How to Get Rid of House Flies: 10 Effective Ways to Kill Flies Inside Your Home

House flies spread diseases, so you should prevent them from entering the house. We have brought 10 proven ways on how to get rid of house flies with less effort.

Without spending time on pest control, you can easily get rid of flies in houseby using these methods. Let’s explore some quick and natural solutions:

How To Get Rid Of Flies In House Naturally

Eliminate house flies without using pesticides. Below are some effective ways:

1. Use a Fly Swatter

Nothing beats the old-fashioned fly swatter — it’s cheap, safe for the environment, and kills flies quickly.

Flies often sit on windows, tables, or walls. Watch where they land, move slowly, and then hit them carefully.

Always keep a fly swatter in your kitchen or dining area so you can get rid of flies as soon as you see them.

2. Install Electric Fly Zappers

Electric fly zappers is a devices that attract flies using UV light, then kill them with an electric grid.

Place zappers near entry points, garbage bins, or any dark corner where flies gather. It works silently and kills house flies effortlessly.

It is perfect for homes, restaurants, or shops struggling with house flies and want a quick way to get rid of them.

When it comes to how to get rid of flies inside busy areas like kitchens, dining halls, or balconies, electric fly zappers are highly effective. These devices attract flies using UV light, then kill them with an electric grid. 

3. Hang Sticky Fly Paper

Sticky fly paper is a classic trap that works without chemicals and safe and affordable method.

Just hang the sticky ribbons where flies are active, like near windows, doors, garbage bins, or drains. 

Flies land on the adhesive surface and cannot escape. This simple tool can dramatically reduce fly numbers overnight. 

4. Make a Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

This vinegar and dish soap trap is a lifesaver easy home remedy for house flies. 

Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or jar and add a few drops of dish soap, then leave it uncovered near fly-infested spots. 

The vinegar’s sweet smell attracts flies, while the dish soap breaks the surface tension so they sink and drown. 

This method works well in kitchens where food smells attract flies.

5. Create a Sugar Water Bottle Trap

This DIY bottle trap is easy to make using things you already have at home.

Cut a plastic bottle in half. Turn the top part upside down like a funnel and insert it into the bottom part. Then fill it with sugar water.

The sweet smell attracts flies, but once they go in, they can’t get out and drown inside.

Place these traps on kitchen counters or near windows to catch flies naturally.

6. Spray Them with Soapy Water

A quick way to get rid of flies inside is to spray them with soapy water.

Mix dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle. When you see a fly, spray it directly so that the soap coats its wings and suffocates it.

This is safer than using harsh chemicals and works well for small infestations. For best results, spray directly and then wipe the area clean.

7. Use Chemical Fly Sprays

Sometimes you need a strong solution for how to get rid of flies in house instantly. 

Store-bought fly sprays contain insecticides that kill flies on contact. 

Spray directly at flies or in corners where they gather. 

Always read the label and ventilate the room after use. While not a natural option, it’s very effective for sudden fly invasions.

8. Try UV Light Fly Traps

For a mess-free way to tackle how to get rid of flies inside, consider plug-in UV light fly traps. 

These modern devices use blue or purple light to lure flies and then trap or zap them.

They’re discreet, quiet, and can run all night. Place them in kitchens, pantries, or near doors to reduce fly populations over time.

9. Use Fly Bait Traps

Fly bait traps combine food attractants with a poison to kill flies after they feed. This is a common method in farms, hotels, and large houses facing severe infestations. 

Place bait traps where flies gather — near bins, drains, or pet food bowls. Always keep them away from children and pets. 

If you’re looking for how to get rid of house flies fast, fly baits are highly effective.

10. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

Another excellent option for home remedies for flies is food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). This natural powder is harmless to humans but deadly to insects. Sprinkle DE along window sills, garbage areas, or any cracks where flies might land. When flies crawl over it, the fine particles pierce their exoskeleton, causing them to dry out and die. It’s chemical-free, safe for pets, and can be used indoors or outdoors.

What Attracts Flies To Your House 

Flies always look for a place where they can lay their eggs. The Main things that attract house flies are

1. Food scraps and crumbs
2. Garbage and waste
3. Sweet smells
4. Animal waste
5. Moist areas
6. Unsealed entry points

In addition, bright outdoor lights at night can lure flies toward your doors and windows.

Read more to know how to kill mosquitoes

Preventing Flies From Entering In House

Some tips that can help you to prevent flies in the house are:

• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, especially during summer.
• Install fine mesh screens on doors and windows to block flies from getting inside.
• Repair any holes or tears in window screens or door nets right away.
• Cover food properly and store fruits and vegetables in the fridge.
• Clean up crumbs, spills, and dirty dishes quickly to avoid attracting flies.
• Empty kitchen bins daily and always use bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep outdoor garbage bins closed and clean to stop flies from breeding there.
• Fix leaky taps and drains because standing water attracts flies.
• Don’t leave pet food bowls uncovered for long periods.
• Place fly-repelling plants like basil, mint, or marigolds near windows and doors.

In Short

In short, the above remedies for how to get rid of flies in house help prevent fly infestations. 

Alongside these methods, always keep your kitchen clean, cover food, fix leaks, and seal garbage properly; it will help you to enjoy a hygienic, peaceful home.

References:

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Article:

El-Wahab, T. E. A., Elnaggar, M. H., Khalil, A. A., & Shalaby, A. A. (2021). Control of house fly, Musca domestica L. using ecofriendly approaches. Journal of Insect Science, 21(6), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab075
(Direct link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8617729/)

ResearchGate Article – Review on Alternative Controls:

Bharti, P. K., & Kumar, B. (2021). A review of alternative controls for house flies. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 9(6), 1731–1735.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356436469_A_Review_of_Alternative_Controls_for_House_Flies

ResearchGate Article – Eco-Friendly Management Practices:

Kumar, V., & Thomas, A. (2009). Studies on eco-friendly management practices to control housefly Musca domestica. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 22(3), 613–615.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224960618_STUDIES_ON_ECO-FRIENDLY_MANAGEMENT_PRACTICES_TO_CONTROL_HOUSEFLY_MUSCA_DOMESTICA

University of California Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM) Pest Note:

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2016). House flies. UC IPM Pest Notes Publication 7457. Retrieved from https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7457.html