How to Get Rid of Flies on Your Outdoor Patio
Nothing ruins an outdoor gathering quite as fast as flies swarming your picnic area and covering your food. To keep your patio enclosure area free from these buzzing pests, try these tricks for keeping them at bay.
Keep Food Covered
Flies are notorious for crashing picnics and will want a taste of your grilled meats and sweet treats. When serving food on your patio, keep platters covered with mesh food screens. You can find inexpensive ones at your local party store, or you can make one yourself if you’re crafty.
Clean Up After Pets
Flies hover around animal droppings because they are attracted to strong smells. Reduce the odds that they will hover in your backyard by cleaning up after your dog on a daily basis. Use a plastic bag to pick up feces and tie it shut before dropping waste into a sealed garbage can.
Cover Trash and Compost Bins
Rotting food in your trash cans or even an organic composter can attract flies. Keep these covered tightly and take trash to the curb for pickup regularly. A closed composter will also keep insects at bay while allowing you to recycle food scraps and grass clippings. If you prefer to maintain a compost pile instead, add a layer of dried leaves or straw to cover wet waste like food scraps to deter flies.
Remove Standing Water
Flies are attracted to standing water around your property. Remove buckets or birdbaths that hold stagnant water after a rainfall, and check for debris that holds hidden puddles. Getting rid of these water sources can keep flies from multiplying.
Plant Fly-Repelling Herbs
Decorate your patio area with potted plants and keep flies away at the same time by choosing varieties known to repel these pesty insects. Basil, bay laurel, mint and lavender are all fragrant, and they can also be used to spice up your recipes. Wormwood, tansy, rue and citronella grass are good choices for planting beds near your patio as well.
Make All-Natural Fly Repellent
Flies dislike the smell of cloves. Use this to your advantage by making some decorative fly repellents for your patio. To make a pomander, press the sharp end of whole cloves into an apple or orange. Place a few around your patio furniture and flies should leave you alone.
When you keep your yard neat and follow a few simple tips for getting rid of flies, you can enjoy your patio with your friends and family – without any unwanted pests to ruin your fun. And, if you’re looking for a perfect outdoor experience, contact Shading Texas for a free consultation on a patio enclosure for your home.
