10 Best Home Remedies for Indoor Fly Infestations (Fast & Natural Solutions)

Few things are as irritating as flies buzzing around your living room, kitchen, or dining area. They land on your food, crawl on your counters, and leave you waving your arms in frustration. But it’s not just about annoyance—flies can also spread bacteria and germs, putting your health at risk.

The good news? You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals or expensive exterminators to fight back. There are many simple, natural, and budget-friendly home remedies for indoor fly infestations that actually work.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why flies sneak indoors in the first place

• Step-by-step natural remedies to remove them

• How to prevent flies from coming back

• The most common questions homeowners ask about fly infestations

Let’s jump right in.

Why Flies Invade Your Home

Flies don’t just wander in by accident. They’re on the hunt for food, warmth, and places to breed. Here are the main reasons they end up inside:

• Food odors: Leftovers, ripe fruit, dirty dishes, and uncovered snacks all send out an invitation.

• Moisture: Flies breed in damp places like clogged drains, leaky pipes, or soggy mop heads.

• Garbage and pet waste: Indoor trash cans and litter boxes are prime breeding grounds.

• Shelter: They prefer warm homes during summer heat waves or rainy seasons.

👉 Once you know why they’re coming in, it becomes easier to fight them off with targeted remedies.

Comparison Chart: Home Remedies For Indoor Fly Infestations

🔹 *Some essential oils (like tea tree and eucalyptus) may be harmful if pets ingest them. Use with care around cats and dogs.

10 Best Home Remedies For Indoor Fly Infestations

Let’s go step by step through the most effective natural solutions. These are safe, affordable, and can be set up with things you probably already have at home.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

This is one of the most popular remedies for a reason—it works.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• A small bowl or jar

• Plastic wrap

• A rubber band or tape

• Toothpick or fork

Steps:

1. Warm the vinegar slightly to make it more aromatic.

2. Pour it into the bowl or jar.

3. Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure it tightly.

4. Use a toothpick to poke several small holes.

How it works: Flies are attracted to the strong vinegar smell. They crawl inside but can’t escape through the small holes.

👉 Pro tip: Place several of these traps around your kitchen if the infestation is large.

2. Essential Oil Repellents

Flies hate certain scents, which makes essential oils a natural and pleasant solution.

Best oils to use:

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

• Lemongrass

• Tea tree

Steps:

1. Fill a spray bottle with water.

2. Add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil.

3. Shake well and spray around windows, doors, and counters.

You can also soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in trouble spots.

Why it works: These strong smells disrupt the flies’ senses, making them less likely to land in those areas.

3. Sugar Water Funnel Trap

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, so do flies.

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts water and sugar in a jar.

2. Roll paper into a cone shape, leaving a small hole at the narrow end.

3. Place the cone in the jar with the narrow end pointing downwards.

How does this works: The flies are lured and follows the sweet scent down the funnel but can’t find their way back out trapping them.

👉 This trap is safe and non-toxic, great if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals.

4. Basil and Mint Plants

Want a remedy that doubles as kitchen décor? Try herbs.

Steps:

• Place fresh basil or mint plants on windowsills, near your stove, or on countertops.

• Crush a few leaves occasionally to release even more scent.

Why it works: Flies can’t stand the aroma of these herbs, while you get to enjoy fresh seasoning for cooking.

5. Lemon and Clove Trick

This old-fashioned remedy smells fresh and looks charming.

Steps:

1. Cut a lemon in half.

2. Stick several whole cloves into the cut side.

3. The lemon halves can now be placed in rooms where flies gather.

Why it works: The combination of citrus and clove is overwhelming to flies but pleasant to humans.

6. Baking Soda Drain Cleaner

Fruit flies often come from your sink. If you notice flies hovering near drains, that’s their breeding ground.

Steps:

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.

2. Add ½ cup vinegar and let it fizz.

3. After 5 minutes, flush with hot water.

Why it works: This clears gunk in drains where flies lay eggs, cutting off the infestation at its source.

7. Milk, Sugar, and Pepper Trap

This remedy dates back centuries, but it’s surprisingly effective.

Steps:

1. Heat 1 cup milk in a saucepan.

2. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons ground black pepper.

3. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Pour into a shallow dish and set it where flies gather.

Why it works: Flies are drawn to the sweet mixture but drown once they land.

8. DIY Fly Paper Strips

No need to buy sticky fly paper—you can make your own.

Steps:

1. Cut brown paper bags into strips.

2. Mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 sugar and 1/2 cup corn syrup

3. Soak the paper strips in the sticky mixture.

4. Hang them up to catch flies.

Why it works: Flies can’t resist the sweet scent but get stuck to the paper.

9. Use a Fan

Sometimes the simplest trick works best.

Steps:

• Place a small fan near food prep areas or dining tables.

• Aim it at spots where flies hover.

Why it works: Flies are weak fliers and struggle against moving air, so they’ll leave the area.

10. Clean, Cover, and Declutter

The most powerful home remedy isn’t fancy—it’s cleanliness.

Steps:

• Cover fruit bowls with mesh or lids.

• Wipe counters after meals.

• Take out trash daily.

• Wash pet bowls often.

Why it works: Flies thrive in mess. By removing food and moisture sources, you make your home much less attractive to them.

Preventing Flies From Returning

Once you’ve tackled the infestation, you don’t want it to happen again. Here’s how to stop future fly problems:

• Seal entry points: Repair screens and close door gaps.

• Check garbage bins: Always use lids and empty them often.

• Store food properly: Use airtight containers for fruit, snacks, and leftovers.

• Eliminate standing water: Don’t leave dishes soaking overnight, and fix leaks.

• Your cleaning program: Pay close and special attention to pet areas, drains, and compost bins.

Prevention is always easier than cure. A few small habits can save you from another fly battle.

FAQs About Home Remedies For Indoor Fly Infestations

Here are the 10 most common questions, with friendly and practical answers:

1. What smell keeps flies away indoors?

Scents like lavender, peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and cloves repel flies naturally. Try essential oil sprays, potted herbs, or citrus with cloves.

2. Do vinegar traps really work for flies?

Yes! Apple cider vinegar mimics the smell of rotting fruit, which flies love. Traps with vinegar are one of the easiest DIY remedies.

3. Can I use bleach to kill flies in drains?

You can, but it’s not always the best choice. Bleach cleans but doesn’t always eliminate organic buildup. Baking soda and vinegar are safer and eco-friendly.

4. What household item kills flies instantly?

A mixture of dish soap and water is effective, this spray solution works fast. The soap coats the flies, clogging their breathing pores and killing them quickly.

5. How long does it take to get rid of an indoor fly infestation?

Small infestations can be gone in a few days with traps and cleaning. Larger ones may take 1–2 weeks of consistent remedies and prevention.

6. Are natural fly remedies safe for pets?

Most are, but be cautious. Cats and dogs are sensitive to some essential oils. Always research oils before using them, and keep traps out of reach.

7. Why do I keep getting flies after my house is cleaned?

Even clean homes attract flies if food is left out, garbage isn’t sealed, or drains stay damp. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about removing attractants.

8. Do homemade fly papers work?

Yes. Sticky strips made with sugar syrup are very effective. They may not look pretty, but they do the job well.

9. Do plants really keep flies out of the house?

Absolutely. Basil, mint, lavender, and marigolds act as natural repellents. They’re decorative, smell fresh, and help reduce fly activity indoors.

10. What signs are there to show when it is time to call a professional pest control service?

If you’ve tried home remedies for more than 2 weeks and flies keep coming back, the infestation might be larger than it seems. At that point, professional help is worth considering.

Conclusion

Indoor flies may be annoying, but you don’t need toxic sprays or costly treatments to get rid of them. With simple remedies like vinegar traps, essential oil sprays, and homemade fly paper, you can fight infestations naturally. Pair these remedies with prevention—covering food, cleaning drains, and sealing entry points—and you’ll enjoy a fly-free home.

Take action today. The sooner you set up remedies, the faster you’ll reclaim your space from buzzing invaders.