Ways To Repel Flies

Fly Prevention Tips

Prevention is generally the most important and effective method of fly control. Among the many ways to keep flies away from homes include using fly traps, cleaning garbage cans frequently and most importantly, removing pet feces in your yard.

One of the best ways to keep flies away is to maintain a lawn and garden that flies find unattractive. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, so they will love your compost pile. If you have a compost pile, you’ll want to place it in a corner of the yard away from the house. If the pile includes fruit, it’s almost guaranteed to attract fruit flies.

Grass clippings can serve as valuable nutrients for your lawn, but make sure they are spread evenly to promote quick breakdown. If left to clump and mildew, flies will be attracted to the piles of grass clippings and dead leaves.

Fly prevention often involves the use of synthetic EPA-registered insecticides, natural or biological pesticides (biopesticides) that are effective and quick-acting techniques to prevent fly issues. Using fly traps that are designed to enable flies to enter but not escape work very well. A fly swatter can also be a very effective, simple and inexpensive tool for use in the battles against flies. While natural products and prevention might help, a large-scale, heavy fly infestation will likely require the use of more effective fly killing products.

Types Of Fly Repellents

The two types of fly repellent products are:

• Insecticides that have been tested for safety and efficacy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and given a registration number that signifies the product is approved when used per label use directions.

• Natural fly repellents that are not evaluated and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for usefulness and safety since there is only anecdotal evidence to support their efficacy.

Natural Fly Repellents

When considering the use of natural fly repellents, it’s important to test and experiment with different products or methods since they are not registered by the EPA for efficacy and safety.

Some publications suggest that using herbs and plants such as Mexican marigolds, mint, rosemary, lavender, yarrow and pitcher plants will help keep flies away, so adding these to your garden may be helpful. Eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils may also have some potential to deter flies.

Does Vinegar, Dish Soap, Essential Oils Repel Flies?

Vinegar attracts, not repels flies; however, a container with vinegar and dish soap will function as an attractant trap as the vinegar lures flies to enter the trap and the dish soap will cause the flies to sink and die.

Oils like lavender, mint, lemongrass, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus may help in repelling flies.

Does citronella repel flies?

Yes, citronella can help repel flies. It produces a strong odor that flies do not like. You can burn citronella candles or use citronella oil to help keep the flies away however it is not an effective method of killing flies.

Make sure your property is free from pesky flies and learn about ways to prevent and get rid of flies. Call your Orkin Pro for fly prevention help, management, recommendations and information regarding effective fly control and repellents.