How To Avoid House Flies
Avoiding house flies requires a mix of cleanliness, prevention, and deterrents. House flies are attracted to food, waste, and moisture, and they can carry bacteria—so keeping them out is important for hygiene and comfort.
🪰 How to Avoid House Flies
✅ 1. Keep Your Home Clean
- Wipe down counters and tables immediately after meals.
- Clean spills (especially sugary ones) right away.
- Take out trash daily, especially food waste.
- Clean pet bowls and litter boxes regularly.
✅ 2. Store Food Properly
- Keep fruits and vegetables in the fridge or covered containers.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Cover food when it’s out—especially during meals or gatherings.
✅ 3. Take Care of Trash
- Use a sealed garbage can with a tight-fitting lid.
- Clean the inside of your trash bin periodically.
- Don’t let compost sit open indoors; cover it well or keep it outside.
✅ 4. Keep Doors and Windows Sealed
- Use screens on windows and doors—repair any holes or tears.
- Install self-closing doors or use door sweeps.
- Avoid leaving doors open unnecessarily.
✅ 5. Fix Moisture Issues
- Flies breed in damp areas.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and drains.
- Don’t let water pool in trays under houseplants, pet dishes, or sinks.
✅ 6. Use Natural Fly Deterrents
- Herbs and essential oils flies hate:
- Basil
- Mint
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Place pots of these herbs around windows or use oil diffusers/cotton balls soaked with oil.
✅ 7. Use Fly Traps or Barriers
- DIY traps: A jar with vinegar + dish soap attracts and traps flies.
- Sticky fly paper: Hang near trash cans or doors.
- UV light traps: Useful in kitchens or near entry points (especially in the evening).
✅ 8. Control Breeding Grounds
- Regularly clean drains, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keep animal waste cleaned up outside and secure garbage bins.
✅ 9. Outdoor Prevention Tips
- Keep outdoor bins away from doors and clean them often.
- Avoid overwatering plants or letting puddles form.
- Clean up fallen fruit and pet droppings in the yard.
✅ 10. Try Natural Repellent Sprays (Optional)
- Mix:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or witch hazel
- 10 drops essential oil (peppermint, citronella, or eucalyptus)
- Spray around doors, windows, trash cans, and sinks.