If you’ve got flies buzzing around your patio, grill, or backyard every time you try to sit outside, I get it. It’s annoying. You swat one away, another shows up five seconds later. I’ve lived with this problem for years — and after trying almost everything, I’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t.
This guide is based on real experience, not internet gimmicks. No fluff, no hacks that only work once, just practical steps that actually help keep flies away.
Start With the Root of the Problem
The first time I dealt with a serious outdoor fly issue, I went straight to sprays and traps. Big mistake. The real fix started when I got rid of what was attracting the flies in the first place.
Most of the time, flies are hanging around because there’s food, garbage, pet waste, or moisture nearby. I had a trash bin near my patio that was leaking old food juices, and I hadn’t noticed. I was also slow to clean up after grilling, and I wasn’t picking up dog poop as often as I should’ve.
Once I fixed those things — cleaned the bins, moved the trash further away, washed the grill trays, and kept the yard poop-free — I saw a big drop in flies within a few days. So if you’re serious about getting rid of them, start with a good cleanup. No trap or spray will work long-term if the flies still have something to feed on.
DIY Fly Traps That Actually Catch Flies
There are a ton of fly trap ideas online, but only one homemade version has consistently worked for me — the bottle trap.
Take an empty plastic bottle and cut off the top third. In the bottom part, mix a little sugar and water. Sometimes I add a piece of old fruit or a splash of vinegar. Then flip the top part of the bottle upside down and stick it into the base like a funnel. Flies go in and can’t figure out how to get back out.
I put one of these near the trash area and another a few feet from the grill. Within hours, they had flies buzzing around them. After a day or two, they’d fill up. Just toss the whole thing in the garbage and make a new one. They’re cheap, easy, and don’t smell too bad if you place them a little away from where you sit.
What Store-Bought Products Work (and What Don’t)
I’ve probably spent a few hundred bucks trying different fly control products over the years. Most aren’t worth it. But a couple of products have actually made a big difference.
The Rescue! Outdoor Fly Trap is hands down the best one I’ve used. It comes in a bag with bait already inside — you just add water and hang it somewhere sunny and far from where you plan to eat or relax. It smells awful, which is why it works so well. Flies swarm to it and get trapped inside. I hang one near my fence line or compost bin, and it starts catching flies within an hour.
Sticky fly ribbons are another option, especially in small corners or areas near compost or pet waste bins. They’re not pretty, but they do the job.
As for citronella candles, ultrasonic plug-ins, or bags of water with pennies — none of those worked for me. I tested them during peak summer, and the flies didn’t care. Save your money.
Use a Fan (Yes, It Really Works)
This tip sounds too simple, but it works better than most sprays. Flies hate wind. They’re not strong fliers, so a box fan or oscillating fan on your patio table can keep them from landing while you eat or relax.
One summer, I hosted a BBQ and had two box fans running on either side of the table. Not a single fly landed on the food. Ever since, I’ve made it a habit to plug in a fan anytime we’re spending more than a few minutes outside. It makes a bigger difference than any repellent I’ve tried.
Natural Spray That Keeps Flies Moving On
When flies start gathering in corners of the yard, around furniture, or near the porch, I use a simple homemade spray. I mix two cups of water with a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil, and a squirt of dish soap. Shake it up and spray around problem areas.
This doesn’t kill the flies, but it makes them leave. I spray it around trash bins, under the patio table, and around the edges of outdoor furniture. It lasts a few hours and smells way better than chemical sprays.
If things get worse, I’ll occasionally use a hose-end bug spray like Cutter Backyard Bug Control once a month. I apply it in the early evening and keep the dogs off the grass until it dries. That keeps flies and mosquitoes down for a few weeks at a time.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Grill
One thing I missed early on was the grease tray under the grill. I’d scrub the grates after using it but ignored the drip pan underneath. Turns out, that thing was full of old grease and food chunks. I pulled it out one day and realized it was basically a buffet for flies.
Now I clean the grease tray every couple of weeks. It only takes five minutes, and the difference it makes in keeping flies away from the patio is huge.
Use the Right Plants (Not All of Them Work)
I’ve tested a few so-called “fly-repellent” plants. Some are just decorative, but a few actually help.
Basil is one of the best. I keep a few pots near my outdoor table, and flies seem to avoid the area. Mint is another one that works — just make sure it’s in a container or it’ll take over your yard. Lavender and lemongrass smell great and have some minor fly-repelling qualities too.
I don’t rely on plants alone, but they’re a nice backup, especially around eating areas.
Stop the Moisture
Flies, like mosquitoes, are drawn to moisture. If you’ve got standing water in plant trays, clogged gutters, or birdbaths with dirty water, you’re asking for trouble.
After a heavy rain, I walk around the yard and dump out anything holding water. I also rinse and refill the birdbath every other day during summer. Dry yards bring fewer bugs. It’s that simple.
What I Do Weekly to Keep Flies in Check
Here’s what my weekly outdoor fly routine looks like during the warm months:
Every Sunday, I take out the trash, rinse the bins, and clean the area around them. I pick up pet waste from the yard and check for any leftover food near the grill or patio. If my bottle traps are full, I replace them. If the Rescue fly bag is overloaded, I hang a new one.
I also spray the natural repellent mix around any areas where flies have been active. It takes about 20 minutes total, and it keeps the problem under control without having to think about it every day.
If I’m hosting guests or eating outside, I set up a fan, cover the food, and light a mosquito coil just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of flies outside isn’t complicated, but it takes consistency. There’s no one-time fix. Clean up what’s drawing them in, set traps where they gather, and create conditions that make your yard less welcoming.
The bottle trap, the Rescue fly bag, a box fan, and regular cleanups are what make the biggest difference for me. Add in a few pots of basil and a natural spray, and you’ll finally be able to enjoy your outdoor space without constantly swatting.
If you’ve got other fly-fighting tricks that have worked for you, test them alongside these and stick with what gets results. The key is starting early and staying ahead of the problem.
