The Best Traps for Flies (And Other Tactics for Repelling Bugs)

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Fly season will be here before we know it. While you may not want to think about these pesky creatures until you absolutely have to, you’ll thank yourself later for being prepared! Here are some of the best traps for flies along with other tactics and natural methods for keeping your house and yard fly free.

What are the best traps for flies?

There are all kinds of fly traps on the market, but which ones actually work??

I did some research to find out which fly traps will really get the job done. Here are some of the top-rated fly traps on the market.

Flies Be Gone

First up, this trap works well for a barn, backyard, or outdoor eating space. It includes suspension straps to easily hang on your rafters, deck rail, corral, or campsite. It’s quick to set up and completely disposable once filled with flies!

Catchmaster Bug & Fly Clear Window Fly Traps

Is your window filled with flies? This trap is made for indoors and sticks right on the windowpane. Just peel off the paper and stick it on your window. The flies will quickly collect, and the strong stick keeps them trapped.

Starbar Fly Terminator Pro

The Fly Terminator Pro is an effective fly trap that can catch up to 35,000 flies. It’s free of insecticides, easy to hang, and it’s even reusable! It does have a strong odor, however, so make sure to use it outdoors only.

Black Flag Fly Stick

This little fly stick trap is super simple and works to attract flies very quickly. Handle carefully, so as not to touch the sticky cylinder. You’ll need to add a teaspoon of honey or syrup to the cup on the bottom to help attract the flies. This fly trap is a tidy, effective indoor solution.

How do you get rid of flies naturally?

If you prefer natural options for reducing the number of flies on your home or property, here are a few of the best natural solutions for DIY fly traps and repellents, without the use of pesticides.

Apple cider vinegar and dish soap

This safe combination is an effective way to catch and trap flies. Simply pour an inch or two of apple cider vinegar into a jar or glass and add a few drops of dish soap. Then, cover it with plastic wrap. You can use a rubber band to secure the plastic. Last, poke a few holes so that the flies can fit through. They’ll get stuck in the mixture and won’t be able to fly back out.

Alternatively, after you combine your vinegar and soap, you can make a funnel using a piece of paper and a piece of tape. Insert the paper funnel into your glass with the wide side up. Make it wide enough that the bottom end doesn’t touch the liquid. This is another effective way to trap flies in your vinegar mix.

Herbs and flowers

Certain herbs and flowers act as natural fly repellents. Plant them in your garden or grow some as houseplants.

Here are some plants that work well for repelling flies:

• Mint
• Catnip
• Pennyroyal
• Sweet basil
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Marigold
• Citronella

Essential oils

If you’re an essential oil lover, many of your oils can act effectively as a fly deterrent. Here are some of the best essential oils for keeping flies away:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Tea tree
• Eucalyptus

Sticky traps

You can purchase sticky traps that will catch flies in your home, garage or barn without the use of pesticides. The Black Flag Fly Stick and Catchmaster Scented Fly Ribbon are a few effective options.

What natural products keep flies away?

If you’re want to purchase a fly deterrent solution rather than using a trap for catching flies, but prefer a more natural option, here are a few to choose from:

Indoor/outdoor citronella candles

First, citronella is a powerful scent for keeping flies away. These little candles are portable, cute, and effective for deterring flies.

Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray

Next up, here’s a natural, indoor pest solution made of plant-based ingredients including essential oils. Spray it in your kitchen, bathroom, living areas, or even your dog kennel!

Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray

Lastly, Wondercide also makes a spray that’s perfect for keeping flies away outdoors. This is a safer alternative to chemical sprays, and it treats up to 5,000 square feet.

How to prevent houseflies

One of the best ways to get rid of houseflies is by making sure that the flies have no motivation to come near you in the first place. Often, you just can’t avoid flies. However, there are a few things you can do to discourage them from enjoying your space.

• Take the garbage out right away and use a tight-fitting lid for your garbage can
• Keep food in sealed packages or in the refrigerator
• Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting out
• Make sure screens, windows, and doors are completely sealed
• Remove pet feces promptly
• Avoid outdoor lights after dark
• Remove dead flies, which can attract other pests

What smell will keep flies away?

There are plenty of smells that are sweet to humans yet repulsive to flies. Whether you use live plants, essential oils, or air fresheners with these aromas, it can help to deter flies.

Some scents that flies hate include cinnamon, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass.