There’s nothing worse than finally sitting down to enjoy your backyard, only to be swarmed by flies the moment you lift your fork. I’ve been there—swatting constantly, covering drinks, and wondering why they seem to love my patio so much.
It’s enough to make you head back inside. But after more citronella candles than I care to admit, I’ve found a few tricks that actually work. They’re simple, cheap, and best of all—no harsh chemicals needed.
With just a few smart changes, your outdoor space can go from bug battlefield to breezy retreat. Trust me, your future self—relaxing fly-free with a cold drink in hand—will thank you.
1. Set Up Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Nothing attracts flies quite like the sweet-sour smell of apple cider vinegar. Pour some into a mason jar, add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension, and cover with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band. Poke small holes in the top, and you’ve got yourself an effective fly trap.
The vinegar lures them in, while the soap prevents them from escaping once they land on the liquid. I place these traps around my patio furniture and grill area, replacing them every few days when they get full.
For an extra boost, warm the vinegar slightly before setting out your traps. The heat increases the scent, making it even more irresistible to nearby flies looking for a meal.
2. Grow Fly-Repelling Plants
Your garden can work double-duty as both beautiful decoration and natural fly repellent. Basil, lavender, mint, and marigolds all naturally repel flies with their strong scents that we find pleasant but flies absolutely hate.
Last summer, I planted lavender around my patio perimeter and basil near the outdoor dining area. The difference was remarkable – fewer flies and a lovely fragrance as a bonus. These plants thrive in containers too, so you can place them strategically where flies tend to congregate.
For maximum effect, occasionally brush your hand against these plants while entertaining. This releases more of their natural oils into the air, strengthening their fly-repelling properties right when you need them most.
3. Install Bug Zappers
Electronic bug zappers provide immediate satisfaction in your fly-fighting efforts. Hanging one in your yard creates a perimeter of protection that works day and night without any effort from you after the initial setup.
The ultraviolet light attracts flies and other flying insects, then zaps them when they make contact with the electrified grid. My neighbor installed one last year about 15 feet from his patio, and I was amazed at how effectively it reduced the fly population during our evening cookouts.
Choose a zapper with the right coverage area for your space, and position it away from seating areas. The gentle hum and occasional zap become background noise, while you enjoy a remarkably fly-free environment.
4. Create DIY Fly Paper
Making your own fly paper costs pennies and works surprisingly well. Mix equal parts corn syrup and sugar with water until sticky, then coat strips of brown paper bags. Let them dry until tacky, then hang them where flies congregate.
The sweet, sticky surface traps flies on contact. My aunt taught me this trick years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since. Unlike store-bought versions, you control the ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals around your outdoor living spaces.
Hang these strips from tree branches, porch ceilings, or shepherd’s hooks throughout your yard. Replace them when they become covered with flies or lose their stickiness – usually every few days during peak fly season.
5. Use Essential Oil Sprays
A quick spritz of essential oil mixture acts like an invisible shield against flies. Combine 10 drops each of lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils with water in a spray bottle, shake well, and apply to outdoor surfaces flies typically land on.
The natural compounds in these oils confuse and repel flies without the harsh chemical smell of commercial products. Before hosting a barbecue last month, I sprayed our outdoor furniture, and guests commented on both the pleasant scent and the noticeable absence of flies.
Reapply every few hours during outdoor gatherings or after rain. For sensitive surfaces like wooden furniture, test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
6. Clean Up Pet Waste Promptly
Regular yard maintenance makes a huge difference in fly populations. Flies love to breed in pet waste, which provides both food and a perfect nursery for their eggs and larvae.
Establishing a daily routine of scooping up after your pets eliminates these breeding grounds before flies can complete their life cycle. My family takes turns with this chore, and we’ve noticed far fewer flies since implementing our system. Even missing just one day can lead to a noticeable increase in buzzing visitors.
Consider designating a specific area of your yard for pets to do their business, making cleanup more efficient. Using biodegradable bags and a dedicated waste bin with a tight-fitting lid completes this simple but effective fly control method.
7. Hang Clear Bags Of Water
This old-fashioned trick seems too simple to work, but many swear by it. Fill clear plastic bags halfway with water, add a penny to each, and hang them around your yard at eye level. The refraction of light through the water creates an optical illusion that confuses flies’ compound eyes.
The science behind this method suggests flies perceive the refracted light as movement, which makes them wary of predators. When my sister tried this at her lakeside cabin, she was skeptical but amazed at how well it worked in areas where the bags caught sunlight.
For best results, use sandwich-sized bags and space them about 10 feet apart. Replace the water if it becomes cloudy, and reposition bags occasionally to catch optimal light throughout the day.
8. Deploy Carnivorous Plants
Enlist nature’s own fly-catchers by adding carnivorous plants to your outdoor space. Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews naturally attract and consume flies as part of their diet, providing a fascinating and effective form of biological pest control.
These plants work best in contained areas like patios or small garden sections. The sticky pads of sundews have been particularly effective on my screened porch, catching fungus gnats and small flies that somehow find their way inside.
Most carnivorous plants prefer indirect sunlight and high humidity, so place them strategically in semi-shaded areas. As an added bonus, they make for great conversation pieces when entertaining guests in your newly fly-reduced backyard.
9. Set Out Citrus Peels
After enjoying oranges or lemons, put those peels to work repelling flies. The oils in citrus rinds contain d-limonene, a natural compound flies absolutely detest, making this solution both eco-friendly and practically free.
Simply scatter fresh peels around your outdoor seating areas, or place them in decorative bowls on tables. The bright scent is pleasant to humans but sends flies looking for friendlier territory. During a recent family picnic, I scattered orange peels around our blanket’s perimeter, creating an invisible barrier flies rarely crossed.
Replace peels every day or two as they dry out and lose potency. For a stronger effect, gently score the peels with a fork to release more of the essential oils before setting them out.
10. Install Outdoor Fans
Flies are weak flyers and struggle against even gentle breezes. Setting up a few strategically placed outdoor fans creates an environment flies find difficult to navigate, effectively keeping them away from your gathering spaces.
Portable fans work perfectly for this purpose and can be positioned to create cross-breezes across eating areas. During our neighborhood block party, we set up three box fans around the food table, and it was remarkable how fly-free the spread remained throughout the afternoon.
The added air circulation also keeps you cooler on hot days – a welcome side benefit. Oscillating fans cover more area and create unpredictable air currents that make it even harder for flies to land on your food or guests.
11. Try Cloves In Citrus Fruits
Combining two fly-repelling elements creates a powerful deterrent that doubles as attractive table decoration. Cut lemons, limes, or oranges in half and stud them with whole cloves – the strong aromatic compounds in both ingredients work together to keep flies at bay.
The method has been used for generations and remains effective today. My grandmother always placed these on outdoor tables during summer gatherings, and now I understand why – they actually work! The citrus bases stay fresh for about two days before needing replacement.
For maximum coverage, place several of these clove-studded fruits around your yard, focusing on areas where people gather or food is served. The pleasant, spicy-citrus scent is an added bonus that most guests find appealing.
12. Maintain A Clean Grill
Food residue on your grill is like sending out engraved invitations to flies. After each use, thoroughly clean grates, drip pans, and surfaces while they’re still warm but not hot – this timing makes grease and food particles easier to remove.
The difference a clean grill makes is remarkable. Since establishing a post-barbecue cleaning routine, my family has noticed significantly fewer flies hanging around our cooking area. Keep a wire brush, scraper, and grill-safe cleaner nearby to make the job quick and convenient.
For deep cleaning, remove grates monthly and soak in soapy water. Empty and clean grease traps regularly, and store your grill covered when not in use to prevent flies from finding even the smallest food remnants.
13. Create A Coffee Grounds Burner
Used coffee grounds find new purpose as an effective fly deterrent when burned. Place dried grounds in a heat-safe dish, light them until they smolder, and position downwind of your gathering area. The resulting smoke contains compounds flies actively avoid.
Unlike chemical repellents, this method uses something most households produce daily. I’ve found this especially useful during evening gatherings when flies tend to be most active. The subtle coffee aroma is actually quite pleasant for humans, unlike the harsh smell of citronella or commercial products.
To maximize effectiveness, use several small dishes spread around your yard’s perimeter rather than one central source. The grounds will eventually stop smoldering and need to be relit or replaced as needed throughout your outdoor event.
14. Cover Food And Drinks
Simple mesh food covers create physical barriers flies can’t penetrate. Invest in a variety of sizes to accommodate different dishes, or use upside-down colanders in a pinch. The key is keeping everything covered except when actively serving.
During family picnics, we’ve made this a habit – nothing stays uncovered for more than a minute or two. Food-grade plastic wrap works well for bowls and platters between servings, while reusable silicone lids create airtight seals on cups and glasses.
For buffet-style meals, consider serving stations with hinged covers that guests can easily lift and replace. Mason jars with lids make perfect fly-proof containers for sides and condiments, adding rustic charm while keeping buzzing visitors out of your food.
15. Hang Herb Bundles
Fresh herb bundles hung around your outdoor space serve double duty – they look rustic and charming while naturally repelling flies. Gather sprigs of rosemary, thyme, basil, and mint, tie them with twine, and hang them from porch ceilings, tree branches, or shepherd’s hooks.
The volatile oils these herbs release into the air interfere with flies’ sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate food sources. My herb garden provides plenty of trimmings for this purpose, and guests always comment on both the pleasant fragrance and the noticeable lack of flies.
Replace bundles every few days as they dry out, or gently crush the leaves occasionally to release more of their natural oils. Bonus: these same bundles can be tossed onto hot coals when grilling to add subtle flavor to your food.
16. Seal Garbage Bins Tightly
Garbage bins are five-star restaurants for flies, offering perfect breeding grounds if left accessible. Invest in bins with tight-fitting, locking lids that create a physical barrier flies can’t penetrate, even when full of tempting kitchen scraps.
Positioning matters too – keep bins away from main gathering areas and in shaded spots if possible. After switching to secured containers last year, the difference in fly activity around our patio was immediately noticeable. For extra protection, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of bins to absorb odors that might attract flies.
Rinse bins monthly with a vinegar solution to eliminate residues that build up over time. This simple maintenance routine prevents even the most persistent flies from detecting the food waste inside your properly sealed containers.
17. Try Commercial Fly Traps
When natural methods need reinforcement, commercial fly traps offer powerful backup. These ready-made solutions use specialized attractants that lure flies in but prevent their escape, dramatically reducing populations within days.
Hang these traps at the perimeter of your yard – never near seating areas, as the attractants can smell unpleasant to humans. After a massive fly invasion following a neighborhood block party, I deployed three traps around our property line. Within 48 hours, the difference was remarkable – hundreds of flies caught with minimal effort.
Replace traps according to manufacturer instructions, typically every few weeks or when full. For best results, position them in sunny spots about 20 feet from areas you want to protect, creating a perimeter defense system.