February 26, 2025

How to Get Rid of House Flies Indoors

It starts with just one.

You leave the door open a bit too long while you’re unloading groceries. Or perhaps there’s a tiny tear in your kitchen’s window screen, invisible to you but not to flies.

One fly comes inside, and then another, and before you know it, you’ve got an infestation on your hands.

Flies aren't just annoying. They're also unhygienic and can put your family at risk by spreading dangerous bacteria.  

If you’re wondering how to get rid of house flies indoors, this is the guide for you. At Zunex Pest Control, we have the tips you need to tackle house flies head-on, and we’re going to share them all with you here.

All the Buzz About Why House Flies Come Inside

Flies in a bowl of chicken

Want to know how to get rid of house flies indoors? The first step in dealing with any pest is understanding what brings them inside in the first place.

House flies, like most pests, are attracted to food, spills, and even piles of trash. A single crack in a window screen or a door left open for too long could give flies the opportunity they’re looking for to set up shop.

One thing many people overlook is the importance of removing potential breeding grounds. House flies lay their eggs in moist, decaying organic matter such as garbage or leftovers in the sink. Ignoring even small spills or scraps in your kitchen can be an open invitation for these pests.

Common Mistakes When Battling House Flies

House fly on a rug or towel

Though it undoubtedly feels satisfying in the moment, getting rid of flies takes more than a quick smack with a fly swatter. There are common missteps that people tend to make when trying to handle the problem on their own.

One frequent mistake is relying solely on DIY fly traps or sprays. While these can catch or kill the flies you see, they often don’t address the breeding sources or underlying issues within your home, making the problem an ongoing nuisance.

Another issue is focusing on the visible problem rather than prevention. Sure, you might eliminate a few adult flies buzzing around, but if you’re not addressing how and why they’re getting in, more will keep showing up.

And don’t forget about the hidden fly attractors, like garbage disposals, improperly sealed food, or overly damp cleaning rags. These are easy to miss but just as likely to cause problems as the issues described above.

Missed spots during cleaning (such as under the refrigerator or behind cabinets) create ideal spots for new breeding grounds. Flies love to hide in dark, undisturbed areas, making it essential to cover every corner during your cleaning process.

How to Get Rid of House Flies Indoors

House flies crawling though rice

Now that you know why flies are a problem for you in the first place, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s how to get rid of house flies indoors:

Step 1: Deep Cleaning Is Non-Negotiable

Start by clearing out potential food and breeding sources. This involves more than just wiping your counters. Empty your trash cans, clean your recycling bins, and make sure there’s no leftover food sitting out (yes, even that box of cereal counts). Give your floors and surfaces a thorough scrub with soapy water to eliminate food residue.

Pay special attention to your drains as well. Pour some baking soda and vinegar into any frequently used sinks, followed by boiling water, to flush out anything that might attract drain flies.

Step 2: Seal All Entry Points

Inspect your window screens and look for tears or gaps. Even the tiniest crack in a door frame could be an inviting welcome for house flies. Use caulk to close up gaps and ensure weatherstripping on doors is snug.

Fly-proofing your home takes only a few minutes but can stop these pests from becoming long-term residents.

Step 3: Use Fly Deterrents Strategically

Household solutions like fly strips or traps can work as part of your plan, but the trick is knowing how to use them effectively. Place fly traps near windows, trash bins, or in areas where you’ve noticed activity. Traps will help reduce the current fly count while you focus on prevention and cleanup.

You can also introduce helpful scents that repel flies. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint can act as natural deterrents and make your home smell fresh.

Step 4: Don’t Forget About Outdoor Spaces

Sometimes, solving your indoor problem means looking outside. Eliminate any decaying organic matter near your home, such as leaves, overripe fruit from trees, or pet droppings in the yard.

Maintain tight-fitting lids on outdoor garbage cans and make sure any compost piles are well-managed. The goal is to stop flies from hanging out nearby and finding ways to intrude.

Step 5: Call in the Pros for Long-Term Solutions

While you can handle quick-fix cleanups and temporary traps yourself, eliminating house flies for good often requires professional help. That’s where we come in.

At Zunex Pest Control, we specialize in identifying the root cause of infestations and implementing safe, effective treatments tailored to your home.

Take Back Control of Your Home With Zunex Pest Control

Our approach goes beyond temporary fixes. We focus on long-term prevention strategies that keep house flies from returning. Whether you’re in Auburn, WA, or surrounding areas, our team works with homeowners to safeguard their spaces with industry-leading pest control methods.

We know where flies hide and how to eliminate breeding sites you may not even know exist. Our expert techniques and comprehensive treatments include everything from eco-friendly solutions to removing flies at every stage of their lifecycle. No matter the problem, we’ve got you covered.

Of course, we also recognize that no two homes are the same, so we tailor each and every one of our services to meet your specific needs.

Dealing with house flies indoors doesn’t have to be an ongoing battle. With the tips provided above and the expertise of Zunex Pest Control by your side, you can create a fly-free environment for you and your family.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to those annoying house guests for good, give us a call today! We’re here to help you fully enjoy your home again.

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