with water, sitting on grass with flowers.
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Making a natural fly spray is super easy and effective. Just mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, and you’re ready to go! Spray it around your outdoor areas to keep those flies at bay without any harsh chemicals.

Using a Water Spray to Deter Flies

A hand holding and pressing a red and white spray bottle, which is actively dispensing a mist or spray in an outdoor setting.
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A simple water spray can be an effective way to keep flies away. Just fill a spray bottle with water and mist the areas where flies tend to gather. This creates a barrier that makes your outdoor space less inviting for them.