Flies are attracted to food, so remove food residue, keep a tight lid on trash, and clean up pet waste. They’re also weak fliers, so a fan can discourage them from flying around you.
Flies are obnoxious. And if they’re taking over your patio or another outdoor space, they’re probably doing so because there is access to food. The best thing you can do is look for all the potential sources and remove what you can.
Places don’t need to be “messy” to attract flies. In fact, grills are often popular among flies because of their grease trays, drip pans, and crusted grates. Doing a hot burn-off after cooking and occasionally cleaning the tray can help more than any fly repellent can. Beyond that, it’s always wise to keep a tight lid on trash and recycling. If flies really can’t seem to stay away from your trash, you may even want to hose out the bin from time to time. Likewise, if your pets are accustomed to using the bathroom in the yard, cleaning up after them can help a good deal. Beyond that, make sure to pick up any fallen fruit from trees and clean up spills on deck boards.
Moisture can also attract flies. Flies drink and breed in damp organic matter, so the overwatered planter beds, clogged gutter muck, and the perpetually moist patch by the spigot all count. This is why it helps to avoid overwatering plants and to periodically clear the gutters.
If flies are still giving you trouble, you can always put out a fan. They’re not great at flying so the slight breeze can ward them off more than sprays and traps.
If you’ve found that flies are taking over your outdoor spaces, Mosquito Squad of The Sandhills can help. Mosquito Squad treats the outdoor zones where flies and other pests concentrate, helping protect the spaces where you spend your evenings.
