How To Keep Flies Out Of Your Florida Home This Summer

Flies are an unavoidable nuisance in Florida’s hot and humid climate, especially during the spring and summer months. Whether you’re dealing with persistent black flies, biting horse and deer flies, or disease-spreading blow flies, these pests can disrupt outdoor activities, infest homes, and even pose health risks. Fortunately, there are effective ways to keep them at bay.

Why Do Flies Emerge in Spring?

Flies thrive in Florida’s warm, humid weather, making spring the beginning of peak fly season. Rising temperatures speed up their life cycle, while standing water, decaying organic matter, and increased human outdoor activity provide ideal conditions for flies to breed and feed. 

Many species, like black flies, lay their eggs in water, while others seek out decaying vegetation or animal remains to reproduce. By early summer, fly populations explode, leading to increased swarming in backyards and around homes.

What Attracts Flies to Homes?

Flies are drawn to homes and yards due to the availability of food, moisture, and ideal breeding conditions. While each species has different preferences, certain environmental factors and human activities make properties particularly attractive to these pests.

Pet Waste and Garbage: Flies, especially blow flies, are strongly attracted to decaying organic matter, including pet feces and garbage. If trash bins are left uncovered or pet waste is not regularly cleaned up, flies will quickly lay eggs in these materials. 

Standing Water and Moisture: Many fly species, including black flies, rely on water sources to complete their life cycle. Pools of standing water, clogged gutters, birdbaths, and even overwatered potted plants can create ideal breeding conditions. Empty or refresh birdbaths, pet water bowls, and plant saucers frequently, keep gutters clean, and fix leaky outdoor faucets to keep flies away. 

Compost Piles and Decaying Vegetation: Composting is great for the environment but can be a major attractant for flies, especially if the compost pile contains food scraps, yard waste, or animal droppings. Rotting leaves, grass clippings, and mulch can also serve as breeding grounds for flies that prefer decomposing plant material.

Keep compost piles covered and turn them regularly to speed up decomposition and remove piles of decaying leaves and other organic debris from your yard to prevent outdoor infestations.

Outdoor Dining and Food Scraps: Flies are particularly attracted to sugary and protein-rich foods, which makes outdoor dining areas prime targets. Leftover food, drink spills, and barbecue scraps can bring flies to patios, decks, and picnic areas. Even small crumbs and sticky residues can draw them in. 

Animal Carcasses and Rodents: One of the most alarming causes of a sudden fly infestation is the presence of a dead animal near or inside the home. Blow flies and other scavenger flies are drawn to decomposing animal remains and will lay eggs that hatch into maggots. If you notice a large number of flies indoors or around the yard, it may indicate a hidden carcass, such as a dead rodent in the attic, crawl space, or walls.

Overgrown Landscaping and Tall Grass: Horse flies and deer flies prefer shaded, humid environments with dense vegetation, such as tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and wooded areas. These flies rest in these areas during the heat of the day and emerge to feed when conditions are right. Treating landscape plants with chemical pesticides will prevent flies from using them for a home. 

Types of Flies in Florida

Different species of flies have distinct behaviors and breeding habits. Knowing which flies are invading your space can help with targeted prevention and control.

Black Flies

Black flies are small, dark-colored insects known for their painful bites. Often called "buffalo gnats," these pests are particularly active near flowing water, where they lay their eggs. Black flies swarm humans and animals, feeding on blood and causing itching and irritation. 

While they don't typically spread disease in Florida, their aggressive behavior makes them a significant outdoor pest​.

Horse Flies

Horse flies are large, fast-flying insects with powerful biting mouthparts. They prefer open areas near wetlands and can travel long distances to find hosts. Female horse flies feed on blood, targeting humans, livestock, and pets. Their bites are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These flies are most active during the daytime and are attracted to movement and body heat.

Deer Flies

Similar to horse flies but smaller, deer flies are also aggressive blood feeders. They are particularly common near wooded areas and wetlands. These flies have distinctive patterned wings and attack humans and animals in swarms. Their bites can be extremely painful and lead to itching, swelling, and possible infection​.

Blow Flies

Blow flies are metallic blue or green and are often the first insects to arrive at dead animal remains. They lay eggs in decaying organic matter, which hatch into maggots that help break down dead tissue. While blow flies play an essential role in the ecosystem, their presence around homes can indicate a sanitation issue. They can also carry bacteria, spreading diseases like E. coli, Salmonella, and Helicobacter pylori​.

Professional Fly Control Options

While DIY methods like fly traps, screens, and repellents can provide temporary relief, controlling fly infestations requires expert knowledge and precision. At Paul’s Pest Control, we offer customized solutions designed to eliminate fly populations and prevent future outbreaks. Our fly control services include:

• Targeted treatments: We use industry-leading baiting systems, sprays, and exclusion techniques to eliminate outdoor pests at the source.
• Routine maintenance plans: Scheduled treatments help keep fly populations under control year-round, especially during peak seasons.
• Lawn and perimeter treatments: Our experts identify and remove breeding sites to prevent new infestations.
• Pet-safe and eco-friendly solutions: We offer environmentally responsible options to keep your home pest-free without harming beneficial insects or pets.

With over 54 years of experience, Paul’s Pest Control is Tallahassee and Orange Park’s trusted choice for pest management. Our professional technicians deliver effective results, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain comfortable, clean, and fly-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting fly prevention!