Flies can be a nuisance when you are trying to enjoy the great outdoors. From picnics to barbecues, these pesky insects always seem to find a way to buzz around and ruin your fun. But fear not, there are several effective ways to repel flies outside and keep them at bay. In this article, we will explore various methods to help you enjoy your outdoor activities fly-free.
1. Keep Your Outdoor Area Clean
One of the most important ways to repel flies outside is to maintain a clean outdoor area. Flies are attracted to food and garbage, so make sure to:
- Dispose of trash regularly: Make sure your trash bins have tightly closed lids and are emptied frequently to avoid attracting flies.
- Clean up after meals: Pick up any food scraps or spills immediately to prevent flies from being attracted to your outdoor eating area.
- Remove standing water: Flies are also drawn to standing water, so make sure to eliminate any sources of stagnant water in your outdoor space.
2. Use Fly Repellent Plants
Plants are a natural way to repel flies outside. Consider planting these fly-repelling plants in your outdoor area:
- Lavender: Flies are repelled by the strong scent of lavender. Plant it in pots or in your garden to keep flies away.
- Basil: Not only does basil repel flies, but it can also be used in cooking. Plant basil around your outdoor seating area to repel flies naturally.
- Mint: Mint is another plant that flies dislike. Plant it in pots and place them strategically around your outdoor space.
3. Use Fly Traps
If you are dealing with a large number of flies in your outdoor area, consider using fly traps to catch and eliminate them. There are several types of fly traps available:
- Fly paper: Hang strips of sticky fly paper in areas where flies are a problem. The flies will stick to the paper and be unable to escape.
- Fly traps: These traps use bait to attract flies and then trap them inside a container. Place them strategically around your outdoor space to catch flies.
- Electric fly zappers: These devices use UV light to attract flies and then zap them with an electric current. Place them away from where you are sitting to avoid flies being attracted to you.
4. Make a Homemade Fly Repellent
If you prefer to use natural ingredients to repel flies outside, you can make a homemade fly repellent using essential oils. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Ingredients: 10 drops each of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and lemongrass oil, 1 cup of water, and a spray bottle.
- Instructions: Mix the essential oils with water in the spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray it around your outdoor area to repel flies.
5. Use Citronella Candles
Citronella is a natural insect repellent that is commonly used to repel flies outside. Citronella candles can create a barrier around your outdoor space and deter flies from entering. Place several citronella candles around your seating area to keep flies at bay.
6. Install Fly Screens
If flies are a constant problem in your outdoor area, consider installing fly screens on windows and doors to prevent them from entering. Fly screens allow you to enjoy the fresh air while keeping flies outside where they belong.
7. Keep Food Covered
Flies are attracted to food, so keeping your food covered when dining outdoors is essential in repelling flies. Use food covers or mesh screen domes to protect your food from flies while enjoying a meal outside.
8. Avoid Bright Colors
Flies are attracted to bright colors, so try to avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or using brightly colored outdoor decor. Opt for neutral colors to help reduce the chances of attracting flies to your outdoor space.
9. Keep Your Pet’s Area Clean
If you have pets that spend time outdoors, make sure to keep their living areas clean to prevent flies from being attracted to pet waste. Regularly clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly to help repel flies outside.
10. Use Fly Repellent Sprays
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to repel flies outside, consider using fly repellent sprays. These sprays are specifically formulated to keep flies away and can be applied to your outdoor seating area to create a fly-free zone.
By following these tips and methods, you can effectively repel flies outside and enjoy your outdoor activities without the annoyance of pesky flies buzzing around. Experiment with different strategies to find the best solution for your outdoor space and say goodbye to flies for good!
