7 Tricks I Use to Keep Flies Off the Back Porch

Flies are the worst when you’re just trying to enjoy a meal outside or let the kids run around. I used to think it was just part of summer, but after a few too many swarms around the table, I started trying everything to keep them away.

Some things didn’t work at all, but a handful of simple tricks actually made a difference. These are the ones I stick to now—they’re low-effort, cheap, and they really do help keep flies from taking over the porch.

I Hang Ziplock Bags With Pennies Inside

I know it sounds weird, but this actually works. I fill a ziplock bag with water and drop in 4–5 shiny pennies, then hang the bag where the sun hits it. Something about the way the light bounces off the water and pennies throws off the flies’ vision.

I usually hang one near the door and another by the sitting area. You’ll still see the occasional fly, but it cuts down the numbers a lot—especially on sunny days.

I Keep Food and Trash Locked Down

Flies love anything they can smell—especially leftovers, fruit scraps, or open trash bins. If there’s food out, they’re going to find it. I’ve learned to clean up fast and keep trash sealed tight.

We use a bin with a lid and never leave food or drink sitting out for long. I also rinse recyclables before they go in the bin. If there’s nothing for the flies to snack on, they lose interest pretty quickly.

I Wipe Surfaces With Vinegar

Flies hate the smell of vinegar, and it works great as a natural cleaner. I mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe down the table, railings, and door handles a few times a week.

It cuts the grime, kills odors, and makes everything less appealing to flies. Bonus—it’s safer than using harsh chemicals around kids or pets, and you probably already have vinegar in the pantry.

I Hang DIY Fly Traps Out of Sight

If we’re having a bad fly day, I’ll set out a few homemade traps using old jars or cut bottles. I add apple cider vinegar, a little sugar, and a drop of dish soap. The flies get drawn in but can’t get back out.

I keep them tucked behind a plant or in a corner so they’re not right in the middle of where we sit. They fill up fast during peak season and really help cut down the population.

I Burn Citronella or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Certain scents make flies want to stay far away. Citronella’s the obvious one, but lemon eucalyptus oil works great too. I’ll burn a candle or drop a few oils into a diffuser when we’re outside.

It doesn’t wipe out flies completely, but it helps keep them from hovering around your face and food. It also smells way better than bug spray or fly traps.

I Use a Small Fan

Flies are weak fliers. Even a little breeze throws them off. I started keeping a small box fan on the porch during the summer, and it made a huge difference during meals.

Pointing the fan toward the table keeps the air moving and makes it harder for flies to land. It’s such a simple fix, and it works better than I expected.

I Don’t Let Standing Water Sit

Flies and other bugs love standing water. If you’ve got puddles, pet bowls, or planters that hold water after rain, they’ll start breeding nearby. I do a weekly check and dump anything that’s holding water too long.

This helps with flies, mosquitoes, and even gnats. I also rinse out the birdbath every few days and make sure the hose isn’t leaking under the deck. Less water, fewer bugs—every time.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.