Indoor flies are more than just a nuisance—they can carry germs, lay eggs in your food, and make your home feel unhygienic. If you're tired of waving them away and want a quick, effective solution, you’re in the right place. So, what’s the best thing to keep flies away? The answer is simple: combine strong scents that flies hate with a proven fly trap to keep them out of your space for good.
Use Smells Flies Can’t Stand
One of the easiest ways to get rid of flies is by using strong, natural scents they dislike. So, what scent keeps flies away? The top contenders are peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. These smells overwhelm a fly’s senses and make the area feel unsafe to them.
You can place a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls near doors, windows, or trash cans. If you prefer a more decorative option, use scented candles or reed diffusers in your kitchen or porch. The bonus? Your home smells amazing.
Deploy a High-Quality Fly Trap
While scents are great for keeping flies away, they don’t always eliminate the ones already inside. This is where fly traps come in. Whether you use a sticky trap, an electric UV light trap, or a DIY vinegar trap, having a fly trap in the right place can dramatically reduce fly populations in hours.
What gets rid of flies the fastest? A fly trap with a strong attractant, like vinegar or UV light, typically delivers the quickest results. It draws flies in and captures them so they can't return.
Try a DIY Vinegar Trap
If you're wondering, do flies hate the smell of vinegar? the answer is a bit tricky. While vinegar can repel some flies, it's also commonly used as bait in traps—especially when combined with dish soap. This mixture lures flies in, then traps them. So yes, vinegar both attracts and eliminates, depending on how it’s used.
Should You Use Pine-Sol?
You may have heard people ask, does Pine-Sol really keep flies away? Many homeowners say yes. The citrusy, pine scent is unpleasant to flies and may help deter them when used as a cleaner or diluted spray. While not scientifically proven, it’s worth trying alongside other methods for added protection.
What’s the Best Fly Repellent?
The best fly repellent is one that combines natural scents, cleaning habits, and a good fly trap. This three-part approach ensures you’re not only pushing flies away but also stopping them from coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What scent keeps flies away the most?
Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass are all strong fly-repellent scents.
2. What’s the best fly repellent for home use?
A combination of peppermint oil and a sticky or UV fly trap works best.
3. Do flies hate the smell of vinegar?
Yes and no—vinegar can be used to repel flies or lure them into a trap, depending on how it’s used.
4. What gets rid of flies the fastest?
A vinegar and dish soap trap or electric UV fly trap provides quick results.
5. Does Pine-Sol really keep flies away?
Many homeowners say yes. Its strong pine scent can deter flies when used for cleaning.
6. How do I keep flies off my porch naturally?
Use essential oil sprays, hang fly traps, and keep food covered or sealed.