If you’re trying to enjoy your outdoor space, few things are more annoying than a cloud of flies. This guide will show you how to get rid of flies outside patio areas with simple, effective methods. You can reclaim your space for relaxing and entertaining without these pesky insects.
Flies outside are more than just a nuisance; they can carry germs and spoil food. The key is to understand why they’re there and use a combination of tactics to deter them. We’ll cover everything from quick fixes to long-term solutions.
How To Get Rid Of Flies Outside Patio
This is your main action plan. Effective outdoor fly control isn’t about one magic trick. It’s about making your patio area less attractive to them. We’ll break it down into managable steps you can start today.
1. Eliminate What Attracts Them
Flies come looking for food, moisture, and shelter. Your first job is to remove these invitations.
- Secure Trash and Recycling: Use bins with tight-sealing lids. Keep them as far from the patio as possible. Rinse recyclables before tossing them.
- Clean Up Pet Waste Immediately: Flies breed in animal feces. Clean your yard daily if you have pets.
- Manage Compost Bins: If you compost, use a closed bin system. Never add meat, dairy, or oily foods to an open pile.
- Remove Standing Water: Check for water in saucers under pots, clogged gutters, or low spots in the yard. Flies need moisture to breed.
- Clean Grills and Outdoor Eating Areas: After cooking, give your grill a good scrub. Wipe down tables and sweep up any food crumbs right away.
2. Use Natural Repellents and Traps
Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try these natural methods. They are safe for gardens, pets, and kids when used correctly.
Homemade Fly Traps
You can make effective traps with items from your kitchen.
- Take a jar or plastic bottle.
- Fill it with an inch of bait—apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap works great. The soap breaks the surface tension so flies sink.
- Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke a few small holes in the wrap.
- Place the trap away from your main sitting area to draw flies away.
Strategic Planting
Some plants naturally repel flies with their scent. Plant these in pots around your patio or in nearby garden beds.
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint (keep it in pots, as it spreads aggressively)
- Rosemary
- Marigolds
Not only do they help with flies, but they also look and smell lovely. Its a win-win for your garden.
Essential Oil Sprays
Create a simple repellent spray. Mix 2 cups of water with 20-30 drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, or peppermint in a spray bottle. Shake well and mist around seating areas, tablecloths, and umbrella. Reapply every few hours or after a breeze.
3. Install Physical Barriers and Deterrents
Stop flies from reaching you in the first place. This is especially helpful for outdoor meals.
- Patio Fans: Flies are weak fliers. A strong breeze from a box fan or ceiling fan on your porch makes it hard for them to land.
- Screens or Netting: For a permanent solution, consider screening in your patio. For a temporary fix, use pop-up screen tents during meals.
- Fly-Repelling Light Bulbs: Yellow “bug” bulbs attract fewer insects than standard white bulbs. Switch out the bulbs in your outdoor fixtures.
4. Consider Commercial Products (When Needed)
For severe infestations, you might need a stronger option. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
- Baited Fly Traps: These are the jar or bag traps you hang away from the house. They use a scent lure to attract and trap flies. Hang them at the perimeter of your yard, not on your patio.
- Fly Zappers: Electric UV light zappers can be effective for larger areas. Place them away from your seating area, as they can attract flies toward them before zapping them.
- Fly Paper/Ribbons: An old-fashioned but sometimes necessary solution. They are sticky and unsightly, so use them discreetly in problem corners.
5. Maintain a Clean Yard
Your overall yard health impacts your patio. Regular maintenance makes a huge difference.
- Mow your lawn regularly and rake up grass clippings and fallen leaves.
- Pick up any fallen fruit from trees promptly.
- Turn over and aerate mulch piles, as decaying organic matter attracts flies.
- Ensure drainage is good so water doesn’t pool in your yard.
By keeping your yard tidy, you remove breeding sites. This reduces the overall fly population that could wander onto your patio.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these methods and still face a major fly problem, there might be a hidden breeding source. Persistent issues, especially with cluster flies or drain flies, could indicate a problem in sewers or inside walls. A professional pest control service can identify the source and provide targetted treatment.
Preventing Flies From Coming Back
Consistency is key. Make these practices part of your regular routine to enjoy a fly-free patio all season long.
- Make a habit of cleaning the patio after every use.
- Empty and clean trash bins weekly with a disinfectant.
- Refresh your natural repellents, like plantings and sprays, regularly.
- Inspect your property monthly for new sources of standing water or decay.
Prevention is always easier than trying to fix a big infestation later on. A little ongoing effort saves you alot of frustration.
FAQ: Outdoor Fly Control
What is the fastest way to get rid of flies outside?
For immediate relief, set up oscillating fans on your patio and deploy homemade vinegar traps around the perimeter. The fans will keep them off you while the traps start working.
Why are there so many flies on my patio all of a sudden?
A sudden swarm often means a new food or breeding source is nearby. Check for a forgotten trash bag, a dead animal, or a neighbor’s compost pile. Weather changes can also drive them to seek shelter.
Do citronella candles work on flies?
They can help a bit, but citronella is more effective against mosquitoes. For flies, candles with geraniol or lavender scents tend to be more repellent. Their effectiveness is limited to a small area directly around the flame.
What smells do flies hate the most?
Flies strongly dislike the scents of basil, mint, lavender, eucalyptus, and cloves. Using these in plant form or as essential oils can deter them.
Is there a permanent solution for outdoor flies?
There’s no single permanent fix, as flies are part of the environment. However, a combination of perfect sanitation, physical barriers like screens, and strategic planting is the closest you can get to a long-term, sustainable solution.
Getting control of the fly population on your patio takes a multi-pronged approach. Start by removing the reasons for them to visit. Then, use repellents and barriers to protect your immediate space. With these strategies, you can finally enjoy your outdoor living area in peace. Remember, the goal is management, not total elimination, as flies do play a role in the ecosystem. But that role doesn’t have to be played out on your deck.