When warm weather arrives, many don’t look forward to the return of flies. These pesky bugs can quickly ruin your outdoor fun. It can be tricky dealing with flies, but with some effort you can avoid these pests. Check out a few tips to help control flies in your outdoor space.
Identifying Flies
Fly species share a few characteristics that make them members of the Diptera order. These insects have large, compound eyes and one pair of wings. Flies vary in size and color depending on their species. They also have different preferences in food and breeding locations. Flies are categorized as large or small filth flies based on these preferences. While some flies are more of a nuisance, others can contaminate food and bite. Flies tend to breed very quickly, which can lead to large infestations.
Why Do I Have So Many Flies Outside?
Flies breed very quickly, which is why infestations can become so large. Not only can flies lay about 100 eggs at a time, but these eggs develop into adult flies in about 10 days. It’s important to check your property to determine where flies are breeding and living. Then you can work to eliminate conducive conditions. If flies are present near your patio or in your yard, something is attracting them. Observe where flies are landing or resting to determine what is attracting them.
Common Types of Flies
There are thousands of fly species in the world, but some are more likely to end up in your space. These are the most common types of flies you will find in your home and yard.
- Housefly: Houseflies have four black stripes on their gray body. They grow between 1/8ʺ-1/4ʺ. They feed and lay eggs on rotting food.
- Cluster Fly: These flies have short, golden hair on their gray-checkered body. They range in size from 5/16ʺ-3/8ʺ. These flies enter homes when looking for a warm spot to overwinter.
- Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are brown or black and about 1/8ʺ. They feed and lay eggs in rotting fruit and vegetables.
- Blow Fly: These flies are metallic blue-green and about ½ʺ. They feed on decaying meat and lay eggs on decaying matter.
- Horse Fly: Horse flies are dark in color with green or purple eyes. They grow between 3/8ʺ-1 1/8ʺ. Female horse flies feed on the blood from animals and humans.
- Black Fly: These black flies are about ¼ʺ. Female black flies need a blood meal to produce eggs. They lay eggs on objects in moving water.
How To Prevent Flies Outdoors
Flies buzzing around can interrupt your fun outdoor activities. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help reduce fly activity in your yard.
- Eliminate Moisture: Moisture can attract flies to your yard. Keep your gutters clean and working properly. Eliminate standing water and make sure there aren’t areas where moisture can collect.
- Mow Your Lawn: Tall grass can retain moisture and it gives flies a place to hide. Regularly mow your lawn to deter flies.
- Remove Yard Debris: Leaf litter, dead plants, and grass clippings are all ideal places for flies to hide and breed. Keep your yard clean and free of yard debris.
- Clean Up After Pet: Many fly species feed and breed on decaying matter including pet droppings. Clean up after your pet frequently to avoid attracting flies.
- Remove Trash: If you enjoy a meal outside, make sure to throw away any trash. Keep your trash bins as clean as possible and ensure they have tight-fitting lids.
- Add Fly-Repelling Plants: There are some plant fragrances that flies can’t stand. Adding plants like mint, rosemary, lavender, and basil to your yard can help prevent fly activity.
How To Get Rid of Flies Outdoors
To get rid of flies in your yard, you can use plant-based insecticide sprays. When the occasional fly pops up, you can spot treat it with our Flying Insect Killer or Home Bug Spray. They kill flies and provide residual repellency protection.
To protect your outdoor space and eliminate an infestation, you can treat your lawn with an effective hose-end product like our Yard Bug Spray. It kills and repels the most common outdoor pests including flies. The repellent properties will help to deter flies from returning to your yard.
Having to swat at flies can make it difficult to enjoy your time outside. Removing attractants and treating your outdoor space will help to control flies in your yard. If flies or other bugs are taking over your yard, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.