What attracts flies?

Flies may seem like a small problem, but they can cause big issues. They don’t just buzz around and annoy people — they also spread bacteria, contaminate food, and make homes or businesses feel unclean.

Understanding what attracts gnats and flies is key to keeping them away. Flies are drawn to food, garbage, and moisture and can breed quickly in the right conditions. Discover more about the steps you can take to prevent an infestation.

Types of flies and their specific attractants

Not all flies are the same. Different types of flies are attracted to different things and breed in different places. Knowing what kind of flies you’re dealing with can help ensure the most appropriate treatment is used to rid of them.

House flies

House flies are one of the most common types found in homes, restaurants, and businesses. These flies are attracted to food waste, garbage, and anything that is decaying. They breed in places like rotting meat, spoiled food, and trash bins. 

Because they move between dirty areas and food sources, house flies can easily spread bacteria and cause health issues

Fruit flies

If you’re wondering, “What attracts fruit flies?” the answer is in the name. Fruit flies are tiny but can become a big problem fast. They are mainly attracted to overripe fruits, vegetables, and anything fermenting. Once they find a food source, they multiply quickly and can be difficult to control.

If you leave fruit out on the counter for too long, you might notice these tiny flies hovering around.

Drain flies

Drain flies, also called filter flies or sewer flies, love moisture and organic buildup in drains. They are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere with standing water. These flies breed in clogged pipes and wet areas, making sinks and drains a perfect place for them to thrive.

For more detailed information on the most common flies in the US, visit our fly identification guide.

Horse flies

Horse flies are drawn to warm, humid environments, particularly near bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and marshes. These pests are attracted to dark colors and the movement of animals or humans, as well as carbon dioxide from breath and body heat. They thrive in areas where livestock or wildlife are present, feeding on their blood for nutrients.

Common attractants for flies

Flies are attracted to certain conditions that provide them with food and a place to breed. If these attractants are present in your home or business, flies can quickly become a problem. Eliminating these sources is one of the best ways to prevent an infestation.

Food sources

Flies are constantly searching for food. They are especially attracted to strong odors from rotting meat, spoiled dairy, and organic waste. Leftover food scraps, crumbs, and sugary spills can also bring flies into kitchens, restaurants, and garbage areas.

Also, if fresh produce sits out too long, it starts to ferment, releasing a scent that flies (especially fruit flies) can detect from far away. Once they find a food source, they lay eggs nearby, rapidly increasing their numbers.

Garbage and waste

Unsealed trash bins and food waste are some of the biggest reasons flies invade homes and businesses. When garbage piles up, the smell attracts flies looking for an easy meal. Flies are also drawn to pet waste and decaying organic matter.

Even dead animals, such as rodents or birds, can become a food source for flies. If an animal dies in or around your property, it’s important to remove it quickly. Otherwise, flies will lay eggs in the carcass, leading to maggots and more flies. 

Keeping garbage areas clean and properly sealed can significantly reduce fly activity.

Environmental factors

Flies need the right conditions to survive and reproduce. Warmth, moisture, and standing water create the perfect environment for them to thrive. Drain flies, for example, are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms because they breed in clogged drains and damp areas.

Leaks under sinks, condensation around pipes, and wet mop buckets can also attract flies. Even outdoor factors like compost piles, overwatered plants, or clogged gutters can create fly-friendly environments. Keeping areas dry and well-maintained can help prevent them from settling in.

If flies continue to be a problem despite your efforts, our fly control experts can help. Our team can identify the source of the infestation and provide effective treatments to get rid of flies and prevent them from coming back. 

For more information on how to keep flies away and manage infestations, check out this detailed fly control guide.

Preventing fly attraction

The best way to prevent flies from becoming a problem is to make simple changes in cleanliness, food storage, and waste management. 

By removing what attracts flies, you can seriously reduce the chances of an infestation.

Proper waste management

Flies are attracted to garbage, so it's important to keep trash areas (and areas under dumpsters) clean. Always close garbage cans tightly to keep flies out. Take out the trash regularly, especially during warm weather, because rotting food draws flies faster.

Food waste, like leftovers, should be thrown away properly. If left uncovered or sitting too long, it can be a perfect place for flies to lay eggs. If you use compost bins, make sure they are sealed and kept away from doors and windows.

Dead animals can also be a problem. If a small animal, such as a rodent or bird, dies near your home or business, remove it quickly. Flies lay eggs in decaying animals, leading to more flies. Cleaning up right away can prevent this.

Food storage and cleanliness

Flies are always looking for food. If they find some, they’ll keep coming back. To keep them away, store food properly. Put fruits and vegetables in the fridge or cover them so flies can’t reach them.

Keeping the kitchen clean is just as important. Wipe down counters after meals, and don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Even small crumbs can attract flies. Empty trash bins often and clean up any spills right away.

In restaurants or food businesses, extra care is needed. Clean surfaces often, store ingredients properly, and make sure no food is left exposed. This will help stop flies from becoming a problem.

Environmental controls

Flies like damp places where they can breed. Drain flies, for example, live in wet areas. To prevent them, check for leaks and fix them. Keep places under sinks, around pipes, and near appliances dry.

Clean drains regularly to avoid organic buildup that can attract flies. Use drain cleaners or pour boiling water to clear away any leftover waste. Also, avoid leaving wet mops, sponges, or rags around, as they can be a good place for flies to breed.

Professional fly control

Flies are persistent pests, but you can reduce their presence with the right prevention methods. Proper waste management, food storage, and moisture control are key to keeping them away. 

However, if flies become an ongoing issue, contacting our fly control experts can ensure a long-term solution. Our team has the knowledge and tools to get rid of flies and keep them from coming back.