Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by The Bug Experts Team

Picnics are a delightful way to enjoy the great outdoors and savor delicious meals with family and friends. However, the unwelcome presence of flies can quickly turn your idyllic picnic into a battle of swatting and shooing. To ensure your outdoor gathering remains pest-free, we’ve compiled a list of pro tips on how to keep flies away during your next picnic.

1. Choose Your Picnic Spot Wisely

Selecting the right location can significantly impact the presence of flies at your picnic. Look for areas that are away from stagnant water, garbage bins, and animal waste, as these are common breeding and feeding grounds for flies. Additionally, consider picnicking in well-ventilated spots with a gentle breeze, as flies find it challenging to fly in windy conditions.

2. Keep Food Covered and Sealed

Flies are irresistibly drawn to the aroma of your picnic spread. Prevent them from feasting on your food by using mesh food covers or food storage containers. Keep dishes covered until you’re ready to serve, reducing the chances of flies contaminating your meals.

3. Pack Citrusy Repellents

Flies are known to dislike the scent of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Consider bringing along citrus-scented candles, sprays, or essential oils to deter flies from approaching your picnic area. These natural repellents can add a pleasant fragrance to your picnic while keeping flies at bay. Also see our article on making a DIY Fly Spray with Citrus Oils

4. Regular Cleanup and Maintenance

During your picnic, designate someone to be in charge of periodic cleanup. You can Keep flies away by encouraging guests to dispose of food scraps, empty containers, and used utensils promptly. The goal is to minimize the availability of food sources that attract flies.

5. Use Fans or Netting

If you’re planning an extended picnic, and need to keep the flies away for a longer period of time, portable fans or netting can be valuable tools. A simple netting like this one is great for covering your food until you are ready to eat. Fans help create airflow that makes it difficult for flies to land on your food, while netting acts as a physical barrier to keep them away.

6. Keep Trash Secure

Properly dispose of trash and food scraps by sealing them in airtight containers or trash bags. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, so keeping your picnic area clean and free of food debris is essential. Double-check that the lids are closed tightly and use trash bags designed to resist tears and punctures.

7. Serve Fly-Unfriendly Dishes

Certain herbs and spices, such as basil, mint, and rosemary, have natural repellent properties that flies find unappealing. Incorporate these ingredients into your dishes to discourage flies from landing on your food.

8. Avoid Floral Patterns

Floral-patterned tablecloths and picnic blankets may look charming, but they can attract bees and flies due to their vibrant colors and patterns resembling flowers. To keep flies away, look for solid-colored or checkered tablecloths instead to minimize the visual appeal to insects.

9. Encourage Hand Washing

Provide hand sanitizers or a portable handwashing station at your picnic to encourage guests to clean their hands before eating. This helps reduce the chances of transferring food odors to their hands, which can attract flies. The scent of alcohol and hand sanitizer can ward away flies.

10. Strategically Place Traps

Fly traps or flypaper can be strategically placed around your picnic area to capture flies before they become a nuisance. These fly traps wont keep flies away, but can keep them from bothering you if they are around. Be sure to position them away from your dining area.

11. Timing Your Picnic

Consider the timing of your outdoor picnic. Flies tend to be more active during specific times of the day, such as late mornings and early afternoons. Planning your picnic during off-peak fly hours, like late afternoon or early evening, can reduce the chances of dealing with an influx of flies. Additionally, picnicking during breezy weather can help disperse flies and keep them away from your food and guests.

Keep Flies Away to Enjoy a Fly-Free Picnic

In the world of outdoor picnics, the presence of flies can quickly turn a delightful gathering into an annoyance. Fortunately, with the right strategies and proactive measures, you can create a fly-free picnic experience that allows you to focus on good food, great company, and the beauty of the great outdoors.

From choosing the ideal picnic location and setting up an effective fly deterrent perimeter to incorporating clever tactics like using natural fly-repellent plants and opting for picnic-friendly food storage, you now have a toolbox of pro tips to keep flies at bay. These methods not only help you enjoy a more pleasant picnic but also contribute to a memorable and enjoyable outdoor dining experience.

So, the next time you plan an outdoor picnic, remember these valuable insights and techniques. With a little preparation and a dash of creativity, you can savor every moment without the nuisance of buzzing flies. Here’s to many fly-free picnics filled with laughter, good food, and wonderful memories!

With these concluding words, your readers will be inspired to put your expert tips into practice and have a truly enjoyable, fly-free picnic experience. By implementing these pro tips, you can enjoy a fly-free outdoor picnic with your loved ones. Happy picnicking!