Flies can be a nuisance pest for homes and businesses. A fly infestation could pose a serious health risk as flies are known to spread a range of bacteria, like salmonella and E.coli.
If you want to prevent flies, there are some practical steps you can take to deter them. Some of these methods are totally cost-free and only require your time.
Recommended steps involve making changes indoors and outdoors to cover all potential hot spots and ensure effective fly control.
Call Ehrlich at 800-837-5520 or contact us online to keep flies away.
Flies aren’t just a nuisance; they can carry harmful bacteria that could lead to illness. Keeping them out of your property in the first place helps protect your health, your food, and your peace of mind.
Learning how to keep flies away reduces the chances of an infestation and supports a cleaner, safer home.
Some fly species can spread bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria may contaminate food and surfaces if flies land on them after visiting places like garbage cans, pet waste, or drains. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable. If you think you may have become ill due to fly contamination, speak with a healthcare professional.
The most common types include the house fly (Musca domestica), which feeds on organic matter, and fruit flies, which are drawn to sugary substances. Drain flies and blowflies are also regular intruders in homes and businesses. All flies belong to the order Diptera, which includes thousands of fly species.
One or two flies might seem harmless, but if you see them often or in large numbers, it could be a sign of a larger problem. A true infestation usually means flies are breeding somewhere close by, often in food waste, pet waste, or standing water. If you're unsure whether it's an infestation, our technicians can help assess the situation.
There are a number of ways you can keep flies out of the house, but no single method works on its own. A combination of easy cleaning and maintenance steps can help reduce access points and breeding grounds, making your property less inviting to flies.
Use caulk or weather stripping to seal small openings around windows, doors, and vents. Flies can squeeze through tiny spaces, so keeping these spots sealed makes it harder for them to enter.
Be careful to cover food as flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it. Keep fruit in the fridge and seal leftovers in containers. Flies are attracted to food waste, so avoid leaving anything out that might tempt them.
Regularly wipe down counters, clean under appliances, and check for spills and food residue daily. Crumbs, sticky spots, or standing liquids can draw flies, especially in kitchens and dining areas. Don’t forget to clean around sink drains and behind bins, as these areas often get overlooked.
Use tight lids on trash cans and compost bins. Empty trash often and clean the inside of the trash can regularly to remove any buildup. Flies love organic matter, so keeping these areas clean is key to fly prevention. Also, clean up after pets. Not only are feces a perfect breeding place for flies, they may land there before landing on your food.
When the weather's nice, it's tempting to let in fresh air. Just make sure to use fly screens or keep doors and windows closed. Check that window screens fit tightly and don’t have holes or tears. Sliding doors can also be fitted with mesh panels to allow ventilation without letting flies inside. This is one of the easiest ways to keep flies out.
Flies and other insects are drawn to light, especially during the evening. Turning off outdoor lighting at night or switching to yellow "bug bulbs” can make your home less inviting. You could also consider motion-sensor lights to reduce constant illumination or relocate lights farther from entry points like doors and windows to help steer flies and other insects away.
If you want to get rid of flies naturally, there are a few things you can do to help repel them, like using essential oils, vinegar, certain plants, or even citronella candles. Keep in mind, though, that while these options may offer short-term relief, a pest expert can help address the root of the problem.
Essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint are popular choices to deter flies. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and mist surfaces like windowsills or door frames. Reapply regularly for continued effect.
Stick a few cloves into a citrus fruit like a lemon or orange and place it on your counter. This combination creates a smell that flies tend to avoid. While it may not work for all fly types, it is a low-effort repellent to try.
Cinnamon sticks or cinnamon oil are said to function as a natural repellent. You can place sticks in key areas or dilute oil in water and spray it around the home, especially near windows and trash bins.
These plants are often used to repel flies in both gardens and homes. Mint and lavender can be grown in pots or used as essential oils indoors. Marigolds work well outdoors and can be planted near entryways to help deter flies before they enter.
This herb is known to deter flies thanks to its strong scent. You can plant basil in pots near doorways or windows, or keep small potted basil plants on your kitchen counter. Some people also crush the leaves slightly to release more of the aroma.
Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, add a few drops of dish soap, and leave it uncovered near fly-prone areas. This method lures flies in, and the soap traps them by reducing the surface tension. Replace the solution every few days to keep it working.
Once flies are inside, the focus shifts from fly prevention to removal. That means finding where they’re coming from, what’s attracting them, and how to stop them. Here’s what you can do next to get things back under control.
Check for spills, exposed food, overflowing bins, or even hidden spots like under appliances or inside cupboards. Flies often breed in warm, moist environments with access to food waste or organic matter. Removing the breeding site is an effective way to reduce fly numbers and prevent the problem from getting worse.
There are natural remedies and traps, like sticky traps, sugar water, or a simple fly swatter. These may help reduce numbers, but they don’t solve the root of the problem. Our professional fly control technicians can assess the situation and offer lasting solutions to help keep your environment protected.
Constant sightings of flies, especially near food or waste, might suggest a hidden infestation. This could mean there's a breeding site that's gone unnoticed. You may also spot larvae, clusters of flies, or smell something unpleasant. These signs often point to a bigger issue that needs more than DIY treatment. In these cases, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
DIY steps can offer short-term relief, but if flies keep coming back, it’s time to call in the pest control experts. Ehrlich offers professional fly control solutions, including our Luminos Electronic Fly Killers.
Call us at 800-837-5520 or contact us online to discuss the right fly control plan for your home or business.
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