How to Limit Flies in Your Yard

June 3, 2022

Though the average female fly lives for only about one month, she can lay approximately 500 eggs in that short time. Even a handful of female flies in your backyard can quickly turn into thousands of flies. While flies serve their purpose for the environment, they can be a nuisance when they invade your home, carrying bacteria and diseases. They can also detract from your summer barbecues and time spent outdoors. Though it can seem daunting to rid your yard of flies, it is possible to minimize their population.

fly on green leaf plant

Know What Attracts Flies

The first step in fly prevention is knowing what attracts them: food and an ideal breeding environment.

  • 1 Strong smells, often from food or trash left outside, attract flies. Since flies have short lifespans, removing anything that causes odors will encourage the flies to leave in search of more exciting smells. Keeping garbage can lids tightly closed and picking up your pet’s feces are small steps that discourage flies. Moving your grill and keeping it clean is beneficial in your fight against flies.
  • 2 Flies also enjoy brush piles and tall grass. For this reason, it is helpful to mow your lawn frequently and remove piles of cut grass or leaves.
  • 3 Flies love moisture. In fact, it is ideal for their breeding. Therefore, it is critical to remove any standing water. Do not allow buckets or other containers to fill with rainwater, and keep the water in birdbaths fresh.
  • 4 A compost bin is a fly’s buffet. Because compost bins are filled with decaying matter, they attract flies. However, maintaining your compost bin properly will help: keep the compost pile as far from your house as possible, do not keep it too moist, and keep it “cooking” so that it is too warm to house fly larvae.

Repel and Eliminate Flies

While any number of treatments can be used to combat flies, getting rid of this pest may require a combination of fly treatments, repellents, and preventative measures.

  • 1 Some common garden plants deter flies. Lavender, mint, bay leaf, elderberry, and marigolds are just a few plants that produce scents that repel flies and can be planted around patios, in pots, or incorporated in flower beds.
  • 2 Electronic or flame torches are another way to prevent flies, as they do not like the smoke emitted.
  • 3 Since flies do not like the breeze either, an outdoor fan can deter flies, primarily when used while entertaining.
  • 4 While preventative measures are great, knowing how to kill flies is also helpful. Fly traps attract flies and then zap them. This electrically charged light can be beneficial when hung around a recreational area. UV light traps are a similar solution. Flies are attracted to UV light. When they investigate the light, they get stuck to the glue board built into the light.
Black fly on grass
Black fly on grass

Call the Professionals at Emtec

Despite any steps you have taken to limit flies around your property, a large-scale infestation may require the expertise of Emtec Pest Control.

At Emtec, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too. If you have any questions about pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control.

Our service areas in Northeast Oklahoma include Bixby, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Owasso, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, Stillwater, Tulsa, and the surrounding areas. In Central Oklahoma, we service Edmond, Moore, Oklahoma City, Yukon, and the surrounding areas. You can also connect with us on social media for more helpful pest control tips and information.

At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.

If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.

Our Service Areas

Northeast Oklahoma

Central Oklahoma

  • Edmond
  • Moore
  • Oklahoma City
  • Yukon
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