If you’re like me, flies are the bane of your existence. They land on everything and leave nasty little droppings behind.
They buzz around trying to get into your food and soda (I don’t know why they do this but it’s happened to me).
They’re just awful! I’ve found that there are several ways that you can get rid of these pests from your front yard so you don’t have to deal with them anymore.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Flies in your front yard can be a nuisance and potentially pose a health risk. |
| 2. There are various natural and chemical methods for getting rid of flies in your yard. |
| 3. Preventative measures, such as keeping your yard clean and free of standing water, can help prevent flies from returning. |
| 4. If you’re dealing with a large infestation or have tried other methods without success, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. |
Fly Swatter
You can buy a fly swatter at any store.
You can make your own fly swatter by tying two sticks together with string or rope, if you’re so inclined.
A fly swatter is a safe tool for children to use. It’s unlikely that they’ll hurt themselves with it, so long as they don’t whack themselves in the face!
Fly swatters are great for killing flies and not so great for killing bees or other types of insects that sting you when you smack them with one (a bee stinger will cause more harm than the actual insect).
Flies and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in your front yard. Check out our guide on how to get rid of mosquitoes in your front yard for easy and effective tips on controlling these pesky insects.
Fly Repellent Sticks
If you’re seeing flies in your yard and want to get rid of them, the best way to do that is by using insect repellent sticks.
These are small boxes that emit a scent that flies hate and keeps them away from whatever area they’ve been placed in. They contain all natural ingredients, such as citronella, cedar and neem oil.
The great thing about these sticks is that they can be used inside or outside your home. No matter where you place them, they’ll work by emitting a scent that will deter flies from coming near your house or yard.
Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles are a great way to get rid of flies in your front yard. Fill the bottle with soapy water and shake it up, then swat at any flies that come near you.
Rinse out your bottle as needed, and repeat as often as necessary!
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Apple Cider Vinegar & Dish Soap
If you want a quick and easy solution, you can make your own fly spray.
To do this, mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup dish soap and 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on flies and wait for them to dry before spraying again. Repeat if necessary!
Spray Bottle (soapy water)
If you have a spray bottle, fill it with soapy water and spray the flies in your front yard. The soap will stick to their bodies, which will make them unable to fly for a few hours.
This is not a long-term solution and will probably not kill the flies; however, it can be an effective way of keeping them away while you work on other methods of getting rid of them.
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Cinnamon, Cloves & Apple Slices
If you are looking for a natural solution to get rid of flies in your front yard, cinnamon and cloves are effective.
Cinnamon can be used by itself, or combined with cloves for an even more powerful repellent effect. Both spices are known to repel flies as well as other pests like spiders, ants and mosquitoes.
Apple slices will also work to keep away flies from your yard—and their sweet scent is sure to entice passersby!
Essential Oils
If you’re looking to repel flies, try using essential oils. Like the other methods on this list, you can use them in a spray bottle or diffuser.
It is important to note that essential oils are safe for humans and pets; they won’t harm anyone if they touch them or ingest them. They also have many other household uses such as repelling ants and spiders from your home!
Essential oils are an all-natural solution that work well for keeping insects away from your yard. Insects hate the smell of the oils so much that they will avoid areas where those scents have been placed around your property line.
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Spray Bottle (white vinegar & water)
The first step is to mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. White vinegar is a natural fly repellent, so this will help deter the flies from hanging around your yard.
You can also add some essential oils such as lavender or peppermint if you like, but it’s not necessary for keeping flies away.
Spray bottles are easy to find at any dollar store, so try to locate one that has a few different spray patterns on it this will make it easier for you to pinpoint where exactly you need to spray the mixture of vinegar and water in order to keep flies away from certain areas of your yard.
Iced Coffee (works on stink bugs only!)
If you’re really desperate, you can try a concoction that I’ve heard works on stink bugs. It’s called iced coffee, and it’s what my dad used to spray me with if I tried to ride his tractor when we were growing up.
The ingredients are simple: 1 part instant coffee and 5 parts water. Mix them thoroughly until they look like muddy river water (it will be brown; don’t worry).
Then just spray the mixture around your house and yard like a regular pesticide but without any of those pesky side effects!
All kidding aside, this method isn’t totally safe or effective but it might be worth trying if you have no other options left. At least you’ll smell good while trying something new!
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Clean Up! (keeping the trash can away from your eating area is a great idea!)
Clean Up! Keeping the trash can away from your eating area is a great idea!
Don’t leave food out. If you don’t want flies in the house, then don’t leave food out for them to eat. Also, keep your pet’s food and water dishes clean at all times.
This will reduce waste around the house and make it less attractive to flies looking for something to eat or drink.
Don’t leave scraps outside. Flies love rotting garbage, so make sure that if you have fruit peels or even leftover hamburger on a plate that no one wants, throw it away immediately after eating it by taking it inside and putting it into the sink or dishwasher (if there is one) instead of leaving it outside where fruit flies can lay eggs on top of them until they turn into maggots!
Remove Any Standing Water (if you have any)
The next step is to remove any standing water in your yard. If you have a fountain or pond, make sure that it is covered.
If you have a birdbath, make sure it’s not overfilled—flies love to land in the water and lay eggs. And if you have a leaky hose, fix it!
Flies are attracted by smells and visual cues as well so keeping things clean will certainly help keep them away from your front door.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fly repellents can be quite effective at keeping flies from invading your home. However, if you do not have any standing water around your house then there is no need for these products.
If you do have standing water that needs to be removed then we recommend using a water hose or pressure washer to clean off any areas where flies may gather.
If none of these solutions work then try adding some vinegar into the bucket of soapy water along with a few drops of essential oils like citrus oil or lemongrass oil!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on getting rid of flies in your yard:
Forbes: Get Rid of Outdoor Flies: This article provides a comprehensive guide to eliminating flies from your yard, including natural and chemical methods.
Bob Vila: How to Get Rid of Flies Outside: Bob Vila offers tips on how to prevent and control flies in your outdoor spaces, as well as recommendations for fly traps and repellents.
MyMove: How to Get Rid of Flies Outside: MyMove’s guide to fly control covers common types of outdoor flies, preventative measures, and effective treatments for eliminating flies.
FAQs
What causes flies in the yard?
Flies are attracted to a variety of factors in your yard, including garbage, compost, and pet waste. They may also be drawn to areas with standing water, such as birdbaths or kiddie pools.
What are some natural ways to get rid of flies in the yard?
Some natural methods for controlling flies in the yard include using essential oils, planting fly-repelling herbs, and creating fly traps with apple cider vinegar and dish soap.
Are chemical fly repellents safe to use in the yard?
Chemical fly repellents can be effective for controlling flies in the yard, but it’s important to read and follow the product’s instructions carefully. Some chemicals may be harmful to pets, children, and beneficial insects in your yard.
How can I prevent flies from coming back to my yard?
Regularly removing trash, cleaning up pet waste, and keeping your yard free of standing water can help prevent flies from returning to your yard. Additionally, using screens on doors and windows can help keep flies out of your home.
When should I call a professional pest control service for flies in my yard?
If you’ve tried natural and chemical methods for controlling flies in your yard without success, or if you’re dealing with a large infestation, it may be time to call a professional pest control service for assistance.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.