15 Natural & Storebought Methods for Killing Flies inside Your Home

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Quickly get rid of flies in your house and KEEP them out
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Flies are definitely a nuisance when they’re buzzing around inside. Those annoying bugs can spread bacteria to anything they touch, so it’s important to kill them as soon as you can. Whether you’re dealing with a few stray flies or a swarm that found their way in, we spoke to pest control professionals to teach you all the best ways to get rid of them, including natural and commercial methods. Plus, we’ll also teach you how to keep flies away in the first place.

How do you kill house flies?

Pest control specialist Kevin Carrillo recommends hanging up fly tape to catch flies quickly. Other options include the following:

  • Set out containers with vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke a hole in it so flies can get in but not out.
  • Place UV light traps where you see the most flies to attract and catch them quickly.
  • Try spreading basil, lemon, or lavender essential oils, or diatomaceous earth around doors and windows to kill flies on contact.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Get Rid of Flies Naturally

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  1. Step 1 Kill flies you see with a fly swatter.
    Get a stiff plastic swatter and keep it within reach. Whenever you see a fly, aim your swatter about 1 ⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) behind it and quickly strike down. Pick up the dead fly and clean up the mess left behind with an all-purpose cleaner.[1]
    • If you want to avoid wiping up after swatting a fly, then get an electric swatter. Swing at flies in the air to kill them on contact so they drop onto the floor without getting squashed.[2]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Wilson Christner is a pest management professional and the co-owner of Whitmore Pest & Wildlife Control. He has over 14 years of experience.

    Brandon Runyon is a board-certified entomologist and pest control expert based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience and is the technical director of Swat Pest Management.

    Kevin Carrillo is a pest control specialist and the senior project manager for MMPC, a pest control service based in the NYC area. MMPC’s work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

    Joshua Bloom is a pest control specialist and the vice president of operations of Standard Pest Management, a pest control company based in NYC. He has over 20 years of experience.

    Luke Lewis is a pest management expert and the founder and president of Native Pest Management. He has led the company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control.

  2. Step 2 Create a DIY fly trap with vinegar or fruit juice.
    Pest management professional Wilson Christner says, “Create a simple homemade fly trap by filling a shallow dish with a mixture of sugar and vinegar or fruit juice. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it. Flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and get trapped in the liquid.”[3] Leave out multiple traps and replace the vinegar every few days.
    • Use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
    • Add in a few drops of fruit-scented dish soap to disrupt the surface tension of the vinegar. When the smell attracts the flies and they land on the liquid, they’ll get stuck and drown.
    • Alternatively, leave out an open bottle of red wine with a tiny amount of wine left in it. The flies will be able to enter the bottle easily, but have a difficult time getting out again.
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  3. Step 3 Create a funnel trap with sugar water and an old soda bottle.
    To make a DIY funnel trap, cut the top third of a large soda bottle off with a utility knife just above the label. Then, fill the bottom section of the bottle with a little bit of sugar water. Set the top part of the bottle upside-down on the bottom section so it creates a funnel. Set the trap in areas where you see the most flies, and change the liquid out at least once a week.[4]
    • Flies will fly down inside the bottle, but they won’t be able to easily find their way back out and get caught in the liquid.
    • You can also add a bit of yeast to the sugar water mixture to attract the flies.
  4. Step 4 Use essential oils to kill and repel flies.
    Essential oils of thyme, clove, geranium, basil, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint all have fly repellent or insecticidal properties. Spread the essential oils near entryways or in rooms where you’ve seen flies gather to help kill them and keep them away.[5]
    • Mix an essential oil spray with 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of witch hazel, 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of apple cider vinegar, and 30–50 drops of essential oil to treat areas where flies gather.
    • Alternatively, put a few drops of fly-repellant oil in an essential oil diffuser and place it in a room where flies are a problem.
    • All of the essential oils listed above may be harmful to pets if they’re undiluted. If you notice your furry friend has behavioral changes, muscle weakness, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop using essential oils and tell your vet that your pet has been exposed.[6]
    • Entomology and pest control expert Brandon Runyon adds that this might not be the most effective method: “While natural deterrents like clove, cinnamon, lavender, and eucalyptus can have some repellent effects due to their strong scents, they are not foolproof solutions. These deterrents may work by masking the odors that attract flies, but their effectiveness varies.”[7]
  5. Step 5 Grow fly-repellant herbs in your house.
    Basil, bay leaf, mint, rosemary, and lavender all have strong scents that flies will avoid. Grow herbs in your kitchen or outside on your patio or garden to keep the flies away. Plus, you’ll have fresh herbs and spices to add to your cooking for fresh flavors![8]
    • Leaving sachets with dried spices also works as a repellent. Try filling them with dried cloves, lavender, or basil leaves and hanging them around your home.
    • Try growing Venus flytraps indoors or outside. When a fly lands inside the flytrap, its jaws close and kill the fly. Flytraps take 5–10 days to fully break down a fly after they close, so they may not be the best for quickly getting rid of flies.
    • Cut a lemon in half and push about 20–25 cloves into the fruit to make a strong-scented repellent. Set the lemon near a window or anywhere else you see flies to deter them.
  6. 6
    Make a cayenne pepper repellent spray. Flies are supposedly deterred by the scent of cayenne pepper.[9] Mix 1 tbsp (5 g) of cayenne pepper in 2 cups (473 ml) of hot water. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes so the pepper’s smell infuses into the water. Then, spray the repellent around your house to get rid of flies.
  7. 7
    Hang up some orange peels. Flies may be deterred by the smell of citrus. To test this DIY method out, either scatter orange peels around problem areas or place several in a muslin cloth bag and hang them in your kitchen.
  8. 8
    Trap flies in petroleum jelly. If you have flies hanging around your drains, fill a small bowl with petroleum jelly and place it near the drains. This will attract flies, and over time, they’ll get stuck in the jelly.[10]
  9. Step 9 Dust diatomaceous earth on flies to kill them on contact.
    Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic insecticide dust that simply works by damaging the flies’ exoskeletons. Load the diatomaceous earth into a small pesticide duster and puff a little onto your houseplants, into garbage cans, and onto other surfaces where flies congregate.[11]
    • Diatomaceous earth has low toxicity, but avoid applying it to areas where you prepare or eat food.
    • Use diatomaceous earth every 1–2 weeks until the fly infestation goes away.
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Section 2 of 3:

Using Commercial Traps & Repellents

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  1. Step 1 Hang fly tape to catch flies.
    If you only have a few flies, Carrillo recommends that you “go to your local drugstore or hardware store and buy a roll of fly tape… Put it either in a kitchen, bathroom, or somewhere the flies are going to be attracted to an already-existing food source.”[12] Once the strip of fly tape fills up, throw it in the trash and hang up a new one.
    • Carrillo adds, “If you put up fly paper and quickly find way more flies on it than you thought you had in your house, then you need to go back and start looking for what food sources or issues are attracting them.”[13]
    • Hang fly tape near windows and entrances, as well.
    • Avoid hanging fly tape directly above areas where you cook or eat since flies could fall off and land in your food.
  2. Step 2 Use light traps to catch larger flies.
    Plug your light traps in approximately 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) above the floor and every 30 feet (9.1 m). Flies are lured in by the UV light, and then they get stuck on a glue board or killed by an electric shock.[14]
    • Position the traps around your home so they’re not visible from outside, or else the light could lure new flies inside.
    • Avoid placing traps within 5 feet (1.5 m) of any areas where you prepare food so flies don’t spread bacteria over utensils or groceries.
    • Set up outdoor light traps near entrances to your home to kill the flies before they have a chance to get inside.
  3. 3
    Light a citronella candle. Citronella candles contain citronella essential oil, which naturally deters many flying insects, including house flies.[15] Simply light the candles and place them around windows and doorways, making sure they’re away from any flammable materials. Turn on some fans to blow the scent into the air and further deter flies.
  4. Step 4 Use insecticide fly bait.
    Baits either come as pre-baited traps, pellets, or liquid solutions that can be applied to areas where flies like to gather. Any of the baits are effective, so just set them out where you see flies congregating the most in your home. The flies will eat the bait and quickly die from the insecticides inside.[16]
    • A popular form of fly bait is window decal traps. Affix the decal to a window away from where you prepare food. Flies eat the pesticide coating on the decal and die, typically on or near the windowsill.
    • Fly baits can be dangerous to pets and children, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and use them in places that your kids and pets can’t easily reach.
  5. Step 5 Kill flies directly with pyrethrin spray.
    Only spray flies that are away from areas where you eat and prepare food so it doesn’t get contaminated. Follow the pyrethrin spray’s safety instructions carefully. Typically, all you have to do is shake the can and spray the insecticide directly at the flies to immediately kill them.[17]
    • Point the spray away from you when you’re applying it. You don’t need to wear a mask or respirator, but avoid directly inhaling the spray since it can cause irritation in your nose and lungs.
    • Try not to use insecticides unless you’re struggling to deal with an infestation, so you avoid exposure to chemicals. Natural traps and repellents that we’ve listed above are just as effective for flies.
  6. Step 6 Treat doorways and windows with residual pyrethroid spray.
    Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and synthetic pyrethroids use the same chemicals.[18] Apply the spray around door and window frames doorways can help deter flies from entering your home. Then, check your home’s exterior for any cracks or gaps and spray them as well.[19]
    • Follow all the safety instructions on the pesticide bottle. You may need to wear safety glasses or a face mask to protect yourself from fumes.
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Prevent Flies in Your Home

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  1. 1
    Determine what kind of flies you’re dealing with. Different flies are attracted to different things, so not all prevention methods will work for every type of fly. Pest control specialist Joshua Bloom says, “Fungus gnats come from overwatered plants, fruit flies from overripe fruit or produce, phorid flies from trash and organic matter, moth/drain flies from drains, and house flies from standing trash.”[20] Pay attention to what the flies are most attracted to so you know how to get rid of them.
  2. Step 2 Clean up food and food waste immediately.
    Flies are attracted to moist organic material, which acts as both a source of food and a place to lay eggs. Store food in the fridge or in tightly-sealed containers rather than leaving it on the counter. If you spilled any food or drinks, clean them up as soon as you notice them with a damp paper towel.[21]
    • Wash dishes immediately after use so flies don’t get into food scraps left behind.
    • Throw food scraps in your trash or run them through your sink’s garbage disposal.
    • Keep fruit flies away by getting rid of any old fruit or unwashed bottles that contained juice, soda, or beer.
  3. Step 3 Keep your garbage area clean and sealed.
    Bloom says, “Dispose of trash properly, keep it bagged or in an enclosed can, and keep the area clean.”[22] Take out the garbage in your home frequently so flies don’t gather inside. Check for signs of pupae or maggots underneath garbage container lids and liners. If you see any, kill the maggots with boiling water or vinegar, and clean your garbage can and the area around it with soapy water.[23]
    EXPERT TIP
    Luke Lewis

    Luke Lewis

    Pest Management Expert
    Luke Lewis is a Pest Management Expert and the Founder and President of Native Pest Management. Luke has led his company for over 7 years and specializes in pet-friendly and eco-friendly pest control, termite control, and lawn care. Native Pest Management was named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in America. Luke holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida and is a graduate of UF's Pest Management University.
    Luke Lewis
    Luke Lewis
    Pest Management Expert

    Focus on locating the source where the flies are breeding. Flies will breed in pet droppings, decomposing trash, and rodent carcasses. If you can find and remove the source, you can quickly achieve total fly control and potentially never see a fly in your kitchen again.

  4. Step 4 Get rid of used diapers and animal waste.
    “Flies will breed in pet droppings,” explains pest management expert Luke Lewis.[25] Take out any garbage containing human or animal waste as quickly as possible so it doesn’t sit inside your home. If you have cats, change the kitty litter frequently since flies are attracted to the waste. Keep diaper bins tightly sealed and change them frequently since they’re also hotspots where flies may congregate.[26]
    • If you’re picking up after a dog outside, tie the bag tightly before putting it in your trash so flies can’t reach it.
  5. Step 5 Clean under and around appliances.
    Flies like to breed in warm, dark areas, like underneath your fridge or oven. Move your stove and fridge so you can sweep the area. Then, mop your floors with warm, soapy water. Check under and around your appliances every few weeks to ensure no flies have called it home.[27]
    • After cleaning up these areas, thoroughly rinse and wring out any mops, sponges, or cleaning rags that you used, and hang them to dry since flies could breed there as well.
  6. Step 6 Clean your drains.
    Built-up organic material in drains can attract certain species of flies. Use a drain snake to clear out organic material, then scrub the drain with a stiff brush. Alternatively, pour boiling water down the drain to help loosen debris and kill any flies that are in your drain.[28]
    • Chlorine bleach and commercial drain cleaners like Drano are not typically effective for eliminating fly infestations in drains, so avoid using them.
    • If scrubbing doesn’t clean out your drain enough, try an antibacterial drain cleaner like Bio-Clean. If you have a septic system, make sure that the package says that it’s safe to use for your drains.
  7. Step 7 Put screens on your windows and doors.
    According to Bloom, when it comes to preventing flies, “Exclusion is always best; sealing them out is key.”[29] If you have any open windows or doors, make sure you have screens in place to keep unwanted insects out. Install a screen door on exterior doorways and replace window screens to let in a breeze but keep flies out.
    • If you already have screens on your windows and doors, inspect them regularly for tears or damage, and repair them by attaching a screen patch.
    • Check for any open attic vents that may need a screen as well.
    • Bloom suggests keeping doors closed when you’re not using them, as well.[30]
  8. Step 8 Fill in cracks, crevices, and spaces around pipes with caulk.
    Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks in the siding, foundation, or window frames. If you find any, apply a bead of caulk inside the gap to fill them and prevent flies from coming into your home.[31]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I keep flies from coming into my house?
    Joshua Bloom
    Joshua Bloom
    Pest Control Specialist
    Joshua Bloom is a Pest Control Specialist and the Vice President of Operations of Standard Pest Management, a pest control company based in New York City. He has over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry and specializes in commercial and large facility pest control management. Standard Pest Control also specializes in ant, bed bug, cockroach, fly, and rodent control. Joshua is licensed by the NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) for termite control.
    Joshua Bloom
    Joshua Bloom
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Check the screens on your windows and make sure that there are no rips or tears, and keep your doors closed as much as possible. Also, dispose of your trash properly—keep it bagged or in a closed can, and keep the area clean.
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Tips

  • If flies continue getting into your home and you’re unable to control them, then contact a pest control specialist. Explain what you’ve already tried and where you notice the flies so they can find out how the flies are getting in.
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Tips from our Readers

  • Put a small dish of vodka by open entrances. Flies don't like the smell of vodka.
  • Don't praise pets for eating flies. They can make pets sick in some cases!
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Warnings

  • House flies can transmit harmful diseases, so try to control an infestation as soon as possible to prevent getting sick.[32]
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References

  1. ↑ https://ipminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/School-IPM-2020-Pest-Management-Strategic-Plan-V3.0.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a25429/how-to-get-rid-of-flies/
  3. ↑ Wilson Christner. Pest Management Professional. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1103
  5. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvec.12357
  6. ↑ https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/a-scent-sitive-subject-essential-oil-diffusers-and-your-cat/
  7. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/plants-that-repel-bugs/
  9. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/a32858803/how-to-get-rid-house-flies/
  1. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-keep-flies-away-from-house-11757769
  2. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/cluster-flies-and-other-winter-flies-5-618/
  3. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://ipminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/School-IPM-2020-Pest-Management-Strategic-Plan-V3.0.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-keep-flies-away-from-house-11757769
  7. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/less-toxic-insecticides/
  8. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/less-toxic-insecticides/
  9. ↑ https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHS.aspx?phsid=785&toxid=153
  10. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7457.html
  11. ↑ Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pest-control/how-to-kill-flies
  13. ↑ Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ https://ipminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/School-IPM-2020-Pest-Management-Strategic-Plan-V3.0.pdf
  15. ↑ Elmer Bensinger. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ Luke Lewis. Pest Management Expert. Expert Interview
  17. ↑ https://ipminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/School-IPM-2020-Pest-Management-Strategic-Plan-V3.0.pdf
  18. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_to_get_rid_of_fruit_flies_in_your_home
  19. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/drain-flies
  20. ↑ Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  21. ↑ Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  22. ↑ https://ipminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/School-IPM-2020-Pest-Management-Strategic-Plan-V3.0.pdf
  23. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/flies-in-the-home-5-502/

About This Article

Joshua Bloom
Co-authored by:
Joshua Bloom
Pest Control Specialist
This article was co-authored by Joshua Bloom and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Joshua Bloom is a Pest Control Specialist and the Vice President of Operations of Standard Pest Management, a pest control company based in New York City. He has over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry and specializes in commercial and large facility pest control management. Standard Pest Control also specializes in ant, bed bug, cockroach, fly, and rodent control. Joshua is licensed by the NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) for termite control. This article has been viewed 5,383,131 times.
22 votes - 72%
Co-authors: 49
Updated: October 2, 2025
Views: 5,383,131
Categories: Fly Control
Article SummaryX

If you've already removed any garbage that might be attracting your flies but they are still pestering you, you can get rid of flies in the house by putting out bowls filled with vinegar or wine mixed with dish soap, which will trap the flies. You can also try placing fly-repellant herbs like basil and mint around your home. If nothing is working, you can also try sprinkling some non-toxic insecticide over your houseplants and garbage cans. For more ways you can get rid of pesky flies, like using essential oils, light traps, and fly tape, keep reading!

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