How to Get Rid of Flies Outside: Easy and Effective DIY Methods
Flies are pesky insects that can invade our outdoor space and cause a nuisance. They are not only annoying but can also carry harmful bacteria and diseases. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of flies outside, there are several effective and affordable DIY methods that you can try. In this article, we’ll share some simple yet effective ways to keep your outdoor space free from flies.
1. Keep Your Outdoor Space Clean
The first step to keeping flies away is to maintain a clean outdoor space. Clean up any spilled food, drinks, or trash that can attract flies. Empty your trash regularly and keep your bin secured with a tight-fitting lid. Remove any standing water or moisture sources in your yard, such as puddles, bird baths, or pet water bowls, as they can attract flies. Keeping your outdoor space clean and dry makes it less attractive to flies.
2. Use Flies Repellent Plants
Flies have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to certain scents. You can use natural repellent plants to keep flies away from your outdoor space. Some plants are known to repel flies, such as basil, lavender, marigold, and mint. You can plant these in pots or in your garden to create a natural barrier against flies.
3. Make DIY Fly Traps
Another effective way to get rid of flies outside is by making your own DIY fly traps. You can make a simple trap using a plastic bottle, sugar water, and vinegar. Cut the top section of the bottle and invert it into the bottom section. Pour sugar water and vinegar mixture into the bottom section. Flies will be attracted to the smell and get trapped in the liquid. You can also make a fly tape by hanging strips of sticky tape around your outdoor space to trap flies.
4. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural and effective insect repellents that can help keep flies away from your outdoor space. You can use essential oils like peppermint, clove, eucalyptus, or lemon by diluting them in water and spraying them around your yard. Alternatively, you can apply the oils directly to your skin to keep flies from landing on you.
5. Use Fly Swatters and Bug Zappers
If you want a more hands-on approach to getting rid of flies outside, you can use fly swatters or bug zappers. Fly swatters are manual and require you to physically swat the flies, while bug zappers use UV light to attract the flies and zap them. These methods can be effective but may require more effort and time.
FAQs:
Q1. Are flies harmful to humans?
A. Yes, flies can carry harmful bacteria and diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Q2. Can I use chemical insecticides to get rid of flies?
A. Yes, but chemical insecticides can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. It’s best to try natural methods first and resort to chemical options only as a last resort.
Q3. How often should I empty my outdoor trash bin to avoid attracting flies?
A. It’s best to empty your outdoor trash bin daily or as often as needed to prevent the build-up of food waste that can attract flies.
Q4. How effective are natural fly repellent plants?
A. Natural fly repellent plants can help reduce the number of flies in your outdoor space, but they may not eliminate them entirely.
Q5. How can I prevent flies from entering my home from the outside?
A. You can prevent flies from entering your home by sealing any cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. You can also use fly screens to cover your doors and windows to keep flies out.
Conclusion:
Flies can be a nuisance, but you don’t have to live with them. By following the above DIY methods, you can keep your outdoor space fly-free and enjoy your time outside. Remember to maintain a clean and dry outdoor space, use natural repellent plants and essential oils, make DIY fly traps, and use fly swatters and bug zappers to get rid of flies outside. By using these simple and effective methods, you can enjoy an insect-free outdoor space all year round.
