Adult flies gather on noticeable landmarks like vegetation or other objects to wait for mates. They gather around bulbs or utensils when they get indoors, waiting for potential mates moving around. And since they are poor at hovering, they circle around the objects.
Thankfully, on this page, you will learn how to get rid of circling flies on patio, especially during summer when they breed most.
The second reason flies circle around is to avoid predators. Birds are less likely to catch zigzagging flies than flies landing in one place.
But, flies can be nagging, especially when you decide to relax on your patio to refresh your mind.
They land on your food and drinks, zip by your ears, and cause other disturbances when reading or holding talks.
Hoverflies (family syrphidae) are well known for circling when mating. With most flies having around 21 days lifespan, they can lay around 900 eggs.
Usually, they will lay eggs on organic or decaying material like pet waste which later hatch to more flies.
To avoid the spread of diseases, learn how to get rid of circling flies on the patio.
Contents
- How to Get Rid of Circling Flies On Patio
- 1. Clean Your Patio
- 2. Spray Fly Bait
- 3. Use Sticky Fly Traps
- 4. Swat the Flies
- 5. Use Candles
- 6. Opt for Herbs
- 7. Install Fans
- 8. Swap Your UV Lights With Yellow Bulbs
- 9. Use Home Made Fly Repellent
- 10. Carnivorous plants
- 11. Use a Lemon
- FAQs- How to Get Rid of Circling Flies on Patio
- Why Do Flies Circle Around My Patio?
- How Do I Get Rid of Circling Flies?
- What Can I Spray Outside to Keep Flies Away?
- Author
How to Get Rid of Circling Flies On Patio
1. Clean Your Patio
In general, waste material and dirty areas are the potential spots for the flies to lay their eggs. Ensure no pet waste on your patio.
Secondly, clean all dirty edges like the patio screen frames and replace rotten wooden parts.
On the other hand, ensure garbage cans are permanently sealed.
2. Spray Fly Bait
Fly bait can be toxic to humans and animals as pets. You should be careful when using these chemicals, especially around the areas you serve food.
Usually, it’s sprayed after every 30 days but if you have children around the home, opt for other methods.
Fly baits effectively kill all fly species, especially during hot seasons when they breed most.
3. Use Sticky Fly Traps
Sticky fly traps have a substance that lures the flies to fly closer. And when they land on their surfaces, their legs get trapped and eventually die.
Usually, it isn’t nice to see dead flies around your patio. You may be enjoying some drinks or food around.
Additionally, it isn’t good for the guests too. Ideally, purchase several traps and regularly change and dispose of them before dead flies accumulate.
4. Swat the Flies
Back in the days when I worked from home, one summer, the flies swarmed my patio until I opted to remain indoors all day.
Later one afternoon, I sat on my patio with a traditional broom and decided to nail every fly that came my way.
There is always a satisfying feeling of killing a fly that has bugged you. Yes, it’s one of the activities you can do to pass the time.
However, ensure no food on the table as all sorts of dead flies can kill your appetite.
Secondly, unless you have a buddy who enjoys nailing flies, for heaven’s sake, don’t do that in front of other people. Some people throw up easily.
Well, technology has brought about fly swatters as an alternative to traditional brooms.
Also read: best karcher pressure washer for patio
5. Use Candles
Some candles are formulated with high aromatic oils from various herbs to repel flies and other insects.
Citronella candles are one prominent example of lemongrass-scented insecticides that naturally repel flies.
6. Opt for Herbs
Herbs like basil, lavender, mint, citronella grass, and rosemary are effective fly repellents. They release a strong scent that humans can enjoy, but flies don’t like them.
Ideally, place these herbs in different locations on your patio or insert them in vases for decoration purposes.
Also read: Heavy duty patio swing with canopy
7. Install Fans
Naturally, flies don’t fly in a breezy or windy environment. They will keep off if conditions aren’t optimal to fly around.
On your patio, you can disturb flies using fans. One ceiling fan can get the job done. But if it isn’t much effective, opt for portable fans and place them around the table.
Also read: What kind of standing fan is best for outdoors?
8. Swap Your UV Lights With Yellow Bulbs
Flies are phototactic. In simple, their eyes have a mechanism to see various patterns in ultra-violet lights. That’s the reason flies are attracted to white bulbs.
As that’s the case, yellow or orange bulbs are less attractive to flies. So, they will keep off the area.
Also read: Patio air conditioners reviews
9. Use Home Made Fly Repellent
A homemade fly repellent is cheaper because you use simple ingredients. You can never lack vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing soap in many homes.
As such, you can make one of the best fly repellents for the patio at a cheaper cost. Read the procedure below to learn how to keep flies away with vinegar and baking soda.
The procedure
Fill a cup with water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Then, add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar and mix them.
Dishwashing soap
Baking soda
Vinegar
Afterward, pour the mixture into the spray bottle and spray around the patio. The mixture is powerful and effective enough to drive the circling flies away.
10. Carnivorous plants
Carnivorous plants like the venus fly trap have a sweet sap that lures the flies to come closer to their leaves.
Once the flies land on the leaves, they trap them and close to digest. Unfortunately, it can take days to complete the digestion to open again.
For that reason, they may not be much effective in dealing with all the flies around.
Trees that can grow in pots outdoors
11. Use a Lemon
Lemon fruit is well proven to repel flies due to its strong scent. Although you may love the lemon smell around your table, flies dislike it.
Cut lemons into haves and place them at the corners of your table as decorations. Further, you can place other slices on the patio screen flames to keep the flies off your area.
Also read: Effective ways to get rid of maggots on patio
FAQs- How to Get Rid of Circling Flies on Patio
Why Do Flies Circle Around My Patio?
Flies naturally fly in a zigzag as a mechanism to avoid predators. Secondly, they keep looking for dirty places to feed on decaying materials and lay eggs.
How Do I Get Rid of Circling Flies?
Install a fan around since flies don’t like windy conditions. You can also opt for various fly repellents.
What Can I Spray Outside to Keep Flies Away?
We recommend homemade repellent made of vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing soap.
