4 Ways to Keep Flies Away When Outdoor Dining

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

June 8, 2026

4 Ways to Keep Flies Away When Outdoor Dining

Who doesn’t love to sit outside with loved ones, taking in the fresh air and sharing a delicious meal? Unfortunately, flies love this time-honored tradition just as much as humans do. This problem can sometimes be even worse in Greenville than in other areas of the world because of the warm weather and subtropical climate. These conditions are perfect for flies to thrive. However, with a few tricks up your sleeve – and a little help from Mosquito Squad’s Greenville, SC fly control solutions – it’s possible to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or other backyard meal without having to swat flies away the whole time.

1. Keep Food Covered Until It’s Time to Eat

Flies have an amazing sense of smell, which helps them root out a good feast. They’re especially good at recognizing when there’s something particularly sweet or strong-smelling nearby. In fact, their scent is so remarkable that they can smell food from up to ten miles away.

Because of this sense of smell, it’s important not to ring the dinner bell too early. When you’re setting up for an outdoor meal, leave everything covered until the last possible moment. You can use lids, mesh domes, foils, and sealed containers to keep food safe until guests are ready to eat. This will help reduce the number of flies (and other pests) that will be attracted to your space because of the food.

2. Clean Up Spills and Scraps Quickly

Remember that incredible sense of smell? Flies use it to find spilled drinks, food crumbs, or even a smear of sauce. Make sure you keep your serving area clean by wiping down all surfaces ahead of time and keeping them clean. You can keep some paper towels or disposable wipes near the food area to help.

When the meal is done, have guests discard their food in a garbage can that can be sealed with a lid, and don’t allow food and drinks to be left out without a cover. If anything does spill, clean it up right away. Pay extra attention to the ground beneath tables and chairs, where crumbs are often left unnoticed. Flies are persistent, but they are less likely to linger when there is less for them to feed on.

3. Keep Trash Contained

Trash cans are one of the biggest fly attractants around outdoor dining areas. If possible, place garbage bins away from patios, decks, grills, and seating areas. The best type of trash can to use for your garbage is one with a lid that fits tightly. For even better protection, make sure to line outdoor cans with heavy-duty liners.

4. Schedule Professional Greenville, SC Fly Control

Even if you take all of our suggestions to heart, it’s possible that flies might find a way to crash your party after all. This is especially true for properties where flies have historically been an ongoing problem. Fortunately, we have a solution that can help you address flies and other pests more effectively and for longer periods of time.

Mosquito Squad offers excellent, professional Greenville, SC fly control treatments. These treatments are a smart addition to your home maintenance routine, especially if you do a lot of hosting on your property. Our fly control treatments last for up to 21 days, and they’ve been proven effective in not only treating flies, but other pests too, including mosquitoes, ticks, and more.