Summer is all about sunshine, cookouts, beach days, and backyard fun—but it’s also peak season for one unwelcome guest: flies. No matter how clean your kitchen is or how tightly you seal the trash, those buzzing pests always seem to find a way in. They hover near your garbage, swarm around food, and make a nuisance of themselves bumping into windows, doors, and you.
Sure, old-school fly strips work (until you walk into one—gross), and swatting them mid-air might feel satisfying but isn’t always effective. The good news? You don’t need chemical-laced sprays or sticky traps. With a few simple, natural tricks, you can send flies packing—without risking your health or your sanity.
Let’s break down five easy, pesticide-free methods that actually work to keep flies far away from your trash and your home.
1. Clean Trash Bins with Vinegar Spray and Baking Soda
It’s not just the flies you see buzzing around that are the problem—it’s the eggs they lay in warm, smelly trash that quickly hatch into larvae (yes, maggots). The best way to fight the infestation is to stop it before it starts.
Here’s a natural method that works wonders:
- Fill a spray bottle with water and white vinegar (about 1:1 ratio).
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then use it to thoroughly spray and wipe down the inside of your trash bin.
- After it dries, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda (around 1–2 cups) at the bottom of the can.
- Replace the baking soda every time you take the trash out to help neutralize odors.
Bonus tip: Line the bottom of your trash can with newspaper. It helps absorb moisture—one of the key things that attracts flies in the first place.
2. Use Essential Oils Flies Can’t Stand
For years, essential oils were the cure-all trend—used for everything from headaches to stress relief. Turns out, those “oil moms” were onto something because some essential oils are powerful fly deterrents.
Top fly-repelling oils include:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
- Bay Leaf
- Clove
How to use them:
- Add a few drops to cotton balls or cloth strips and place them around your kitchen, by windows, near the trash can, or by entryways.
- Mix the oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz around door frames, window sills, sinks, and trash bins.
- For serious invaders, clove oil can even be sprayed directly on flies as a natural insecticide (according to Lomi).
Note: Some essential oils aren’t safe for pets or people with sensitivities. Always double-check which oils are safe around your furry friends—and consult your vet when in doubt.
3. Let Fans Do the Work (Flies Hate the Breeze)
Here’s a fun fact: despite their name, flies aren’t great fliers. Their wings are delicate, and even a moderate breeze makes navigating a challenge.
That’s why a simple house fan can be your secret weapon.
- Set up a tower fan or two near entryways like doors and patios.
- Use ceiling or standing fans indoors, especially in the kitchen or near the trash area.
Just like those air curtains at the entrances of some grocery stores, the consistent air movement acts as a barrier that flies hate. It keeps your home cooler and deters them from getting inside in the first place.
4. Make a DIY Fly Repellent Jar with Citrus and Herbs
Flies can’t stand the smell of certain citrus fruits and herbs, and you can use that to your advantage.
Here’s a simple DIY solution:
- Fill a small mason jar with lemon or lime peels.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint.
- Cover the jar with a piece of breathable fabric (like cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the jar near windows, doorways, or anywhere flies like to hang out.
The combo of citrus and herbs smells great to us, but flies can’t stand it. Refresh the peels and herbs every few days to keep the scent strong.
5. Keep a Bowl of Apple Cider Vinegar Trap Nearby
If you’re still seeing flies inside your home, this easy homemade trap might be the fix.
Here’s how to make it:
- Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar.
- Add a few drops of dish soap.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in the top.
Flies are attracted to the vinegar but get trapped once they land in the soapy solution. Place these bowls in problem areas like the kitchen or near indoor trash bins. It’s simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective.
Final Thought
If you prefer to go the natural route, these five solutions—vinegar and baking soda, essential oils, fans, citrus-herb jars, and ACV traps—are all easy, budget-friendly, and effective ways to keep your home fly-free during the summer months.
Of course, if you’re still dealing with a serious infestation or prefer a quicker fix, there are always chemical sprays available at your local store. But before you reach for the toxins, give these natural options a try—you might be surprised at how well they work.
