How to Keep Flies Away
Flies may live for only about 30 days, but they reproduce rapidly—laying hundreds of eggs in that short time. The best way to control them depends on the species, but the following strategies can help keep all types of flies out of your home.
1. Repair Window Screens
Check all window and door screens to ensure they’re intact. “Screens are your first line of defense against flies,” says Gray. Even small holes or gaps provide easy entry points for flies and other pests.
2. Remove Trash Promptly
Eliminate fly attractants by discarding spoiled produce and avoiding food waste—like banana peels—on countertops, advises Oi. Take out indoor trash at least once a week to prevent odors and rot.
Outdoors, seal trash bags tightly inside garbage cans and keep them away from doors and windows, says Gray. Compost bins should also be placed as far from the house as possible. Don’t forget to clean up pet waste daily.
3. Clean Garbage Containers
Besides keeping bins at a distance, make sure to wash them regularly. Flies are drawn to fermentation and food residue, so rinse beverage cans and food containers before throwing them away, Oi adds.
4. Protect Food Outdoors
When cooking or dining outside, cover food with fine mesh covers to keep flies away. Flies carry disease-causing pathogens and often regurgitate or defecate while walking on food—definitely something to avoid.
To further deter them, use a box fan. Flies dislike strong air movement—“enough breeze to give you a bad hair day will keep them away,” Oi says.
5. Keep Drains Clean
Flies often breed in the residue that builds up inside drains. Regularly clean kitchen and bathroom drains, and if you notice buildup, scrub them thoroughly with a long brush.