How to Get Rid of Houseflies Fast—and Keep Them From Coming Back

A single fly is a nuisance, but finding them throughout your home is a sure sign of a bigger problem. They might come in through an open door or window—but they’ll stick around if they find a food source like garbage, overripe fruit, or rotting food. 

Flies use these food sources as breeding sites, says Jacob Cohn, COO and certified entomologist at Arrow Termite & Pest Control. “While they don't live very long, they can reproduce rapidly,” he continues. “Female flies can lay 75 to 150 eggs at a time, so just a few flies left with a food source can very quickly turn into a problem.”

Here, our experts break down how to eliminate the problem, prevent future recurrences, and even identify methods to avoid.

The Start of a Housefly Infestation

If you suddenly start seeing flies swarming in your house, it means there’s likely an infestation in or near your home. “Dozens of eggs may have recently hatched and could be nesting in a warm, moist area—such as the garage, attic, or in your garden," explains Daniel Baldwin, board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.

Within their brief 15 to 30-day lifespan, rapid reproduction occurs. “Their short lifespan, combined with rapid reproduction, means they can quickly become a full-blown infestation—especially in warm, food-rich environments like kitchens and bathrooms.” 

You may also notice small, dark spots—likely fly droppings—on walls or around windows, a persistent buzzing sound, or clusters of larvae in garbage bins, drains, or pet waste. “If you’re finding flies in multiple rooms, it’s a sign the issue is beyond a stray insect or two and may indicate a breeding source inside,” warns Jeff Schumacher, owner at All-Safe Pest & Termite.

Possible Causes of Houseflies

Flies are attracted to environments with accessible food sources, particularly decaying organic matter. They may enter homes through open doors or windows, attracted by the smell of food indoors.

"Additionally, flies can be transported indoors on fruits, vegetables, or other items brought in from outside," shares Trent Frazer, lead entomologist and senior director of quality assurance at Aptive. "They may also inhabit areas with standing water, such as drains, gutters, or leaky pipes. Indoors, flies may hide in dark, secluded areas during the day and become active at night in search of food."

Other fly attractions in or near your home might include:

• Overripe fruit and vegetables
• Animal or human feces
• Dead bodies of animals
• Unwashed dishes
• Decomposing garbage
• Any type of rotting food
• Dirty drains
• Milk
• Sugary substances
• Flower nectar

“Flies become very active beginning in late May, and their peak season is late summer,” Baldwin adds. “Their breeding season comes to an end in October, and they tend to be much less active when temperatures are less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.”

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Why to Address Flies in the Home ASAP

Houseflies have been shown to harbor over 100 different kinds of disease-causing pathogens, says Bobby Rycroft, vice president of operations at Pest Authority. “This includes those that cause typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, and salmonellosis,” he warns, “many of which are associated with filth and trash—the main attractions of a home for flies.”

As if their pesky nature wasn't enough reason to rid your home of any flies ASAP, knowing just how unsanitary they can be certainly adds to the urgency.

How to Get Rid of Houseflies

Basic cleaning supplies such as disinfectants, trash bags, and drain cleaners are your first line of defense against flies. "For controlling adult flies, sticky traps and light traps are great low-maintenance options," Schumacher says.

"If the issue is severe, fly bait or aerosol insecticides can be helpful, but they should be used with caution and strictly according to the label instructions," he notes. "Natural repellents, such as vinegar traps or essential oil sprays made from lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus, can also be effective for lighter infestations."

Identify and Eliminate the Breeding Source

Start by identifying and eliminating the breeding source. Clean up spills, seal garbage bins, and make sure drains are free of buildup.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

Flies are drawn to the smell. Pour some into a small bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes in the top. They’ll fly in, become trapped, and quickly drown. 

Plant Herbs

Plant strong-smelling herbs, like basil or mint, near doors, windows, and patios. The strong smell tends to mask other smells that attract flies, so these plants can help keep them away while also freshening your space.

Fly Bait Strips or Sticky Traps

These can be hung in garages or near windows. They attract flies and trap them on contact, helping reduce the population quickly. But remember that sticky traps are not discriminating and can catch beneficial insects, too. Be especially careful using them outside—and never use large ones that might attract (and ultimately kill) birds or other wildlife.

Considering Insecticide?

A spray insecticide labeled for indoor fly control kills flies on contact and can also leave behind a light barrier that keeps more from landing in the same spot. Lay down a light treatment where flies tend to land, excluding food prep areas. One good spot is the window sill.

Just be sure to follow all label directions, especially when using it around pets or food areas.

Pest Control Methods to Avoid

Never use outdoor-grade insecticides or foggers indoors, Schumacher warns, as these are hazardous to people and pets in enclosed spaces. "It’s also best not to rely solely on sprays," he says. "They’ll kill adult flies but won’t address the root cause of the infestation."

He also warns against some DIY solutions that may cause more harm than good. "Home remedies that involve sugar or meat bait can sometimes make the problem worse by attracting more flies than they trap," he says. "Focus on sanitation first before introducing any products."

How to Prevent Future Fly Infestations

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is the start to reducing fly populations. Here are some preventative measures you can take.

• Eliminate breeding grounds inside: Clean drains with enzyme-based cleaners to remove organic buildup. Dispose of food waste frequently. Avoid leaving pet food out and accessible. 
• Protect drains safely: Never pour bleach directly down your drain if you think you have drain flies. Instead, install fine mesh screens over drains to prevent adult flies from entering and laying eggs.
• Eradicate outdoor breeding grounds: Keep trash bins tightly sealed, clean your grill after each use, and pick up pet waste daily. 
• Maintain impeccable food storage: Store produce in sealed containers and rotate stock to prevent overripening. Dispose of any overripe or rotting produce immediately. Wipe down counters to remove sugary residues.
• Seal up entry points: Installing screens on windows and doors can also help deter flies from entering indoor spaces. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, and install weather stripping on windows and doors to help prevent entry.
• Control moisture: Repair leaky faucets. Keep floors dry and well-ventilated to prevent damp breeding conditions.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

If you’ve cleaned thoroughly, eliminated food sources, and are still seeing flies after a week or two, Schumacher says it’s time to call in a professional. “Persistent infestations often indicate a hidden breeding ground that can be difficult to locate without specialized equipment,” he says. “A licensed pest control expert can identify the source, apply targeted treatment, and provide recommendations to prevent the problem from coming back.”