Getting rid of flies means removing what draws them in, sealing them out, and trapping the ones already inside. Since flies breed in garbage, food waste, and other decay, cleaning up their breeding spots is the step that keeps them from coming back.
What you'll need
- Trash bags with lids
- Fly traps or sticky strips
- A fly swatter
- Dish soap and vinegar (optional)
- Window screens (optional)
Step by step
- Track down the sourceLook for what is attracting them, such as open trash, dirty dishes, rotting produce, pet waste, or a dead animal in a wall or attic. A persistent indoor swarm often means a breeding site nearby.
- Remove food and wasteTake out the trash, cover bins with tight lids, clean up food scraps and spills, and rinse recyclables. Clean up after pets promptly, indoors and outside.
- Block the way inKeep doors and windows closed or use intact screens, and seal gaps around frames. Flies often come in through the smallest openings left ajar.
- Set traps for the straysHang sticky fly strips or place fly traps near where they gather. A bowl of vinegar with a drop of dish soap can also draw in smaller flies.
- Swat or vacuum the restDeal with the remaining flies directly using a swatter, or vacuum up clusters resting on windows and walls.
- Keep it clean to prevent moreMaintain covered trash, wiped surfaces, and screened windows. Steady cleanliness stops new flies from breeding and settling in.
Handy tips
- Empty kitchen trash more often in warm weather, when flies breed fastest.
- A sudden indoor swarm with no obvious food source can mean a dead rodent or bird; try to locate and remove it.
- Fans create airflow that flies dislike, helping keep them away from doorways and seating areas.
Heads up
- A large, sudden indoor cluster of flies can point to a decaying animal in a wall, attic, or crawlspace, which may need to be located and removed to solve the problem.
FAQ
Why do I suddenly have so many flies indoors?
A sudden burst usually means something is breeding them nearby, such as hidden food waste, a dirty drain, or a dead animal. Finding and removing that source is the fix.
Do vinegar traps work on all flies?
They work best on small fruit flies drawn to fermenting smells. Larger house flies respond better to sticky strips, cleanliness, and keeping them out with screens.
How can I keep flies out for good?
Keep trash covered, surfaces clean, and screens intact, and deal with pet waste quickly. Removing food and breeding sites is what keeps their numbers down.