Flies also hate the smell of cinnamon and essential oils, such as lavender and lemongrass. Light candles with these scents in places you want to keep flies away. You can easily lure and kill flies with bait and an empty container, like a soda bottle or mason jar. First, determine the best bait for your trap, whether it's apple cider vinegar, old fruit, sugar water, old wine, bread yeast, honey or syrup (anything sweet, really!). Then, you can create a DIY solution with dish soap to easily trap and drown the flies. Look for a fly trap that is durable and made from high-quality materials. A well-made trap will last longer and be more effective at catching flies. Care Below, we’ve outlined seven methods for how to get rid of flies outside, whether it’s your whole yard that you’re trying to protect, or just your outside eating space. Find the Source and Eliminate It

According to Ehrlich Pest Control, flies are attracted to the heat in our homes. They also love light, garbage and damaged food. Warm and cluttered spots are their preferred breeding areas, so it's recommended to remove garbage at least twice a week. Other helpful solutions include cleaning out drains and not allowing trash bins to overflow. Most fly traps are inexpensive and will catch a large number of flies before they need to be replaced. Reusable traps may be more expensive but will provide good value since you don’t need to be constantly shopping for a replacement. Electric traps will be the most expensive type of trap but are effective at killing a high number of flies and can last for months or even years if well-maintained. Capacity Most fly traps should automatically attract and trap flies when they venture too close. However, knowing exactly where to place the trap helps yield the best possible results. Here are a few tips we think will help maximize the effectiveness of your new fly trap. Simple and aesthetic in design, this bug zapper is a breeze to set up. You can hang it using the included chain-and-hook set, or simply set it on a hard, even surface, as long as an outlet is nearby. We also found the upkeep to be easy as well, with a removable plastic tray at the bottom that is dishwasher-safe. We appreciatethe ease of use and the self-cleaning electric grid. One thing to note is that this zapper is loud and very bright so if you are using it indoors, you will want to put it in an area you can avoid.

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Traps are designed for inside, outside, or both. For example, zap traps typically can’t be used outside because precipitation and electricity don’t mix. On the other hand, container traps typically have a hook to hang on a post. Choose a trap that works wherever you’re seeing a large number of flies. Safety The goal: Flies smell the bait and fly into the bottle to get to it. Once inside, they won't be able to fly up the narrow opening. Once trapped, they'll eventually die off. What you'll need Use multiple fly traps for the best results. Place them strategically to cover the entire area and maximize their effectiveness. No matter if the flies are in your kitchen, basement, or screened-in porch, they can be a nuisance to get rid of. As opposed to a swatter that requires you to chase them around your home, a trap does the work for you after being set, helping you fix your fly problem. Consider the capacity of the fly trap, especially if you’re using it in a commercial or high-traffic area. A larger trap will be able to hold more flies and require less frequent emptying. Durability

To hang your trap, punch two holes at the top of the bottle. Then, thread a piece of wire or sturdy string through the holes, attach the ends and hang it wherever you please. Place your fly trap in an area where flies are most likely to be found, such as near doors or windows. Keep the trap away from your kitchen or other food preparation areas. The Victor Fly Magnet is a tidy container that uses bait to lure flies under its tented lid and into the depths of its glass chamber. The flies drown in the jar, which can hold dozens of winged insects. The scent of this compact outdoor fly trap also repels stinging insects such as bees and wasps.

Cut a water or soda bottle, making the bottom half slightly taller than the top. Remove the bottle cap. After following our steps, your home should be bug-free in no time, and once the flies are gone, prevention is key — so we've also included tips below to get rid of flies for good.

Whether you have one stray housefly or a fruit fly infestation, you could benefit from a fly trap. To decide which fly trap is best for your needs, we recommend considering the following factors. TypeMost fly traps use either bait or UV light to attract flies. While UV light is harmless, bait may be made from chemicals. If you have pets or children, keep these traps out of reach, or opt for a pesticide-free bait. Zap traps also pose a safety risk if kids or pets touch them. Price

Container traps lure flies with bait and make it impossible for them to leave. Some container traps are reusable with bait refills, like the Victor Fly Magnet Reusable Trap With Bait: others need to be thrown out once full. A zapper, while not technically a trap, lures insects with its ultraviolet light and eliminates them with an electric charge, like the ASPECTEK 20W Electric Indoor Bug Zapper.Flies are attracted to sweet or decaying odors, so use bait that mimics those smells. This may include sugar water, rotting fruit, or fruit juice. This article was written by Amanda Rose Newton, a freelance writer and garden reviewer for The Spruce. As an entomologist, she delighted in personally testing out the products to provide advice to those with different needs, homes, and price points when it comes to pest control. Change the bait regularly, ideally every few days. As the bait in the trap starts to decompose, it will become less effective over time.