Natural Ways to Get Rid of House Flies

Aside from being bothersome, house flies carry diseases and create health concerns. Insecticides should get rid of them easily, but if you’re hesitant to use one, there are plenty of natural ways to get rid of these pesky intruders.

Below are some effective and eco-friendly strategies to help you keep your home fly-free.

How to Get Rid of Flies Naturally

House flies multiply rapidly—eggs hatch in 24 hours, and larvae mature in 5–7 days. Infestations can spiral out of control within weeks if not immediately taken care of.

Here are some steps you can take:

Keep Them Away

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• Use dehumidifiers in basements or laundry rooms.
• Wipe down sinks, showers, and condensation-prone surfaces daily.
• Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily scraps to outdoor compost. Bury veggie scraps under 6+ inches of soil.
• Cover manure piles and clean up pet waste immediately.
• Clear gutters, buckets, and plant saucers. Use sand or gravel to fill puddles.

• Keep doors closed during daytime peak fly activity (10 AM–4 PM).
• Use blackout curtains or blinds at night—flies are drawn to indoor lighting.

Use Natural Repellents

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1. Essential Oils

Oil	Effectiveness	Application Tips
Peppermint	High	Mix 10 drops with water in a spray bottle; apply to windowsills.
Lemongrass	Moderate	Soak cotton balls and place near trash cans.
Vetiver and Cinnamon	Moderate	Diffuse indoors or rub diluted oil on door frames.
Eucalyptus	High	Combine with vinegar for a surface cleaner.

2. Herbs and Plants

Top fly-repelling varieties:

• Basil: Plant near entryways or keep potted indoors.
• Mint: Crush leaves to release oils on windowsills.
• Citronella grass: Grow in outdoor seating areas.
• Dried rosemary or bay leaves: Hang them in pantries.

3. Aromatic Deterrents

• Clove-studded citrus: Pierce lemons/limes with 10–15 cloves; display in kitchens.
• Citronella candles: Burn outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces.

Homemade Fly Traps

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Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

1. Pour 1 inch of apple cider vinegar into a jar.
2. Add 5 drops of dish soap to break surface tension.
3. Cover with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and poke pencil-sized holes.
4. Replace bait every 3 days.

Sugar Water Funnel Trap

1. Mix ¼ cup sugar in ½ cup warm water.
2. Roll paper into a cone, tape the edges, and insert into a jar.
3. Place near windows—flies enter but can’t escape.

Soda Bottle Trap (Heavy Infestations)

1. Cut the top third off a 2-liter bottle.
2. Fill the base with rotting fruit or raw egg.
3. Invert the top as a funnel. Hang outdoors, away from living areas.

Homemade Sprays

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Tip: Combine methods for maximum impact—seal entry points while using traps and repellents. Inspect screens and trash bins weekly to stay ahead of infestations.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

While natural remedies are effective for most fly infestations, some situations warrant professional help:

• If the infestation persists after 2-3 weeks of consistent treatment
• When you suspect deeper plumbing issues contributing to the problem
• If the infestation is widespread throughout multiple drains in your home
• When you can’t locate the source of the infestation

Professional plumbers can perform thorough drain cleaning services, while pest control experts can identify and treat hidden breeding areas.

Conclusion

If you want to keep those pesky house flies at bay, a thoughtful strategy can make all the difference. These friendly approaches not only help in keeping flies away but also keep a chemical-free environment for your family.

Are flies or other pests causing you stress? MMPC delivers effective pest control for residential, commercial, and corporate clients. Regain your peace of mind – explore our services and contact our team today!