Tips For Keeping Flies Away This Summer In El Paso

Summer's just about here, officially ... unofficially, it got to El Paso about a month ago ... and that means here come las moscas.

We have such nice evenings in El Paso and those amazing sunsets so, who doesn't like chilling outside to enjoy them? Thing is, the freakin' flies get annoying AF. Here are a few tips to help you keep them away this summer.

Flies suck. They're annoying and they're disgusting aaaaannd, they're also a genuine health hazard.

Common house flies (Musca domestica) may transmit up to 65 diseases to humans, including dysentery, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and leprosy. They feed on feces, rotting garbage, spoiled food, sputum, and discharge from sores.
Horse flies (Tabanus spp.) and deer flies (Chrysopsinae) can cause painful bites. - southernliving.com

How To Keep Flies Away

First of all, make sure your trash can lids are tightly closed and clean up any trash, dog poop, etc that you have near your chill spot. Also, get rid of any food sources ... veggies or fruits that fell from their plant, dropped or spilled food, pet food, etc.

Apparently, vapor tub works too.

Ramp up the wind with a ceiling fan, a portable fan or a small AC unit. They hate wind, it makes it hard for them to fly and to land.

Get rid of standing water too and hang fly traps somewhere near your favorite spot. They're kind of ugly but they can get some of the flies before they get to you.

The Nose Knows

Certain plants and flowers repel flies and mosquitoes.

Plants like rosemary, lavender, mint, and basil are nice to have in the garden but they're also nice to have on the table or near your favorite spot. Flies and many other insects don't like their smell.

In the plant department, Venus Flytraps are cool too. They eat flies and other bugs and you get to watch them do it. Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint and tea tree work. Citronella candles help too.