Home remedies to get rid of flies – 10 steps suggested by pest experts

Flies are not the most damaging pests, but they are some of the most irritating when they buzz against window panes and around our ears.

The good news is there are multiple home remedies to get rid of flies, and they all use things you likely already have around your home, making them both quick and affordable.

Here is what the pest control experts use at home to help keep flies out of the house.

Home remedies to get rid of flies 

Whether getting rid of fruit flies, or getting rid of gnats, these four homespun methods are excellent for repelling frustrating flying insects – but work best when paired with targeted preventative measures such as removing food sources to really repel these bothersome bugs.

1. Clean up

One of the easiest ways to manage flies at home is to follow rigorous cleaning tips, removing their food sources to kill them off and dissuade them from entering your home. This means staying on top of daily and weekly chores such as wiping up spills and vacuuming crumbs, as well as deep cleaning periodically.

Jim McHale, entomologist and pest expert and owner of JP McHale Pest Management, suggests ‘Ensuring that garbage bins, including those in dumpster areas, are covered and emptied regularly. Clean bins frequently to remove any residue that may attract house flies.’

2. Remove standing water

Standing water isn’t always linked to unclogging a sink. Sometimes a forgotten drink glass, water in a plant tray, or a puddle outside a window can be enough to draw flies in.

Scott Williams, pest control expert and owner at Private Exterminator NYC, says ‘I always advise clients to pay special attention to organic waste and standing water - prime breeding grounds for flies.’

3. Use repellent plants

Scott Williams, pest control expert, says, ‘One often overlooked tactic I've had great success with is strategic planting with the best fly repellent plants. Herbs like basil and mint not only add fresh flavors to your cooking but also naturally repel flies. I remember a restaurant in Brooklyn that was struggling with persistent fly problems. After introducing potted herbs near entrances and outdoor seating areas, they saw fly numbers drop by 70% in just a month.’

4. Dissuade flies with strong scents

Essential oils are excellent to have in your home for a range of reasons, from making your home smell nice to creating homemade bug sprays to get rid of flies and other pests.

When it comes to flies, Jum Skinner, president and co-owner of A&C Pest Management suggests mixing a few drops of scents such as peppermint, lemon, or eucalyptus with water in a spray bottle and liberally applying it around your home – particularly where the flies are tend to gather, he advises.

5. Use citronella candles

Knowing how to use citronella in your home is a fantastic way to keep flies at bay. When dealing with flies, candles release the scent into the air, preventing flies from settling nearby by masking attractive scents such as food. It is also a far more attractive option than having unsightly pots of vinegar or hanging sticky strips around for extended periods of time.

6. Use sticky tape to catch flies

Fly tape is a common item in a plant care kit, especially if you have a lot of houseplants that attract common houseplant pests.

Scot Hodges, A.C.E certified entomologist and VP of professional development at Arrow Exterminators suggests hanging sticky traps, available at Walmart, around areas of high activity such as your houseplants and drains to help finish off lingering pests. Remember to replace it frequently to maintain its effectiveness,

7. Use light traps

Jim McHale, an entomologist, explains that light traps are ideal for hanging outside windows and doors, drawing the flies into the light to be killed rather than into your property. This is perfect for getting rid of cluster flies in large droves.

‘Install UV light traps near kitchen appliances to attract and capture house flies. Ensure these traps are regularly maintained and cleaned to keep up their effectiveness.’

8. Keep food covered

Food is the number one reason why flies enter your home. Ensuring that your food storage is up to scratch and all leftovers are covered will deter them from hanging around.

Jim McHale, entomologist, says ‘Store fruits and vegetables in airtight containers or refrigerate them to prevent attracting fruit flies. Dispose of any overripe or rotting produce immediately. Clean any spills of sugary liquids or alcohol promptly, especially in bar areas, to avoid attracting fruit flies.'

9. Use a vinegar and soap trap

There are plenty of ways you can clean with vinegar, and combining it with dish soap and water can make for an excellent fly trap to clean out flies, suggests Eddie Conner, pest control expert and owner of Conner’s Pest Pros. For this, it is best to use apple cider vinegar, available at Walmart, which is sweet enough to draw the flies in, he adds.

The soap then breaks the vinegar water tension and sucks the flies under the surface, drowning them, he explains. Place it near where the flies are buzzing (usually near sinks, houseplants, or windows) for the best effect.

10. Catch drain flies with a cup and petroleum jelly

Drain flies are particularly tricky to get rid of, as they have a great place to hide. The solution, says Scot Hodges, pest control expert, is to coat the inside of a disposable cup with either cooking oil or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, available in bulk at Amazon, and place it over the drain, leaving it for several days.

‘This will catch adults as they fly out for air and identify breeding sites,’ he explains. ‘You can then take steps to flush out larvae by pouring hot but not boiling water down the drain a few times, and leaving the cup there until no more flies are caught.’

While flies might seem like more of a nuisance than a risk to your home, flies can reproduce very quickly. It is vital that you deal with them as soon as you spot one or two of them lingering around. Catching them early will prevent the need for large-scale pest extermination.