5 ways to deter flies from your house with household items
Let's keep them out in the first place!
Last updated 24th Jul 2026
It's summer. It's (unusually) warm. Most of us have got the windows flung open as far as we can safely do so to grasp onto any hint of a breeze at the moment - especially at night!
However, one of the biggest downsides to having the windows wide open in the summer is - you guessed it - the FLIES. From those humungous house flies right the way down to pesky fruit flies (and even the occasional lost wasp), they're unwelcome guests at the moment. For most of us, anyway.
So much so that people are scouring the Internet in their droves for ways to keep flies out of the house - with searches up a whopping 4,150% in the last month. Yes, we know there's the option to get fly swatters and the like once they're in your house, but many people would rather not hurt the things - just keep them out.
Plus, if it's already super hot, do you really want to be expending more energy waving a fly swatter around? Surely there are better ways to simply repel the flies in the first place?
Thankfully, the folks at Express Bi-Folding Doors have come up with five ways you can use household items to keep flies out in the first place - let's dive in.
How to keep flies out of the house in summer:
1) Make a DIY candle from lemons and ice cubes
"Looking for a cheap, pretty and effective way to keep flies away from the dinner table? Try this DIY candle jar hack using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen or garden. Start with a clear glass jar or bowl, layer in slices of lemon or lime, along with sprigs of rosemary, mint or lavender, then fill the jar with water and place a floating tealight candle on top.
"Once lit, the warmth from the candle releases the natural citrus and herb scents, creating a gentle barrier that flies steer clear of, while doubling as a beautiful table centrepiece for summer evenings. It's simple, costs as little as 80p, looks great, and keeps flies off your food."
2) Grow herbs on your window sill
"Grow herbs like basil, mint and rosemary near your patio doors or outdoor dining area. These plants thrive in summer and are known to repel flies thanks to their strong scent. Lavender is both attractive and effective, and doubles up nicely as a table addition for al fresco dinners."
3) Make a window repeller with essential oils and kitchen roll
"Flies hate the smell of oils like eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass. Cut strips of kitchen paper or cloth, add a few drops of your chosen oil, and hang them around open windows and bi-folding doors to create a scent barrier that stops flies drifting in as you let the summer air through."
4) Use up old coffee grounds
"Don't throw away used coffee grounds, scatter them in small bowls around your outdoor dining space or near open doors. The smell helps keep flies away, along with ants and wasps."
5) Stay on top of household hygiene
"Flies are drawn to food waste and standing water. Clear plates promptly, empty plant saucers and pet bowls, and wipe down outdoor tables after eating to stop flies being drawn in mid-meal or lingering once you're done."