Simple Ways To Prevent Flies From Invading Your Outdoor Space

Quick answer

• Keep trash cans sealed tight, both at home and at the campsite.
• Clean up spills and food scraps immediately. Don’t leave anything out.
• Use natural deterrents like essential oils or specific plants.
• Consider bug zappers or screens for your immediate outdoor living area.
• Manage standing water sources where flies breed.
• Cover food and drinks when not actively eating.
• Dispose of pet waste promptly.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about packing the cooler, get a handle on the fly situation. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about hygiene and preventing a real nuisance.

• Land manager / legality: For camping, know who’s in charge. Is it the US Forest Service, BLM, a state park? Their websites usually have info on general rules, including waste disposal and food storage. This is your first stop to make sure you’re playing by the rules.

• Access/road conditions: If you’re heading to a remote spot, check if the roads are passable. A little rain can turn a dirt road into a mud pit. Know your vehicle’s limits – 2WD might be fine for some spots, but others demand AWD or 4×4.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: Always check current fire restrictions. Seriously, don’t be that person. Also, look at the weather forecast. High winds can make setting up camp a bear, and you don’t want to be caught in a storm. Hot, humid weather is prime time for flies.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): How will you manage your water? Potable water is key. And waste? Pack it in, pack it out. This includes food scraps. Flies love that stuff. Proper waste disposal is fundamental to Leave No Trace.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): Be aware of local wildlife. Know what to do if you encounter bears or other animals. Also, understand how far you are from help and if you’ll have cell service. A satellite messenger can be a lifesaver.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

This is about setting up your campsite and keeping it clean from the get-go. It’s not rocket science, but it requires attention.

1. Choose your spot wisely:

• What to do: Select a campsite that’s not right next to standing water or obvious animal trails if you can help it.
• What “good” looks like: A relatively clean, dry area with good airflow.
• Common mistake: Setting up in a low-lying, damp area.
• How to avoid it: Scout a bit before committing. Look for higher ground and away from stagnant puddles.

2. Set up trash containment:

• What to do: Designate a trash bag or bin and make sure it’s sealable.
• What “good” looks like: A bag that’s tied shut tightly, or a bin with a secure lid.
• Common mistake: Leaving the trash bag open or loosely tied.
• How to avoid it: Make sealing the trash a habit every single time you add something.

3. Secure food immediately:

• What to do: As soon as you’re done eating, put all food away.
• What “good” looks like: All food is in sealed containers, coolers, or a bear-resistant canister if required.
• Common mistake: Leaving plates with food scraps on the picnic table.
• How to avoid it: Clean plates right after use and store food immediately.

4. Deal with spills and crumbs:

• What to do: Wipe up any spills and sweep away crumbs from your cooking and eating areas.
• What “good” looks like: A clean surface, no sticky residue or visible food particles.
• Common mistake: Thinking a few crumbs won’t matter.
• How to avoid it: Carry a small brush and dustpan, or use a damp cloth. Get into the habit.

5. Manage cooking gear:

• What to do: Wash dishes promptly after meals.
• What “good” looks like: Clean dishes are put away or hung to dry, not left with food remnants.
• Common mistake: Leaving dirty dishes by the water source or sink.
• How to avoid it: Wash dishes as soon as you’re done eating, and use biodegradable soap sparingly, away from water sources.

6. Handle pet waste:

• What to do: If you have pets, pick up their waste immediately.
• What “good” looks like: Waste is bagged and disposed of properly, not left lying around.
• Common mistake: Letting pet waste sit in the campsite.
• How to avoid it: Always carry extra bags and dispose of them in designated receptacles or pack them out.

7. Use natural deterrents (optional):

• What to do: Consider bringing plants like basil, rosemary, or lavender, or use essential oils like citronella or peppermint.
• What “good” looks like: A pleasant scent that seems to keep bugs at bay.
• Common mistake: Relying solely on these without other measures.
• How to avoid it: Use these as a supplement to good hygiene practices.

8. Cover food and drinks:

• What to do: Use lids, screens, or netting to cover food and drinks when they are out.
• What “good” looks like: Food is protected from flies landing on it.
• Common mistake: Leaving drinks uncovered.
• How to avoid it: Make it a habit to cover everything. A simple plate or a piece of foil works.

9. Dispose of food waste properly:

• What to do: All food scraps, including fruit peels and bones, go into your sealed trash.
• What “good” looks like: No food waste is left scattered around the campsite.
• Common mistake: Burying food scraps.
• How to avoid it: Burying doesn’t always work and can attract animals. Pack it out.

10. Inspect your site before leaving:

• What to do: Do a final sweep of your campsite to ensure no food or trash is left behind.
• What “good” looks like: The site is cleaner than you found it.
• Common mistake: Rushing packing up and leaving behind small bits of trash.
• How to avoid it: Take an extra five minutes for a thorough check.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving food scraps out	Swarms of flies, attracting other pests, unsanitary conditions	Clean up immediately, store food properly, pack out all waste.
Open trash cans/bags	Flies laying eggs, attracting more flies and animals, foul odors	Seal trash bags tightly, use bins with lids, and dispose of trash regularly.
Not managing standing water	Breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes, increasing insect populations	Eliminate standing water, drain containers, and report any large stagnant areas to the land manager.
Ignoring spills and sticky surfaces	Flies are drawn to sugar and moisture, leading to contamination	Wipe up spills immediately with a cloth or paper towel.
Leaving dirty dishes unattended	Attracts flies and other scavengers, creates unsanitary conditions	Wash dishes right after use, and store them clean.
Not covering food and drinks	Flies landing on food, spreading germs, making food unappetizing	Use lids, netting, or screens to cover all food and beverages.
Improper disposal of pet waste	Attracts flies, spreads disease, pollutes the environment	Bag and dispose of pet waste in designated receptacles or pack it out.
Setting up camp near obvious attractants	Constant fly presence, difficulty keeping the area clean	Choose a campsite away from garbage areas, animal droppings, or stagnant water.
Relying solely on bug spray	Doesn’t address the source of the problem, can be irritating	Focus on prevention through cleanliness and proper waste management first.
Not checking for fire restrictions	Potential for wildfires, fines, and damage to natural resources	Always check official sources for current fire restrictions before heading out.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the weather is hot and humid, then be extra vigilant about food storage because these conditions accelerate spoilage and attract flies.
• If you see flies congregating around a specific area, then investigate for a food source or waste problem because that’s likely where they are breeding or feeding.
• If you are camping near a water source, then be extra diligent about waste disposal because flies are often drawn to moisture and decaying organic matter.
• If you are using a cooler, then ensure it’s sealed tightly and not left open unnecessarily because this is a prime target for flies.
• If you have any open food containers, then cover them immediately because even a few minutes can be enough for flies to land and contaminate.
• If you notice a strong odor, then locate the source and clean it up because that smell is likely attracting flies.
• If you are in an area known for wildlife, then be even more careful with food storage because animals can also be attracted to the same things that attract flies.
• If you are preparing food outdoors, then have your cleaning supplies ready before you start because immediate cleanup is key.
• If you are packing out trash, then double-bag anything smelly to minimize odor and prevent leaks because this helps deter flies.
• If you are using a campground with designated trash bins, then use them promptly and ensure the lid is closed because this is the most effective way to manage waste.

FAQ

Q: What’s the easiest way to keep flies away from my picnic table?

A: Keep it clean. Wipe up spills immediately and don’t leave food out uncovered. A simple table cloth can help, but sealing food is better.

Q: Are there natural remedies that actually work against flies?

A: Some people find success with plants like basil or rosemary, or essential oils like citronella. They can offer some deterrence, but they aren’t foolproof.

Q: How do I deal with flies when I’m camping and there are no trash cans?

A: Pack it out. Use sturdy, sealable bags for all your trash, especially food waste. Double-bag anything that might leak or smell.

Q: What about flies at home in my backyard?

A: Focus on the trash cans. Make sure they have tight-fitting lids and clean them regularly. Also, pick up pet waste daily.

Q: Can flies spread diseases?

A: Yes, they can. Flies land on all sorts of unsanitary things and then can transfer bacteria and viruses to your food and surfaces. Hygiene is key.

Q: I keep seeing flies around my campsite. What am I doing wrong?

A: You’re likely leaving food or waste exposed somewhere. Double-check your trash, food storage, and any spills or crumbs.

Q: Are bug zappers effective for flies?

A: They can help reduce the fly population in a specific area, but they don’t prevent flies from being attracted to your food or campsite in the first place.

Q: What’s the deal with flies and standing water?

A: Flies, like mosquitoes, need water to breed. Eliminating stagnant water sources around your camp or home reduces breeding grounds.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed identification of specific fly species and their unique behaviors.
• Commercial pest control products and their chemical applications.
• Advanced campsite construction or permanent outdoor structure solutions.
• Specific regulations for commercial food service or agricultural settings.
• In-depth biological explanations of fly life cycles.