How To Catch Flies

Flies are more than just a nuisance. They can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and quickly become a major problem in kitchens, bins, gardens, restaurants, and commercial premises. If you are wondering how to catch flies effectively, the key is to use the right method for the type of fly, the size of the infestation, and the environment. At Bon Accord Pest Control, we help London homes and businesses deal with fly problems using professional, long-term pest management solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Whether you are dealing with house flies, fruit flies, drain flies, or cluster flies, catching them is only part of the solution. You also need to remove breeding sources and prevent them from returning. In this guide, we explain the best ways to catch flies and how to reduce fly activity around your property.

Why Flies Are a Problem

Flies reproduce quickly and are attracted to food waste, damp areas, rubbish, and decaying organic matter. They can land on surfaces, transfer germs, and create an unpleasant environment. In homes, flies often gather around kitchens, bins, windows, and drains. In commercial settings, especially food premises, they can damage reputation, breach hygiene standards, and lead to complaints or inspections.

If you keep catching flies but they keep returning, it usually means there is an underlying attraction or breeding site nearby. That is why effective fly control should combine trapping, sanitation, proofing, and professional treatment when needed.

Use Fly Traps for Quick Results

One of the simplest ways to catch flies is with a fly trap. These come in several forms, including sticky traps, baited traps, and electric fly killers. The right option depends on where the flies are and how many you are dealing with.

Sticky traps are useful for catching flies indoors, especially near windows, bin areas, or storage spaces. They attract flies and hold them on an adhesive surface. Baited traps work well outdoors or in garden areas because they lure flies using a food-based attractant. Electric fly killers are commonly used in commercial settings, as they attract flying insects to a light source and eliminate them on contact.

When placing traps, position them away from food preparation surfaces but close to fly activity. If you place traps too close to people, they may be less effective and more of an inconvenience. For best results, use several traps in different locations rather than relying on one.

Try Homemade Fly Catching Methods

If you need a quick and low-cost option, you can make simple fly traps at home. A popular method is using a bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar, a little washing-up liquid, and a few drops of sugar or fruit juice. The scent attracts flies, and the soap reduces surface tension so they become trapped in the liquid.

Another method is the paper funnel trap. Place sweet liquid or fruit inside a jar, then roll a piece of paper into a cone and place it in the top. Flies can enter easily but struggle to get back out. These methods can be effective for fruit flies and small numbers of house flies, especially in kitchens and food storage areas.

While homemade traps can help, they are usually best for minor problems. If fly numbers remain high, there is likely a larger issue that needs addressing.

Catch Flies With Proper Sanitation

Sanitation is one of the most important parts of fly control. Flies are strongly attracted to food residue, spillages, dirty bins, pet waste, and damp organic waste. If these are present, no trap will solve the issue completely.

Clean food preparation areas regularly, empty bins often, and make sure bin lids stay closed. Wipe down surfaces, clean under appliances, and remove any standing water. In commercial properties, pay attention to waste storage, grease build-up, loading bays, and refuse areas. Even small amounts of waste can attract large numbers of flies.

If you want to know how to catch flies and stop them coming back, removing the source of attraction is just as important as the trap itself.

Seal Entry Points and Prevent Access

Flies often get inside through open windows, damaged screens, gaps around doors, and poorly sealed vents. To reduce the number entering your property, fit fly screens, repair mesh, and close gaps around frames and pipe entries. Keep doors closed where possible and use air curtains in commercial environments if needed.

Proofing is a long-term solution that greatly improves results. By limiting access, you reduce the number of flies inside and make any traps you use more effective. This is especially important in London properties where high-density urban areas can increase pest pressure throughout the year.

Know Which Fly You Are Dealing With

Different flies require different control methods. Fruit flies are usually linked to overripe fruit, sugary spills, and fermenting waste. Drain flies breed in slime inside drains and plumbing. House flies are often drawn to rubbish and general organic waste. Cluster flies are more common in lofts and roof spaces, especially during colder months.

Correct identification helps determine the best way to catch flies and eliminate the source. For example, drain flies will not be solved by kitchen traps alone if the drains themselves are contaminated. In these cases, professional inspection and treatment may be needed.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

If you have tried traps, cleaning, and proofing but flies are still a problem, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Persistent infestations often indicate hidden breeding sites, poor drainage, structural entry points, or waste management issues that are difficult to identify without expert knowledge.

Bon Accord Pest Control provides professional fly control services across London for residential and commercial properties. Our trained technicians carry out detailed inspections, identify the species involved, and create tailored treatment plans based on the severity of the issue. We focus on safe, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions designed to provide long-term results.

For businesses, especially those in hospitality, retail, and food production, professional pest control can also help protect compliance, hygiene, and customer confidence. Emergency call-outs are available when a fly problem needs urgent attention.

Final Tips for Catching Flies

The best way to catch flies is to combine traps with prevention. Use sticky traps, baited traps, or homemade vinegar traps for immediate reduction. Keep surfaces clean, remove waste, seal entry points, and address any breeding sources quickly. If the problem continues, professional support is the most reliable way to achieve lasting control.

Flies can spread fast, but with the right approach, they can be controlled effectively. If you need expert help with fly control in London, Bon Accord Pest Control is here to help with inspections, targeted treatments, and preventative pest management tailored to your property.