Flies are one of the most common household pests. They’re not only annoying when they buzz around your kitchen or lounge room but can also spread bacteria and contaminate food. If you’ve noticed an increase in flies inside your home, it’s important to act quickly. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get rid of flies inside the house, from immediate fixes to long-term prevention strategies.
Why Flies Come Inside Your Home
Understanding why flies are attracted to your home is the first step to keeping them away. Flies usually enter houses for three main reasons:
- Food sources – Leftovers, fruit, sugary drinks, and even crumbs can attract flies.
- Moisture – Leaking taps, drains, or damp areas provide breeding grounds.
- Shelter – Flies enter homes to escape the weather, especially in summer and rainy seasons.
By removing these attractions, you’ll immediately reduce the number of flies indoors.
Common Types of Flies Found Indoors
Different flies may require different control methods. The most common indoor types include:
- Houseflies – The most frequent visitors, attracted to food waste and rubbish.
- Fruit flies – Small, quick-moving flies often seen around overripe fruit or fermenting liquids.
- Drain flies – Fuzzy-looking flies that breed in moist drains.
- Blowflies – Larger flies that are attracted to decaying organic matter.
Knowing what type you’re dealing with helps you apply the right solution.
Quick Ways to Get Rid of Flies
If you already have flies inside, you’ll want to get rid of them fast. Here are some immediate solutions:
- Use fly swatters or electric fly zappers – Quick and effective for small infestations.
- Set vinegar traps – Place a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap to lure and trap flies.
- Sticky fly traps – Hang these near windows or food areas.
- Essential oil sprays – Oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint can repel flies naturally.
These solutions work well for short-term relief, but for lasting results, prevention is key.
Cleaning Habits That Keep Flies Away
A clean home is the best defence against flies. Adopting a few daily habits can make a huge difference:
- Take out rubbish regularly – Don’t let bins overflow.
- Clean kitchen surfaces – Wipe down benches after cooking and eating.
- Wash dishes quickly – Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.
- Store food properly – Keep leftovers in sealed containers.
- Vacuum and sweep often – Crumbs on the floor are an easy food source for flies.
These simple routines starve flies of the things they come looking for.
Natural Repellents to Try
If you prefer chemical-free solutions, natural repellents can help keep flies out:
- Herbs – Plant basil, mint, or rosemary in pots near doors and windows.
- Citrus peels – Flies dislike the smell of citrus; leaving orange or lemon peels around can deter them.
- Cloves in lemons – Stick cloves into a halved lemon and place it on the table.
- Essential oils – Mix a few drops with water and spray around doorways and windows.
These natural solutions are safe, budget-friendly, and add a pleasant scent to your home.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
To make sure flies don’t keep coming back, try these long-term fixes:
- Install fly screens – Fit screens to doors and windows to block entry.
- Check for gaps and cracks – Seal small openings where flies may enter.
- Fix plumbing leaks – Standing water attracts flies like drain flies and mosquitoes.
- Keep compost covered – Always use a lid or cover to stop flies breeding.
- Maintain your yard – Trim grass, remove fallen fruit, and clean pet areas.
Interestingly, many people ask not only about flies indoors but also how to get rid of flies outside. Outdoor cleanliness plays a big role in preventing them from entering your home in the first place.
When to Use Chemical Solutions
Sometimes, natural methods aren’t enough. If flies are persistent, chemical solutions may be necessary. Options include:
- Insect sprays – Use sparingly indoors and always follow safety instructions.
- Residual sprays – These can be applied around windows, doorways, and bins.
- Professional pest control – For severe infestations, calling an expert ensures safe and effective treatment.
It’s best to use chemicals only as a last resort, especially if you have kids or pets at home.
Fly-Proofing Different Rooms in Your House
Each room in your home can attract flies for different reasons. Understanding why they’re drawn to certain spaces helps you take the right steps to keep them away. Here’s how to protect key areas:
Kitchen
The kitchen is the number one hotspot for flies since it provides easy access to food and moisture.
- Keep food sealed in airtight containers and refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible.
- Wipe down counters, stovetops, and tables after every meal to remove crumbs and spills.
- Take out the rubbish daily and make sure bins are closed with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean drains regularly with baking soda and vinegar to eliminate organic build-up where flies can breed.
- Check fruit bowls often—overripe fruit is a magnet for fruit flies.
Living Room
Although you may not cook here, flies are still attracted to food crumbs and warmth.
- Remove food crumbs after snacks and vacuum regularly to prevent hidden food sources.
- Use a fan to create airflow, making it harder for flies to land or hover.
- Keep windows and doors fitted with fly screens so insects can’t sneak in.
- If you have indoor plants, avoid overwatering as damp soil can attract fungus gnats.
Bathroom
Moisture and drains make bathrooms another common breeding ground.
- Keep drains clear and flush them weekly with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to prevent drain flies.
- Wash floor mats and towels regularly to reduce moisture that can attract insects.
- Keep the toilet lid down when not in use to prevent flies from being drawn to standing water.
- Ensure proper ventilation by using an exhaust fan or opening windows to reduce dampness.
Laundry Area
Laundry spaces often hold damp fabrics and stagnant water that appeal to flies.
- Don’t leave damp clothes sitting in baskets or washing machines for long periods.
- Keep the area dry by wiping up spills and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Regularly clean lint filters in dryers, as dust and moisture can build up and attract insects.
- Store dirty laundry in a closed hamper rather than an open pile.
By tailoring your cleaning and maintenance habits room by room, you can create an environment that is much less appealing to flies. Over time, these preventative measures will make your whole house a less inviting space for pests to settle in.
Outdoor Factors That Affect Indoor Flies
Even if you keep your house spotless, outdoor conditions can invite flies inside. Consider:
- Rubbish bins – Keep lids tightly closed.
- Pet waste – Clean up droppings in the yard daily.
- BBQ areas – Wipe down grills and tables after use.
- Standing water – Empty buckets, bird baths, or any water-holding items.
Managing outdoor areas is just as important as cleaning inside.
Final Thoughts
Flies inside the house are more than a nuisance—they can affect your health and comfort. The good news is that with the right mix of cleaning habits, natural repellents, and preventive steps, you can keep them under control.
By applying these methods consistently, you’ll not only learn how to get rid of flies inside the house but also how to stop them from returning. A cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable home environment is well within reach.