Flies can be a nuisance when they invade your home or outdoor spaces. While no one wants to intentionally attract flies, understanding what attracts them can help you manage them more effectively. There are certain foods, substances and environments that are especially appealing to flies. Being aware of these fly attractants allows you to eliminate or avoid them so you don’t inadvertently invite flies in.
Why Are Flies Attracted to Certain Substances?
Flies are attracted to substances that they can use for food or breeding. Their preferences are based on sensory cues and instinctual behaviors related to survival and reproduction. The main things that lure flies are:
- Decaying organic material – Flies feed on dead, decaying plants, animals and waste. The smell alerts them to a food source.
- Sugary substances – Flies need carbohydrates for energy and are drawn to the scent and taste of sugary foods and liquids.
- Standing water – Flies lay eggs in moist decaying material and standing water so their larvae have food.
- Warm temperatures – Flies are cold blooded so gravitate toward warm environments to stay active.
- Unscreened windows/doors – Flies can detect odors from a distance and breeze guides them inside through openings.
These attractions tap into flies’ survival needs and instincts to find optimal breeding sites and food sources.
Top 5 Substances That Attract Flies
Flies respond to a wide range of substances, but these 5 categories are the most reliable fly attractants:
- Decaying fruit/vegetables – Produce going bad emits gases like ammonia, alcohol and esters that signal food to flies.
- Dog/cat feces – Animal waste contains ammonia which has a strong scent that draws in flies.
- Compost piles – Decaying leaves, plants and food scraps create an appealing aroma and breeding habitat.
- Standing water – Buckets, puddles, and dishes allow flies to lay eggs which later hatch into larvae.
- Open trash cans – Rotting food waste produces an odor that flies hone in on as a buffet.
These substances provide ideal nutrition and breeding conditions. The smells are like neon signs directing flies to an all-you-can-eat buffet!
Other Common Fly Attractants
In addition to the top 5, there are other items and places commonly frequented by flies:
- Ripe/overripe fruit – Emits ethanol gas and fermentation odors.
- Drains/garbage disposals – Moist, organic matter builds up.
- Empty beverage cans/bottles – Sugary residue remains after drinking.
- Windows and doors – Breezes bring in odors flies detect.
- Garbage cans and waste bins – Contain food scraps and decaying matter.
- Grease traps – Collect rancid fats/oils and decay remnants.
- Pet food dishes – Leftover moisture and bits of food.
- Barbecues – Drippings and leftovers stuck to grates.
Flies explore smells and objects that look or feel like food and breeding spots. Even minor traces of decaying matter, standing water and sugar will pique their interest!
| Substance | Reason Attracts Flies |
|---|---|
| Decaying fruit/vegetables | Emits gases that signal food source |
| Dog/cat feces | Contains ammonia with strong scent |
| Compost piles | Decaying organic matter has appealing aroma |
| Standing water | Allows flies to lay eggs and breed |
| Open trash cans | Rotting food waste produces odor |
Outdoor Areas That Tend to Attract Flies
If you notice flies congregating in certain areas around your home or business, look for these common fly zones:
- Compost piles – Decaying organic materials like leaves and food scraps.
- Pet waste/kennels – Animal feces and urine contains smells that appeal to flies.
- Livestock barns – Manure and moist hay bedding materials.
- Farms – Barns, compost, animal waste, and produce attract flies.
- Gardens with mulch/leaves – Decaying plant matter provides breeding sites.
- Wood piles/dead trees – Moisture collects in decaying wood attracting flies.
- Picnic areas – Food debris left in trash bins lures flies.
Flies are especially problematic in rural agricultural areas where farms, livestock, compost and manure are prevalent. But even urban and suburban yards can be plagued by flies when outdoor waste and decaying materials accumulate.
Why Avoid Having Items That Attract Flies?
While flies themselves are mostly just a nuisance, there are good reasons to avoid having fly attractants around your property:
- Flies carry and spread bacteria – They transmit diseases by contaminating food.
- Larvae can breed in large numbers – A few flies can quickly multiply into an infestation.
- Rotting organic matter breeds other pests – Maggots, ants, roaches and rodents may also be attracted.
- Flies get inside the home – Open doors and windows let flies inside where they contaminate surfaces.
- Flies bother livestock and pets – Flies interfere with farm animals and annoy pets.
Reducing fly attractants minimizes the risks of larger infestations. It also eliminates sources of bacteria and other secondary pests associated with flies.
Tips to Limit Items That Draw In Flies
It’s difficult to prevent flies entirely, but you can make your property less appealing by taking these steps:
- Remove waste frequently – Empty trash bins regularly, don’t let pet waste accumulate.
- Clean up spills/messes – Don’t allow sugary spills or food waste to linger.
- Store produce properly – Refrigerate fruit and vegetables to prevent decay.
- Clean barbecues – Remove fatty drippings so grill areas don’t have residual smells.
- Install screens – Use window and door screens to limit flies entering buildings.
- Manage compost carefully – Turn and aerate compost so it doesn’t get too moist.
- Use garbage disposal cleaners – Treat drains with products that eliminate built-up waste.
- Drain standing water – Dump birdbaths, empty buckets/pans and refresh pet water dishes.
With some diligent maintenance and waste removal tactics, you can significantly reduce flies attracted to your yard and home.
Natural Fly Deterrents
For a chemical-free way to deter flies, some natural repellents offer certain advantages:
- Citronella candles – The citronella oil scent repels flies.
- Eucalyptus and mint – These strong herbal scents help mask other attractive smells.
- Bay leaves – The pungent odor deters flies from entering an area.
- Cloves and cinnamon – Can be boiled in water to create a fragrant anti-fly steam.
- Apple cider vinegar traps – Lure flies in with vinegar but deter them from leaving.
- Fly paper/glue traps – Sticky strips catch flies without any fragrance or vapors.
Using a multifaceted approach with eco-friendly deterrents and fly attractant removal gives the best control over flies.
Conclusion
Flies detect certain smells, environments and substances that tap into their instincts for finding food, breeding sites and warm habitats. Decaying produce, animal waste, compost and standing water tend to attract the largest numbers of flies. While flies pose more of a nuisance than a major threat to health and property, they can still transmit disease and lead to complications from larger infestations. Diligent sanitation and waste removal help limit fly presences. When fly attractants are minimized, natural deterrents also become more effective against stubborn fly populations. An integrated pest management plan allows flies and humans to peacefully coexist outdoors with minimal contact or infestations.