How to Get Rid of House Flies
The most common fly in homes, a dull gray fly with four dark stripes on its thorax. It breeds in garbage, manure and rotting food and lands on nearly everything. If you are seeing them in the kitchen and indoors, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Keep trash tightly covered and take it out often
- Repair window and door screens
- Use fly traps or sticky strips away from food areas
House flies don't bite, but they can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Confirm you have house flies
Start by confirming the bug. House Flies have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 6–7 mm (up to about 0.28 in) and are usually gray and black. Look for these features:
- Four dark lengthwise stripes on a gray thorax
- Red compound eyes
- Sponging mouthparts that cannot bite
They are most often confused with blow fly and horse fly. See the full house fly profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have house flies
House Flies come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see house flies
House Flies are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: kitchen and indoors, anywhere.
Step-by-step: getting rid of house flies
Step 1: Keep trash tightly covered
Keep trash tightly covered and take it out often. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Repair window
Repair window and door screens. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Use fly traps or sticky strips away from food areas
Use fly traps or sticky strips away from food areas. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
- Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
- Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed pest control company if you still see house flies after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.
How to keep house flies from coming back
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
- Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
- Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.
Safety notes
House flies don't bite, but they can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About flies & mosquitoes
The house fly is one of the flies & mosquitoes. Flies have only one pair of working wings; the second pair is reduced to small balancing knobs called halteres. They go through complete metamorphosis, and the larvae, called maggots, need moist organic material such as garbage, soil, drain film or standing water.
Fly problems are almost always breeding-site problems. Finding and removing the moist material where larvae develop works far better than swatting adults.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of house flies?
Keep trash tightly covered and take it out often. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are house flies dangerous?
House flies don't bite, but they can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning.
When are house flies most active?
House Flies are most active in spring, summer and fall.
What do house flies look like?
Four dark lengthwise stripes on a gray thorax. Adults measure 6–7 mm (up to about 0.28 in).