21 how To Get Rid of Flies Outside Patio Ideas

Are you looking for 21 how to get rid of flies outside patio ideas? Flies are one of the most annoying pests to have around your home.

They are not only a nuisance, but they also carry diseases that can make you and your family sick.

Flies are attracted to food, garbage, and animal waste, which means they are often found outside near patios and decks.

If you have a fly problem around your home, there are several things you can do to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.

In this post, we’ll discuss why flies are attracted to your patio and share 21 tips for how to get rid of flies outside.

1. Make your own fly trap

To make a fly trap, you’ll need a plastic bottle, a sharp knife, and some bait.

Cut the top off of the bottle, then flip it so that the spout is pointing down into the bottom of the bottle.

Fill the bottom of the bottle with a few inches of water and add a few tablespoons of sugar.

To make your fly trap even more effective, add a few drops of dish soap to the water.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell of the sugar, and when they land in the water, the soap will break the surface tension and they’ll drown.

You can also use other types of bait in your fly trap, like apple cider vinegar or fruit juice.

2. Use a fan to blow flies away

Flies don’t like a breeze. If you don’t already have a fan on your patio, you can use one to help keep flies at bay.

If you do have a fan, you can use it to your advantage by placing a few fly traps behind it. The fan will push the scent of the fly traps out, helping to keep flies away from your patio.

3. Use citronella candles

Citronella candles are a great way to keep flies away from your patio.

The smell of citronella is known to repel flies, so placing a few citronella candles around your patio can help keep the flies at bay.

Citronella candles are also a great way to add some ambiance to your patio.

They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one to match your patio decor.

If you don’t want to use candles, you can also find citronella incense sticks and torches.

These will produce the same fly-repelling effect as citronella candles, but they don’t have an open flame.

4. Use a zip lock bag of water

Fill a zip lock bag halfway with water and drop four or five pennies in the bag.

Then, tie the bag to the edge of your patio where you’re experiencing a lot of flies.

The theory behind this trick is that the flies will see the water and pennies as a large body of water, and they’ll stay away from your patio.

This method is an old wives tale, but many people swear by it!

5. Use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap

Apple cider vinegar is a great product to keep on hand for cleaning and pest control. It works by attracting flies with its sweet, fermented smell.

Then, when the flies land in the vinegar, the dish soap breaks the surface tension and causes the flies to sink and drown.

To make this fly trap, pour an inch or two of apple cider vinegar in the bottom of a jar and add a few drops of dish soap.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can also use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

6. Use a mixture of sugar

This is a simple, yet effective way to get rid of flies on your patio. Simply fill a bowl with sugar and add some water.

Then, place the bowl in the sun and let the sugar dissolve.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and will land in the mixture.

Once they land in the sugar, they won’t be able to get out and they will eventually drown.

water

Fill a few plastic bags with water and hang them above your patio.

The reflection of the water will deter the flies from coming near your outdoor space.

This trick is also a great way to keep flies out of your house. Just hang the bags above your windows and doors.

pepper

Flies don’t like pepper. You can sprinkle black or cayenne pepper around your patio to help keep the flies away.

Note that this method can also deter other insects, so it may not be the best option if you have a mosquito problem.

and dish soap

This is another simple and quick way to get rid of a bunch of flies at once. Just fill a bowl with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of dish soap.

The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and then get stuck in the dish soap.

This hack is perfect for when you want to enjoy a meal outside but are being swarmed by flies.

Simply set out a few bowls of this mixture around your patio and you’ll have a fly-free zone in no time.

7. Use a mixture of sugar

Sugar is a great way to attract flies. They can’t resist the sweet smell of sugar, and they’ll fly right into your trap.

To make a sugar trap, mix a cup of sugar with a cup of water and a cup of vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix well.

Then, pour the mixture into a jar and place it near your patio.

The flies will be attracted to the sugar and vinegar and will fly into the jar.

The dish soap will break the surface tension of the liquid, causing the flies to sink and drown.

corn syrup

Flies love sweet things, and they can’t resist the smell of corn syrup. The best way to use corn syrup to get rid of flies is to create a fly paper trap.

To do this, mix equal parts of corn syrup, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool for a few minutes.

Dip strips of brown paper bag or card stock into the mixture, then let them dry.

Punch a hole in the top of the paper and hang it from a string in your outdoor space. The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and get stuck on the paper.

and water

Flies hate the smell of lavender, so it makes sense to plant some near your patio. Plus, you get the added benefit of a lovely scent wafting through the air.

If you don’t have the time or space to plant lavender, you can also pick up some lavender essential oil and place a few drops on a cotton ball.

Just be sure to replace the cotton ball every few days.

8. Use a mixture of sugar

If you’re looking for a simple solution to your fly problem, you can make your own fly trap with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

This homemade fly trap can be made with a mixture of sugar, water, and dish soap.

This method is similar to the apple cider vinegar fly trap, but it uses sugar as the bait instead of apple cider vinegar.

Flies are attracted to the sugar and then get stuck in the soapy water.

This is a quick and easy way to get rid of flies outside your patio.

water

Just like the old dish soap trick, you can also fill a plastic bag with water, and hang it up outside to keep flies away.

The water reflects light in a way that confuses and scares flies, so they’ll stay away from your patio.

and apple cider vinegar

The apple cider vinegar and dish soap trick is another way to lure in and trap flies. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a drop of dish soap.

The dish soap will break the surface tension of the vinegar, causing the flies to sink and drown.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can also use red wine, white vinegar, or even beer.

9. Use a mixture of sugar and water

If you have a sweet tooth, you may already have everything you need to get rid of flies on your patio.

Simply mix a cup of sugar with a cup of water. Then, pour the mixture into a small plastic bag.

Next, tie the bag off and hang it up. The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell, and when they land on the bag, they’ll get stuck.

This is a great way to get rid of flies on your patio without having to use any chemicals.

And, if you don’t have any plastic bags, you can use a mason jar or a small plastic bottle instead.

10. Use a mixture of sugar

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, water and dish soap. Place the bowl in the center of your patio table, and the flies will be attracted to the sweet smell.

The sugar will coat the flies, and the dish soap will make them stick to the bowl.

This is a great way to keep flies from swarming your food while you’re eating outside. Just be sure to place the bowl away from your food and drinks.

salt

Salt is a natural way to kill flies. Simply pour a liberal amount of salt on the flies to kill them.

You can also use salt to create a natural fly repellent. Mix 1/2 cup of salt with 2 cups of water and pour it into a spray bottle.

Then, spray the solution around your patio to keep flies away.

and water

Just like humans, flies need water to survive. While you can’t get rid of every source of water in your yard, you can work to limit it where you can.

First, make sure you empty any containers that have standing water in them. This includes things like watering cans, buckets, and kiddie pools.

You should also make sure that your gutters are clean and that water isn’t pooling on your roof. This can lead to leaks and invite flies and other pests into your home.

11. Use a mixture of sugar

Sugar may be bad for our health, but it is a great way to trap flies.

The sugar will attract the flies, and the sticky nature of the sugar will trap the flies in the mixture.

Place a small amount of sugar in a bowl and add enough water to create a thick syrup.

Add a small amount of dish soap and mix it into the sugar water.

The dish soap will help to trap the flies in the syrup.

Place the bowl in an area where flies are a problem.

You can also place the bowl in the sun to help the sugar water evaporate, which will increase the effectiveness of the trap.

water

Another way to keep flies at bay is to use a water bag. This is a simple DIY fly repellent that is hung in the area where flies are a problem.

The water bag is said to confuse the flies as they see the water bag as a spider’s web. This is said to keep the flies away.

and lemon juice

Another way to use lemon to repel flies is to mix it with apple cider vinegar.

Just like with the lemon and cloves, you can slice a lemon in half and stick a few cloves in there, then pour apple cider vinegar on top.

If you don’t have cloves, you can leave them out and just pour the vinegar directly on top of the lemon.

This will help to keep the flies away while you’re enjoying your patio.

But, if you’re having a party and you want to make sure the flies don’t ruin the day, you can set out multiple bowls of this mixture around your patio.

12. Use a mixture of sugar and lemon juice

Flies have a sweet tooth and this simple homemade solution will be sure to attract them.

Simply mix together equal parts of sugar and lemon juice and place the mixture in a shallow bowl.

Set the bowl out on your patio and let the flies do the rest. They will be attracted to the sweet scent and get stuck in the sticky liquid.

This is a great way to get rid of flies, but also a great way to keep them from coming around in the first place.

13. Use a mixture of sugar

This is a homemade fly trap that takes only a few minutes to make.

You’ll need a jar, sugar, and water. Simply add a few teaspoons of sugar to the jar and then fill the jar with water until the sugar is dissolved.

water

Flies are attracted to water, especially if it’s dirty.

If you have a pool or a hot tub, make sure the water is clean and the area is well-maintained. If you have a bird bath, make sure to change the water often.

If you have a pond or a lake on your property, you may need to use a pond treatment to keep the water clean.

If you don’t have a body of water on your property, make sure to address any drainage issues that may be causing standing water.

If you have a pet, make sure to clean up after them and change their water often.

and honey

You’re not the only one with a sweet tooth. Flies are attracted to the sweet scent of honey, which will come in handy when you want to lure them away from your patio.

Simply mix a few spoonfuls of honey with a splash of water and pour the solution into a small bowl.

Place the bowl a few feet away from where you’ll be sitting outside to keep the flies at bay.

14. Use a mixture of sugar

Another sweet and sticky way to get rid of flies is to use a mixture of sugar, water, and dish soap.

To create this fly trap, simply mix two tablespoons of sugar with two tablespoons of water and a couple of drops of dish soap.

Then, place the mixture in a small bowl and set it out on your patio.

The sugar will attract the flies, and the dish soap will trap them in the sticky mixture.

water

Flies are not good swimmers. In fact, they can’t really swim at all. You can take advantage of this by placing a bowl of water on your patio.

The flies will be attracted to the water and will land on it, thinking they can take a drink. However, they will quickly become waterlogged and will drown.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of flies at once, but you will need to empty the bowl and replace the water regularly.

and maple syrup

If you want to keep things as simple as possible, simply mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and maple syrup in a bowl and place it in the area you’re trying to keep fly-free.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell, but the vinegar will kill them once they land in the bowl.

15. Use a mixture of sugar

A mixture of sugar and dish soap can be used to kill flies. The sugar attracts the flies and the dish soap traps them.

To make this fly trap, you will need a shallow dish, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.

Mix the sugar and dish soap together in the dish and place it outside. The flies will be attracted to the sugar and then get trapped in the dish soap.

You can also use this method with a plastic bottle instead of a dish.

Simply cut the top off of a plastic bottle, invert it, and place it back in the bottom of the bottle.

Mix the sugar and dish soap together and add it to the bottom of the bottle.

Place the bottle outside and the flies will be attracted to the sugar and then get trapped in the dish soap.

water

Flies are not big fans of water. This is why you might see a fly or two buzzing around your sink or shower drain.

They are attracted to the water, but they can’t actually land in it, so it’s a great way to keep them away.

Fill a clear plastic bag with water and hang it from your patio awning.

The water will reflect the sunlight and make it look like there are a lot of flies in that area. This can help deter flies from congregating in one spot.

and molasses

If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to think twice about leaving out open containers of sugar, honey, and molasses.

Flies are attracted to the sweet smell and will happily lay their eggs in your food if they get the chance.

Instead, try storing your sweeteners in airtight containers, or use a sugar alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol which are all-natural and low in calories.

If you must use sugar, try using a sugar that is a little less sweet like coconut sugar or brown sugar.

16. Use a mixture of sugar

If you have a sweet tooth, you probably have a lot of sugar in your pantry. To get rid of flies, mix equal parts sugar and water in a bowl.

Then, place the bowl outside near your patio. The flies will be drawn to the sweet smell of the sugar, and they’ll get trapped in the sticky mixture.

This is a great way to get rid of flies outside without using chemicals. However, you’ll need to replace the mixture every few days to keep it effective.

water

Flies are attracted to water, so it’s important to keep any water features and containers clean and free of standing water.

You can also use water to create a fly trap. Fill a clear plastic bag with water and hang it on your patio.

The sunlight will reflect off the water and create a prism effect, which will repel flies.

You can also add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water and place it on your patio.

The soap will break the surface tension of the water, causing the flies to sink and drown.

and vanilla extract

Lavender and vanilla extract can be used to create a simple DIY fly spray for patios.

Flies hate the smell of lavender and vanilla, so they’ll be sure to stay away from your yard.

To make a fly spray, mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 30-40 drops lavender essential oil, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract in a spray bottle.

Then, spray the mixture around your patio to keep flies at bay.

17. Use a mixture of sugar

Fill a small bowl with sugar and add a little bit of water. Then, add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the bowl.

Mix the ingredients together to form a thick paste. Place the bowl on your patio and replace the mixture every few days.

The flies will be attracted to the smell of the apple cider vinegar and sugar, and the paste will trap them.

water

Water is a natural fly repellent, and there are a few ways you can use it to keep flies away from your patio.

First, you can fill a few plastic sandwich bags with water and hang them around your patio.

The reflection of the water and the movement of the bags will help to keep flies away.

You can also try spraying down your patio with a garden hose to get rid of flies.

The water will help to get rid of any fly eggs or larvae, and it will also wash away any food sources that flies may be attracted to.

and almond extract

Flies are attracted to the smell of almond extract, and you can use this to your advantage!

To get rid of flies with almond extract, you can use a few different methods.

One way is to mix a few tablespoons of almond extract with water and then soak some cotton balls in the solution.

Place the soaked cotton balls in a shallow dish and then place the dish in the area where you want to get rid of flies.

The flies will be attracted to the almond extract and then will get stuck in the solution and drown.

Another way to use almond extract to get rid of flies is to mix a few tablespoons of almond extract with water in a spray bottle.

Then, spray the solution around the area where you want to get rid of flies.

The flies will be repelled by the smell of the almond extract and will fly away.

18. Use a mixture of sugar

Mix together equal parts of sugar and honey, then add a few drops of water. Place this mixture in a small bowl and set it outside on your table.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell but won’t be able to escape the sticky mixture.

water

Flies are attracted to water, especially if it’s dirty.

They will lay their eggs in standing water, and if you have a lot of flies, you may not even realize you have a water problem.

Make sure to check your yard for standing water. This can be anything from a pet’s water bowl to a birdbath.

If you have a problem with standing water, make sure to dump it out and refill it regularly.

You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the water to kill any eggs.

If you have a problem with flies in your home, make sure to check under the sink and in the garbage disposal.

These are common places where flies will lay their eggs.

You can also try to keep your grass and plants well-watered. Flies are less likely to lay their eggs in moist soil.

and fruit juice

Flies love fruit, and that’s not just because they enjoy the taste. As fruit starts to go bad, it ferments and releases a sweet aroma that flies can’t resist.

If you’re hosting a party and want to keep flies at bay, make sure to keep your fruit bowls and drinks covered when not in use.

This will help to prevent flies from landing on the fruit and laying eggs, which can cause a whole new problem.

19. Use a mixture of sugar

If you’re looking for a simple fly trap, you can create your own with a few household items.

This recipe calls for sugar, water, and dish soap and is poured into a small bowl.

The sugar in the mixture will attract the flies and the dish soap will kill them.

water

Flies are attracted to the scent of water and can often be found hanging around areas with standing water.

You may not be able to eliminate all sources of standing water, but you can reduce them by fixing leaks, emptying pet bowls, and cleaning out gutters.

Water is also a breeding ground for flies, so it’s a good idea to keep your yard as dry as possible.

Replace wet mulch and soil with dry mulch and soil, and use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in your yard.

and soda

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be happy to know that sugar can also be used to get rid of flies.

That’s right, you can use sugar to attract flies and then kill them. It’s a little twisted, but it works!

You can use a few different methods to kill flies with sugar, but one of the most effective and easiest methods is to make a homemade fly trap with sugar and soda.

To make a homemade fly trap with sugar and soda, simply pour about an inch of soda in the bottom of a cup. Then, add a few spoonfuls of sugar on top of the soda.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell of the sugar and soda, and then they’ll be killed when they land in the liquid.

20. Use a mixture of sugar

A mixture of sugar and dish soap is a good way to attract and kill flies.

To make this fly trap, mix sugar and water in a bowl. Then, add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.

The sugar will attract the flies, and the soap will trap them.

This is a great way to get rid of flies on your patio without using any harsh chemicals.

water

Flies are attracted to water, so you might notice more flies when you water your garden, or after a heavy rain.

You can use this to your advantage and set up a fly trap with a water bottle.

This trick works by making flies think they can lay their eggs in the water, but then they get trapped and drown.

It’s an easy way to get rid of flies and you can use it as a preventative measure, too.

and beer

Flies are attracted to the smell of beer and the sweetness of sugar, which is why this fly trap works so well.

Simply combine a cup of beer with a half cup of sugar and let the mixture sit in a shallow dish or bowl.

The flies will be attracted to the scent and will drown in the liquid.

Just be sure to empty the trap out every few days and replace the liquid to keep the flies coming.

21. Use a mixture of sugar

Flies love sugar and they will be attracted to it. You can use sugar to your advantage and make a mixture that will trap them and kill them.

To make the mixture, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 cup of water in a pot and bring it to a boil.

Let it cool and pour it into a shallow dish. You can also add a couple of drops of dish soap to the mixture to help kill the flies.

The flies will be attracted to the sugar and honey and will get stuck in the mixture. The sugar will also help to kill the flies.

water

If you have a water feature like a fountain, a birdbath, or a small pond, you may have noticed that flies tend to avoid it.

That’s because flies are not strong swimmers and they can easily drown if they land in water.

You can use this to your advantage by putting out small dishes of water around your patio. Flies will be attracted to the water and drown.

This is a simple and effective way to get rid of flies without using any chemicals.

and wine

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors and love to dine al fresco, you know the struggle of keeping flies away from your food and drinks.

Now, there are a few things you can do to keep flies off of your patio, and many of them involve the use of fly repellent.

But what if you don’t like the idea of spraying chemicals around your outdoor living space?

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to keep flies at bay, and many of them involve things you might already have in your kitchen, like herbs and wine.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped you to learn how to get rid of flies outside patio area! Flies are annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your outdoor fun. There are so many ways to prevent flies from showing up and getting rid of them when they do. If you have any outdoor fly ideas, please share them below. We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!