How to Get Rid of House Flies in the Garbage

The kitchen trash can is one of the strongest draws for house flies indoors, especially in summer. A few habits at the can, a trap at the nearest window and a quick spray for the stragglers keep it from becoming the reason flies hang around. Here is the plan for the trash can in your kitchen.

Why house flies are drawn to your kitchen garbage

Food scraps and the smell that escapes every time the lid opens tell flies there is something worth landing on. A loose or missing lid, scraps that sit for days and a warm kitchen make the can even more inviting. (Related read: Why am I seeing flies in my house?)

How to get rid of house flies in the garbage

Use a kitchen can with a lid that closes on its own, like a step or swing lid, and keep it shut. When the bag is full or has food scraps in it, tie it and take it out to your outdoor bin. Do this more often in warm weather. Wipe the inside of the can and the underside of the lid now and then. Rinse cans and bottles before they go in your recycling. Flies that leave the can head for the light, so attach The Fly Inn to the bottom edge of the nearest window, on clean glass with slightly damp suction cups, and its glue insert catches them. For the ones circling or resting nearby, a mist of Six Feet Under, made with plant-derived ingredients, drops them on contact.

Get rid of house flies in the garbage, step by step

• Close the lid: use a kitchen can with a lid that shuts on its own.
• Take it out often: tie the bag and move it to the outdoor bin before scraps sit.
• Wipe the can: a quick clean inside and under the lid now and then.
• Trap at the window: keep The Fly Inn on the window closest to the can and swap the insert when it fills.
• Knock down stragglers: mist Six Feet Under on the flies you see and let it dry. On counters and tables, wipe it up instead.

Related: How to kill house flies and Natural house flies control.

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