What can I use to get rid of flies?

Question

We have an excessive fly population in our yard, and I don't understand why. There are no dogs in the area, and our garbage is kept in the garage. We have tried lemon scented Pine Soil, vinegar, spraying, citronella,and basil. But nothing works! These flies bite and in our breezeway we get the large black flies. We tried the fly catchers, but it just draws more flies to the area and its disgusting when the traps fill up with dead flies. We have been trying to figure out why there are so many in my yard. I keep the yard cleaned up, but I don't understand why they're in my yard.

Robin Taylor · Answer

Hang plastic bags partially filled with water & a few pennies in each. It really works!

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Do you have stagnant water anywhere? like from a stream close by or maybe even a fountain? If your yard is cleaned up then maybe a neighbor may have some 'blame'. large black flies lay their eggs in stagnant water much like mosquitoes. I would also use boric acid and line the garbage cans with it. You could use raid in your breezeway. 
hanging apples with cloves in it is an old remedy too. Or putting jars around with soda, sugar, and anything sweet will attract them too (of course the holes in lid must be big enough for the fly to crawl in but not get out.) 
But check for stagnant water. Good luck!

The Wild Papaya Nursery and Garden Center · Answer

I agree with Robin. Plastic water filled with water. I have never heard about the pennies. It really works. We do this in Caribbean all the time.

The Wild Papaya Nursery and Garden Center · Answer

sorry plastic bags

Lori J · Answer

Bags and pennies did not have any impact on Nebraska flies.

VALERIE · Answer

Ive tried the pennies in a water filled bag also. It doesn't work for me.

VALERIE · Answer

@The Garden Frog with C Renee We have a pond and a rain barrel! I didn't realize flies would be attracted to running water from a pond. I do place mosquito dunks in the pond and rain barrel every 2 months. That could be the problem for sure! Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Jeanette S · Answer

I would try using a method we have found to be foolproof with mosquitoes. Get a sprayer for your hose. Use half and half lemon scented dishwashing liquid and lemon scented amonia. Spray yard, bushes, everything (even over into edge of neighbors yard). When bubbles stop coming out, refill. Spray about every other week for a couple of times and then about every month.They were so bad we could not walk to the mailbox without getting dozens of bites. Now we have none. TIP: When you sit outside, use a box fan...bugs can't fly into wind of a fan! If you are having a gathering, set fans around perimeter!

Jessica C · Answer

Our chickens are the best fly catchers! We had tons of bugs the first year we lived in this house, last year we got 5 chickens and let them roam the garden regularly. They eat any sort of bug ants, flies, bees, beetles. Bugs are no longer a problem for us.

Christine S · Answer

The bag of pennies in a plastic bag of water really worked here in California. I see alot of restaurants using them too.

Kate S · Answer

Check your attic & crawlspace/basement - there are flies that nest in these places for no reason except they are protected from the weather.

Laurie · Answer

We had a warm winter last year and were bombarded by flies the following spring. The only way I got rid of them was with Victor® Fly Ribbon. I had to change them out two or three times a day for awhile but it did wipe them out after a couple weeks.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here is a post I wrote that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/irish-spring-soap-and-flies/

Mogie · Answer

A combination of high-quality fly traps, baits and insecticide sprays will do the trick in eliminating a fly infestation. Before applying any products clean up around your porch and yard. Take out and seal any outdoor garbage cans, pick up any pet waste and cover any outdoor food.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here's a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/irish-spring-soap-and-flies/

What can I use to get rid of flies?

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