How to Get Rid of Flies in Outdoor Potted Plants

Flies can be a real nuisance, buzzing around and landing on everything in sight. When they start to infest your outdoor potted plants, it can be especially frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of flies and keep them from returning. Here are some tips to help you address your fly problem:

Keep Your Plants Clean

One of the most effective ways to prevent flies from infesting your potted plants is to keep them clean. This means regularly removing dead leaves or debris from the soil, as well as regularly watering and fertilizing the plants to keep them healthy. Flies are attracted to decaying matter, so removing it as quickly as possible can help deter them.

Use Fly Traps

Fly traps are a great way to capture the flies that have already infested your potted plants. There are several types of fly traps available, including sticky traps and baits. Sticky traps are coated in a sticky substance that traps flies as they land on it, while baits are laced with insecticidal substances that kill the flies once they've ingested them. These traps can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores and can be hung near your potted plants.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are a natural and effective way to deter flies from landing on your potted plants. Flies are repelled by certain scents, including mint, lavender, and eucalyptus. Simply mix a few drops of your desired essential oil with water and spray it onto your plants. Alternatively, you can create a sachet with dried herbs and place it near your plants. This will emit a scent that will naturally repel flies.

Use Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a non-toxic way to kill flies and other pests that infest your potted plants. This soap works by dissolving the protective waxy coating on the insect's body, which causes it to dehydrate and die. Insecticidal soap can be found at most garden centers or online retailers, and can be sprayed directly onto your plants. Keep in mind that this soap can also kill beneficial insects, so use it sparingly.

Keep Your Environment Sanitary

Even if you take all of the above precautions, flies can still be attracted to your outdoor potted plants if the surrounding environment is unsanitary. This means keeping your compost heap covered, regularly cleaning up any spilled food, and keeping garbage cans away from your plants. Additionally, make sure to clean your outdoor seating and dining areas regularly, as flies are typically attracted to areas where food is present.

Conclusion

Flies can be a real problem for outdoor potted plants, but by taking the above precautions, you can keep them at bay. In most cases, a few simple steps will be enough to deter flies from infesting your plants. However, if the problem persists, you may want to consult a pest control professional to help you address the issue.