Flies can be a huge nuisance at outdoor parties, swarming around food and drinks. Their presence can really put a damper on the fun. Luckily, there are many effective ways to deter flies and prevent them from landing on the food at your next outdoor gathering. With some planning and preparation, you can host a pest-free party that your guests will enjoy.
Why Flies Are Attracted to Outdoor Parties
Before getting into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what attracts flies to outdoor parties in the first place. Here are some of the main reasons flies crash the party:
- Smells of food and drink – Flies have an excellent sense of smell and can detect food odors from far away. All the appetizing aromas from the grill, snacks, fruit platters, etc. will entice them to come investigate.
- Warm temperatures – Flies become more active in warm weather, which is why they are a bigger nuisance in the summer. Outdoor parties tend to happen when it’s hot out, so they see it as an opportunity.
- Trash cans and compost piles – Flies lay eggs in rotting organic waste. Any garbage cans or compost bins around the party area will draw them in.
- Standing water – Flies need moisture to breed. They are attracted to sources of standing water like rain gutters, plant trays, pet bowls, etc.
- Bright colors – Flies see bright or neon colors as similar to flowers or ripe fruit. Decorations, plasticware, and party clothes can catch their attention.
- Carbon dioxide and sweat – Flies detect CO2 emitted from people’s breath and are attracted to sweat and body odors. More guests means more attraction.
Keeping Flies Away From Food Areas
Now that we know why flies crash the party, here are some highly effective techniques to deter them from food and drink areas:
Use Screens and Food Covers
Install temporary screening over food and beverage areas. Look for lightweight mesh netting or cotton fabric that allows airflow but provides a barrier against flies. Drape the screening over tables, buffets, drink coolers, etc.
You can also cover individual plates and serving platters with breathable fabric. Keep foods covered as much as possible when not actively being served.
Deploy Fans
Set up box fans or oscillating outdoor fans around seating and eating spaces. Flies struggle to fly against strong air currents, so the fans will blow them away. Just take care not to blow food napkins and lightweight serving ware away too!
Aim fans to cover entrances, food tables, bars, etc. where flies may try to enter. The more fans, the better!
Hang Fly Paper
Use strips of non-toxic fly paper to catch flies. Hang multiple strips near food and seating areas but keep them away from areas where people are standing or reaching for food.
When flies get stuck to the sticky paper, it prevents them from bothering guests. Just be prepared to replace strips frequently as they fill up with trapped insects.
Use Fly Swatters
Have fly swatters on hand so guests can quickly dispatch any flies that make it past defenses. Set out a few electric fly swatters on chargers near food areas so people can grab them easily.
The audible zap and sizzle as flies are swatted lets other flies know this area is unsafe, deterring them from entering.
Apply Essential Oils
Research shows that flies dislike the smell of certain essential oils. Add a few drops of lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, or citronella oil to cotton balls. Place the cotton balls around seating and eating spaces. You can also put oils in candles, torches or diffusers.
The aromatic oil creates a perimeter for outdoor spaces that repels incoming flies. Reapply oils every few hours to maintain effectiveness.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Fill cups half full of apple cider vinegar and add a drop of dish soap to break surface tension. Place the cups around food areas. The vinegar will attract flies while the soap causes them to sink and drown.
This technique won’t eliminate all flies, but it will capture many of them, reducing the sheer number flying around. Just remember to empty and refresh traps frequently.
Set Out Wine Traps
Similar to ACV traps, wine traps lure flies in and capture them. Fill cups about 1/3 full of red wine and place where flies gather. The wine’s fruity aroma and color entices flies while the liquid drowns them.
Some experts recommend adding a drop of dish soap to make the wine extra deadly. The soap further reduces surface tension so flies sink rapidly.
Use Fly Predators
Release beneficial insects like dragonflies, praying mantises, or spider wasps to naturally prey on flies at the party. You can order starter kits containing mature nymphs or larvae online to arrive just before your event.
Upon emerging, these voracious predators will hunt flies and other airborne insects. Their presence helps control fly populations. Just inform guests so no one is startled by them!
Set Out Fly Bait Stations
Look for non-toxic fly bait stations that contain stuff like pheromones and Bti toxins. Set these discreet traps around the perimeter of food areas to lure flies in. The flies are drawn to the bait, enter the traps, and never escape.
Fly bait stations provide ongoing control of fly infestations for weeks rather than just catching the odd fly here and there. They are very effective when used properly.
Use a Bug Zapper
Bug zappers won’t specifically target only flies, but they will attract and electrocute some of them. Position a zapper about 20 feet from seating/dining areas where flies are problematic.
The light will lure flies (and moths and mosquitoes, unfortunately) close enough to be zapped. Zappers reduce overall pest levels through the evening.
Install Fly Light Traps
These traps use UV light to attract flying insects. Flies are drawn to the light and then sucked into a holding chamber where they dehydrate and die. Position traps near problem areas.
The light is most effective at night, so run them after dark when flies settle down. The captured flies will be removed from the local environment.
Apply Fly Sprays
Use plant-based fly repellent sprays made with essential oils around food, trash cans, and compost piles. Spritz these sprays frequently to deter flies from landing. Citronella and lemongrass oil repel flies naturally.
Stick to non-toxic fly sprays only and avoid directly spraying food. Reapply these botanical repellents every 1-2 hours for the best protection.
Preventing Flies from Entering the Party Area
Trapping flies is helpful, but stopping them from ever getting to the party is even better. Here are some tactics to help prevent flies from being attracted to the event site:
Choose an Open, Breezy Location
If possible, host the outdoor gathering in an open, breezy spot rather than in a completely enclosed area. Flies prefer still, humid conditions with poor airflow. Breezy locations will be less inviting.
Holding the party on a beach, grassy field, or elevated deck can take advantage of natural airflow. Flies will have a tougher time navigating to food.
Remove Standing Water
Dump out any standing water from puddles, buckets, birdbaths, etc around the party area. Eliminate potential fly breeding grounds so fewer flies appear to begin with.
If there are ponds or water features, treat them with non-toxic solutions like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis which kill fly larvae.
Clean Trash and Recycling Promptly
Make sure trash and recycling bins have tight fitting lids. Empty all waste containers frequently to remove food scraps before flies can lay eggs.
Dispose of trash in secure dumpsters away from party areas. Follow a strict cleaning routine before, during, and after the event.
Keep Food Covered When Not Serving
Don’t allow open coolers of soda, ice buckets, chip bowls, unlocked snack bins, etc. to sit out as flies will be all over them. Have screened covers handy or use sealable bins and coolers.
When serving, only set out as much food as needed. Cover everything tightly again when not actively being accessed to avoid attracting flies.
Use Citronella Candles/Torches
Place citronella candles or tiki torches around the perimeter of the party space. The citronella oils will help repel incoming flies at ground level, preventing them from flying into the gathering.
Just be mindful of fire safety and keep lights/torches away from kids and flammable objects. Supervise them at all times.
Use Fly Traps Near Trash Areas
Put out extra fly control measures like traps, bait stations, and fan near any trash or compost collection points. These areas naturally attract more flies, so tackle them aggressively.
Concentrate traps and repellents here to catch flies where they first appear before making it to the party.
Avoid Flowering Plants as Decorations
Skip the floral centerpieces and ornamental flowering plants when decorating for an outdoor party. Flies see brightly colored flowers as prime landing spots similar to their natural habitats.
Opt for non-flowering greenery, paper decorations, balloons, banners, etc. instead of flowering accents to make areas less inviting to flies.
Turn Off Lights at Night
Flies are attracted to bright lights, especially at night. Minimize outdoor lighting in party areas, paths, trees etc after dark to avoid luring nighttime flies.
Use string lights and lanterns instead of overhead lights. Turn off any non-essential lighting after dinner or switch to low-wattage bulbs.
Remove Fly Larvae in Nearby Soil
Treat mulch beds, potted plants, and soil areas within 50 feet of the party with non-toxic nematodes or Bti dunks. These solutions kill fly larvae in soil so fewer adult flies emerge.
It interrupts their breeding cycle before they reach the bothersome winged phase. Do treatments 2-3 weeks before the event.
Set Out Drowning Traps
Make your own drowning traps by filling shallow bowls with soapy water. Add a little apple cider vinegar or wine for extra fly appeal. Set the traps in shaded areas around the perimeter.
The soapy solution drowns flies when they stop to take a drink. The vinegar lures them from further away.
Avoid Wearing Bright Colors
Encourage guests to skip brightly colored clothing and neon prints. Solid medium tones help everyone blend into the background instead of looking like flowers.
Darker earth tones and simply patterns make it harder for flies to spot people to land on. Save the Hawaiian shirts for indoor parties only!
FAQs About Deterring Flies at Outdoor Gatherings
How far away should fans blow to keep flies off food?
Position fans about 5-10 feet away from food tables/stations pointed outward. Strong breezes just 1-2 feet from foods may disturb dishes and serving ware. Aim fans to create a “wall” of moving air that flies struggle to pass through.
Where is the best placement for fly traps?
Place fly traps near food prep areas, garbage cans, compost piles, and in shady areas around seating spaces. Avoid putting traps directly on dining tables or areas with high foot traffic.
How often should fly traps and sticky paper be replaced?
Inspect fly traps daily and replace liquid baits every 2-3 days. Replace sticky fly strips and ribbons when they become 60-70% covered in trapped insects. Heavily filled traps lose effectiveness.
How long do natural fly repellents like essential oils last?
Essential oil fly repellents need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours to maintain potency. Oils evaporate quickly outdoors, so frequent reapplication is important.
Are electric fly swatters or zappers safe to use at parties?
Yes, as long as they are used smartly. Instruct guests to only use them well away from standing water and flammable decor. Supervise children using swatters. Position zappers a safe distance from seating areas.
What natural scents repel flies?
Flies dislike the smell of lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, basil, thyme, and garlic. Use these botanical scents in fly traps and essential oil sprays to deter flies.
Should I notify my guests about the fly prevention methods I’m using?
Yes, it’s polite to give guests a heads up if you’ll have fly traps, bugs zappers, essential oils, or beneficial insects around the party. This prevents any surprises and allows guests to take precautions if needed.
What time of day or night are flies most active?
Flies are most active on warm sunny days with little wind. At night, they become less mobile but are still drawn to lights. Use nighttime fly traps and avoid excess lighting to manage after-dark flies.
Conclusion
Although flies can be a challenging nuisance, there are many clever ways to prevent them from pestering food and people at outdoor gatherings. It takes diligent preparation and vigilance, but you can host a successful fly-free party with the right techniques.
Screening, fans, traps, repellents and good sanitation practices are effective when used proactively and in combination. With some strategic planning, you can outsmart those pesky flies and enjoy your time outdoors! Just be thorough, consistent, and don’t give flies any openings.