How To Keep Flies Away From Your Outdoor Spaces This Summer

How to Use:

• Spray Solution: Mix 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray around outdoor seating areas, doorways, or patios.
• Essential Oil Diffuser: Place a diffuser on your porch or patio to keep flies away while enjoying the outdoors.
• Scented Sachets: Create small fabric sachets filled with dried lavender, eucalyptus, or mint and hang them around your outdoor spaces.

b. Herbs and Plants

Planting certain herbs and flowers around your outdoor spaces can naturally deter flies. These plants not only keep flies away but also add beauty and fragrance to your garden.

• Basil: Flies dislike the strong scent of basil, and it’s easy to grow in pots.
• Marigolds: These vibrant flowers have a pungent aroma that flies avoid.
• Bay Leaves: The scent of bay leaves repels many insects, including flies.
• Mint: Flies are repelled by the strong scent of mint, and it also doubles as a great herb for summer cocktails.

How to Use:

• Planting: Place pots of basil, mint, or marigolds around your outdoor seating area, garden, or patio.
• Dried Herbs: You can also use dried herbs like bay leaves or mint leaves in small pouches and place them in key spots like near the food table or seating area.

2. Create Fly-Traps Using Simple Ingredients

If flies are already swarming your outdoor spaces, you can create homemade fly traps to catch and kill them. These traps are effective and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.

a. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent bait for attracting flies. It draws them in and traps them in the container.

How to Make:

1. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension, which causes the flies to drown.
3. Leave the bowl near your outdoor seating area, and the flies will be drawn to the vinegar.

b. Sugar Water Trap

Flies love sugary substances, and you can use that to your advantage by creating a sugar water trap.

How to Make:

1. Mix equal parts water and sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Place the bowl where flies are most active. The flies will land in the sweet liquid and become trapped.

c. Beer Trap

Beer, especially dark beer, can also attract flies, and they will drown in the liquid.

How to Make:

1. Pour a small amount of beer into a shallow dish or jar.
2. Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke small holes with a fork or toothpick.
3. Place the trap outside where flies are a problem. The flies will crawl in through the holes and get trapped.

3. Keep Outdoor Spaces Clean and Tidy

One of the most effective ways to prevent flies from invading your outdoor spaces is to keep everything clean and free of potential food sources. Flies are attracted to food scraps, garbage, and anything with a strong scent.

• Clean Up Immediately: After meals or gatherings, make sure to clean up food scraps, crumbs, and drink spills right away. Flies are quick to show up if there’s food left behind.
• Cover Food: When eating outdoors, keep food covered or stored in airtight containers to prevent attracting flies.
• Empty Trash Regularly: Flies are especially attracted to trash bins, so make sure your outdoor trash cans are tightly sealed and emptied regularly.
• Wash Dishes Promptly: Don’t leave dishes or dirty utensils outside for long periods of time.

4. Use Fly Screens or Mesh Curtains

If flies are coming from an area with open windows or doors, such as a porch or patio, consider using fly screens or mesh curtains. These can help prevent flies from entering your home or outdoor living spaces without blocking airflow.

• Screens: Install mesh screens on windows, doors, or gazebos to keep flies from entering your space while still allowing for a breeze.
• Mesh Curtains: Hang mesh curtains around your outdoor patio to create a physical barrier that flies can’t get through.

5. Install a Bug-Zapping Device

If flies are a persistent problem and natural remedies aren’t cutting it, you can try an electric fly zapper or bug lamp. These devices attract and kill flies by using UV light to draw them in.

• Place the fly zapper in a shaded area, away from food, to reduce fly activity near your dining areas.

Conclusion

Flies can be a nuisance, but with these simple and natural solutions, you can keep them away from your outdoor spaces all summer long. Whether you choose to use natural repellents like essential oils and herbs, set up homemade fly traps, or keep your outdoor spaces clean, these methods will help you enjoy your time outside without the constant annoyance of flies.

By combining a few of these strategies, you’ll create a fly-free zone that’s perfect for relaxing, dining, and enjoying everything summer has to offer!