By | May 15, 2025

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.