10 Simple Tricks To Keep Flies Away

Flies are more than just an annoyance — they’re a health hazard. In Spain, they’re an unavoidable part of life during the warmer months, especially in homes with gardens, outdoor bins, pets, or open kitchens. From black flies that bite to fruit flies that breed in drains, each type comes with its own set of problems. If you're living in Spain as an expat — whether in a city apartment, a coastal villa, or a rural finca — managing fly infestations without toxic chemicals can be challenging, but it's completely doable.

Which Flies Are Common in Spain?

Spain is home to several species of flies, each behaving differently depending on location, season, and temperature:

• Mosca común (housefly): Found everywhere; spreads bacteria on food and surfaces.
• Mosca negra (black fly): Bites humans and animals; thrives near rivers and stagnant water, especially in Catalonia and Aragón.
• Mosca de la fruta (fruit fly): Breeds quickly in bins, drains, and ripe produce.
• Whiteflies & fungus gnats: Damage crops and indoor plants; common in greenhouses and vegetable gardens.
• Stable flies: Look like houseflies but bite; often found around horses and livestock.

Each requires slightly different tactics — but all are manageable without turning to chemical insecticides.

Why You Need More Than Just Sprays

Flies are resilient and adapt quickly. Most supermarket sprays work for a few hours — then wear off. Worse still, they can be toxic to pets, contaminate food surfaces, and contribute to indoor air pollution. In some regions, their overuse also contributes to insect resistance. A more effective long-term strategy involves reducing breeding grounds, using natural deterrents, and understanding how fly vision and smell work — which is where natural methods shine.

Natural Remedies That Actually Work

These are not Pinterest gimmicks. They're tested and widely used in Spain and elsewhere, including by organic farmers and eco-conscious households:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap (Fruit Fly Control)

Fruit flies are drawn to fermentation. Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Leave it uncovered near your fruit bowl or kitchen bin. The flies land, break the surface tension, and drown. Replace every 2–3 days for best results.

2. Lemongrass or Eucalyptus Spray

Mix 20–25 drops of essential oil (lemongrass, eucalyptus, or peppermint) with warm water in a spray bottle. Mist around bins, doorframes, and windows. These oils target flies’ olfactory receptors and confuse them. Bonus: your home smells great.

3. Citronella Isn’t Magic (But It Helps)

Citronella oil and candles do work — to a point. The effect is strongest in enclosed spaces like verandas or under awnings. If using outdoors, burn candles for 30+ minutes to build up scent levels. For better coverage, use oil burners indoors or near entry points.

4. Refraction Tricks: Coins in Water

Flies have compound eyes, and bright light bouncing through water can disorient them. Fill a clear plastic bag with water and a few shiny coins, then hang it near doorways or outdoor eating areas. Spanish locals in rural regions have used this trick for generations — especially in agricultural buildings. It won’t kill flies, but it helps reduce their entry.

5. Milk, Sugar, Pepper Mix

Simmer 1 cup milk with 3 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp black pepper. Pour into shallow dishes. This old method draws flies in by scent and traps them when they land. Especially useful around compost piles or stables.

6. Plant-Based Defences (Not Just for Cooking)

Grow herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, lavender, and bay laurel in pots near doors and patios. Not only do they repel flies, but they also enhance your cooking. Can’t grow them? Hang dried herb bundles in cheesecloth inside your kitchen or store room. This is a common tactic in southern Spanish homes, especially older fincas with open kitchens.

7. Cucumber for Bin Areas

Cucumber emits a bitter smell that flies dislike. Place slices on bin lids or inside compost containers to deter egg-laying. This simple trick is surprisingly effective, especially in summer when waste decomposes faster and draws insects.

8. Clove-Stuffed Lemons

A proven fly repellent used in rural Spain. Cut lemons in half, insert 10–12 whole cloves into each half, and place in bowls on the dining table. Particularly useful when eating outdoors — and far more pleasant than aerosol sprays.

9. Regular Bin Routines (Most Ignored Rule)

Flies breed fast. Even a day-old banana peel or meat tray can attract them. Empty bins frequently — daily in summer. Clean bin interiors with vinegar and baking soda. If you live in a flat, avoid leaving bin bags in shared hallways overnight.

10. Mesh Screens & Drain Covers

If you don’t already have fly screens on windows, invest in them — especially for kitchens and bedrooms. In Spanish hardware stores, ask for “mosquiteras para ventanas” or “rejillas para desagües” (drain strainers), which are also helpful for blocking breeding in kitchen and shower drains.

Seasonal Tips

Fly activity peaks in Spain between May and September. Inland areas may suffer more from biting black flies near water, while coastal regions see spikes in houseflies and fruit flies due to humidity. Spring cleaning, clearing garden waste, and checking for pooled water in patios are critical in early April before peak season hits.

For Rural or Semi-Rural Homes

If you have chickens, goats, or live near fields, fly control is even more important. Stable flies and biting flies are common near livestock. Keep animal pens clean, water changed, and use pine shavings or dry bedding to absorb moisture. You can also try hanging fly traps (trampas para moscas) sold in Spanish agricultural co-ops or garden centres.

Final Thought

Fly control in Spain doesn’t have to involve toxic sprays or high costs. With a few practical habits, strategic planting, and basic awareness of how flies behave, you can make your home — urban or rural — far less attractive to these disease-carrying pests.

Looking for More Than Just Natural Fly Repellents?

When you're living in Spain, small annoyances like flies are just the beginning. From seasonal bugs to unexpected health issues, having the right private health insurance in Spain for expats gives you peace of mind — and quick access to medical support when you need it. Explore Sanitas Health insurance built for expat life today.