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How to control flies inside and outside your home

A backyard garden features a lemon tree with a yellow fruit fly trap, surrounded by greenery and a wood-fired oven on a concrete table.

Overview

Flies can quickly become a nuisance both inside and outside the home, but with the right approach, you can keep them under control. Let’s explore some practical ways to reduce the fly population and prevent them from returning.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Remove food sources and moisture

    Flies are attracted to food, moisture, and decaying matter. To reduce their presence, make sure to cover or clean up anything that might draw them. For indoors, this means cleaning up food spills, storing food properly, and regularly emptying rubbish bins. Pet food should also be stored in sealed containers. For your outdoor spaces, keep compost piles covered, clean up animal waste, and make sure any damp areas like puddles or water bowls are emptied or maintained.

    A person is holding a plate with crumbled pieces of bread on a countertop
  2. 2

    Identify the type of flies you're dealing with

    Knowing the type of flies around your home will help you choose the right control methods. Houseflies are usually found near food and waste meanwhile fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruit and fermented items. Drain flies thrive in moist areas such as sinks and drains and blowflies are often found around decaying organic matter, such as compost or waste. 
    A black bowl filled with bananas, apples, and oranges sits on a white kitchen countertop.
  3. 3

    Use organic solutions for a natural approach

    If you prefer an eco-friendly approach to fly control, there are several organic methods you can try. Fly-repelling plants like basil and lavender around your home are a natural deterrent for flies so try planting them close to your home. You can also use essential oils to repel flies such as citronella or eucalyptus. Make a homemade spray, by simply adding a few drops to distilled water or use them in a diffuser to keep flies at bay.

    Additionally, organic fly traps are a great option for indoor use, especially near areas where flies tend to gather, such as fruit bowls. These fly traps use non-toxic bait to lure and capture flies without the need for chemicals.

    A person is holding a box labeled "TheBuzz Citrus Gall Wasp & Fruit Fly Trap" with a "Go Organic!" tagline.
  4. 4

    Use pesticide-based products for tougher infestations

    If flies are particularly bad, you may need to use pesticide-based products for a quicker solution. Fly sprays are fast-acting and can be applied directly to flies or sprayed in areas where they tend to gather, such as around windows or rubbish bins. Fly baits are also highly effective, especially outdoors in areas like bins, compost heaps, or pet zones, helping to reduce the fly population before they make their way inside your home.

    A person is holding a red pest control spray can inside an open cabinet filled with cleaning supplies.
  5. 5

    Place control products where flies are most active

    To maximise the effectiveness of your fly control methods, it's important to place products strategically. Indoors, focus on areas where flies gather most, such as near windows, doors, kitchens, and rubbish bins using organic traps or sprays in these spots will help catch them where they are most active. Outdoors, place baits or traps in fly-prone areas like compost piles, bins, and pet areas to control the population before flies make their way inside.

    A person is holding two fruit fly traps, one labeled "Yates Indoor Fruit Fly Trap" and the other "Cera Trap Organic Fruit Fly Trap.
  6. 6

    Install or repair fly screens to prevent entry

    One of the easiest ways to keep flies out of your home is by installing or repairing fly screens on your windows and doors. Make sure your screens are free of holes or gaps where flies can enter. Well-maintained fly screens act as a simple yet effective barrier to stop flies from getting inside, and along with the other methods, should help control flies inside and outside your house.

    Different types of fly screen rolls, including Fibreglass, PureView, Pet Mesh, and Aluminium, are displayed on a table.
  7. 7

    Looking for more ways to keep pests away from your home?

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.