What are they attracted to? I have heard the following will work but not tried it. Cutting off the top of a soda bottle, 2-4" down from the shoulder of the bottle, putting some of an attractant in the bottom, and then taping the top back on, without the cap and upside down, so it's like a funnel aiming into the truncated bottle, will trap them. For some reason, many flying insects will crawl into a funnel shape, but don't seem to be able to figure out how to crawl out. When you have caught a bunch of them, toss the bottle. Make another if still needed. If they fly out, it may be the opening is too big, so trying again with a smaller opening might still work - they went in, after all.

Similar fly catchers can be made or bought, using jars or tossable plastic bags - look on line or in catalogues for livestock supply places, or in feed stores. These frequently use meat as an attractant, and are better outdoors, away from buildings - they stink! I think I saw one type in a recent Miles Kimball catalogue, now recycled.

I have caught fruit flies when I get an infestation, using a similar set-up - take a yogurt or similar container, heat a small nail, burn a few holes in the top, place a piece of fruit in the tub, put the top on the tub, put the whole thing next to the spot where there are the most fruit flies, and toss when the flies are gone.

Hello Katie,

Second the bottle trap. Also try - and let me know if it works- this hint I came across. I used it with positive results.

Place a white ceramic plate on the floor, add about 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper and then slowly about a half cup of water. Let set out overnight. I do not know what the evaporating chemical is, but I used this when someone left the sunporch door open and the space had lots of flies. The next morning dead flies were all over the floor and not a live one anywhere. Space is 12'x 24'. Floor is rusty ceramic tile, so was easy to see the carcasses. I used fresh ground pepper.

cella jane

Thanks! I'm going to try your ideas.

Katie

I was taught to use a baggie with water hanging from the porch or over the sink to keep flies away. I also have found good info at http://eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm for natural insect pest control.

Kaatie, if you have a bad fly problem outside, you can, if it mostly comes from livestock, etc. on your property, use fly predators against them. I just got a mailing from Spalding Labs - one of the major purveyors of parasitic wasps [don't freak, they are TINY and don't sting]), and thought of your fly influx. You buy the pupae, which are shipped through the mail, and put them around, about once a month. It works quite well, but only where the pupae are put out. If most of your problem flies are coming from next door, then unless you can get your neighbor to agree to using them, you will continue to have a problem. They are a little pricey, but do get rid of flies, house, stable, deer, etc., etc.. It may be worth looking into - they can tell you how many you would need for your acreage and the number of animals (if any) you have.