How to Get Rid of Flies Outside Patio – 28 Ways

Enjoying time on your patio can quickly become frustrating when flies invade your space. These persistent pests can ruin a peaceful afternoon and make outdoor dining unpleasant. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to reclaim your patio from flies.

In this guide, we’ll explore 25 practical methods to get rid of flies. From natural remedies to modern devices, these solutions will ensure your patio remains a comfortable, fly-free zone. 

Let’s dive in and discover how to keep these unwanted guests at bay!

1. Use Fly Traps

Fly traps are highly effective in capturing and reducing the fly population around your patio. Place them in areas where flies are most active, such as near garbage bins or compost piles. For best results, check and clean the traps regularly to ensure they remain effective.

2. Install Bug Zappers

Bug zappers attract flies with ultraviolet light and then kill them upon contact. Position zappers away from areas where you entertain guests to avoid attracting flies to those spots. The zapper should be hung at an optimal height of around 6–7 feet to be as effective as possible.

3. Create a DIY Fly Trap

A DIY fly trap can be made using a jar, sugar water, apple cider vinegar, paper funnel, or plastic bag. This homemade solution lures flies in, but they can’t escape. Place these traps in various locations around your patio to monitor and reduce fly activity.

4. Set Up Citronella Candles

Citronella candles add ambiance and repel flies and other insects, especially mosquitoes. Arrange several candles around your patio seating area to create a protective barrier. These candles should be placed at a safe distance from flammable objects. Citronella plant is not safe for pets, so make sure they won’t come into contact with it.

5. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, geranium, and peppermint are natural fly repellents. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to patio furniture and surrounding areas. Alternatively, soak cotton balls in the oil and place them strategically around your patio. If you have pets, research which oils are toxic to them and avoid those (for example, lavender and eucalyptus in large amounts are poisonous to cats, while peppermint is not safe for cats and dogs).

6. Install Fly Fans

Fly fans create a constant airflow that makes it difficult for flies to land. Install them above the seating areas and dining tables.

7. Use Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

A simple trap using vinegar and dish soap can lure flies into a container where they can’t escape. The vinegar attracts the flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.

8. Maintain Cleanliness

Regularly cleaning your patio is crucial in deterring flies. Remove food scraps, clean up spills immediately, and ensure that surfaces are wiped down. This reduces the attractants that can draw flies to the area.

9. Remove Standing Water

Standing water serves as a breeding ground for flies. Regularly check for and eliminate water sources like birdbaths, plant saucers, and clogged gutters. Ensuring proper drainage around your patio can significantly reduce fly populations.

10. Use Fly-Repellent Plants

Certain plants like basil, marigold, lavender, and rosemary naturally repel flies. Plant these around your patio or place them in pots on tables and ledges. Not only do they serve as a deterrent, but they also add greenery and fragrance to your space. Again, some plants might not be good for your pets, so be careful when choosing.

11. Cover Food and Drinks

Flies are attracted to food and sugary drinks, so always use covers or mesh domes over plates and cups when dining outside. This simple practice can prevent flies from contaminating your meals and beverages.

12. Use Fly-Repellent Sprays

Fly-repellent sprays can be applied to outdoor furniture, screens, and other surfaces. Look for natural, non-toxic options that are safe for use around pets and children. Reapply as needed, especially after rain or cleaning.

13. Hang Flypaper

Flypaper is an effective and inexpensive way to catch flies and other insects. Hang strips in areas with high fly activity, but keep them away from windy spots where they might blow onto people or furniture (or pets). Replace the strips regularly.

14. Install Screen Doors or Mesh Curtains

Screen doors and mesh curtains help keep flies out while allowing fresh air to circulate. Ensure they are properly installed without gaps, and consider magnetic or self-closing options for ease of use.

15. Use Electric Fly Swatters

Electric fly swatters provide a quick and efficient way to kill flies. Keep one handy on your patio to deal with any persistent flies that manage to get through other defenses. They are simple to use and offer instant results.

16. Burn Incense Sticks

Incense sticks can act as a fly deterrent while adding a pleasant aroma to your patio. Choose scents like citronella or eucalyptus, and place the sticks around your seating area. The smoke helps keep flies at bay. Remember that you shouldn’t burn them when your pets are around.

17. Utilize Ultrasonic Fly Repellers

Ultrasonic fly repellers emit high-frequency sounds that are annoying to flies but inaudible to humans. Place these devices in various spots around your patio for a fly-free zone. Ensure they are positioned correctly for maximum coverage. However, if you or someone in your household wears a hearing aid, an ultrasonic pest repeller might interfere with it (as some have reported).

18. Hang Water Bags

Clear plastic bags filled with water can confuse and deter flies. Toss in a few coins, and the light refracted through the water and off those coins creates a visual disturbance that flies avoid. Suspend these bags near doorways and windows to keep flies from entering. This is a completely humane way to get rid of pesky flies, and it’s also chemical-free.

19. Use a Fly Vacuum

A fly vacuum allows you to capture flies quickly and humanely. This tool is particularly useful for those who prefer not to use chemical sprays and would instead release the insects. 

20. Maintain Your Yard

A well-maintained yard is less attractive to flies. Regularly mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove any decaying organic matter. Compost piles should be kept far from the patio area and covered to reduce fly attraction.

21. Clean Up Pet Waste

Pet waste is a major attractant for flies. Regularly clean up after pets and dispose of waste in sealed bags or have a dedicated covered bin.

22. Use a Fly Bait Station

Fly bait stations lure flies with an attractant and then poison them. Place these stations around the perimeter of your patio to reduce the fly population. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

23. Keep Trash Cans Sealed

Trash cans should always be kept sealed to prevent flies from accessing food waste. Use cans with tight-fitting lids and regularly empty them to reduce odors that attract flies. Don’t forget to clean the cans periodically, too.

24. Use Herbal Sachets

Herbal sachets containing lavender, bay leaves, and mint can repel flies, and they also smell great. Hang them around your patio or place them on tables.

25. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can be sprinkled around your patio to kill flies. It works by dehydrating the insects. Apply it to areas where flies are likely to land, such as near trash cans and compost bins.