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what keeps flies away outside

Keeping flies away outside usually comes down to three things: remove what attracts them, make the space less comfortable for them, and use mild deterrents or traps where needed.

Quick Scoop

1. Clean up what draws flies in

Flies are mostly there for food, moisture, and garbage.

  • Keep trash cans closed with tight lids and rinse them if they get dirty or sticky.
  • Clear food scraps, crumbs, and drink spills quickly after eating outside, including pet bowls.
  • Pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep compost covered or in sealed bins so it doesn’t become a fly magnet.
  • Reduce standing water (buckets, trays, clogged gutters) where some flies may breed.

2. Use air movement and simple barriers

Flies don’t like strong, steady air and have trouble flying in it.

  • Run an outdoor fan near your seating or dining area to create a constant breeze that makes flying and landing difficult.
  • Add small water features with moving water (fountains, bubblers) instead of still water, which is less inviting for flies.
  • Use physical barriers where possible: mesh screens, net covers over food, or screened gazebos/patios to block flies from getting to you in the first place.

3. Natural scents and plants that help

Some smells are less attractive to flies and can help nudge them away from key spots.

  • Burn citronella candles around seating or dining areas; they add a light barrier of scent and work even better if you have a fan spreading the smell.
  • Make or buy sprays with essential oils like lemongrass; a common DIY is lemongrass oil diluted in water and misted around patios and doorways (avoid spraying on skin or pets without proper guidance).
  • Plant or place pots of herbs such as basil, lavender, mint, and rosemary near doors, tables, and outdoor kitchens; they can help make those zones less appealing to flies while still looking nice.

4. Traps and clever little hacks

If you already have a lot of flies, traps can cut down the numbers around your favorite outdoor spots.

  • DIY bottle or jar traps with sugar and yeast or wine: flies follow the scent in but struggle to escape the funnel or narrow opening.
  • Sticky fly traps placed away from your main seating or eating area can intercept flies before they get to you.
  • Some people also use reflective tricks (like shiny tape or even hanging reflective objects) to confuse flies with shifting light, reducing how often they land in one place.

5. Where to focus your effort

If you just want quick, practical steps for a patio, deck, or backyard:

  1. Keep outdoor eating areas clean, food covered, and bins tightly closed.
  2. Run one or two fans around where people sit or eat.
  3. Add a couple of citronella candles or herb pots close to the action.
  4. Place traps a little distance away (by the fence, near bins) to draw flies there instead of to your table.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.