How to Keep Flies Out of Garbage Cans

It’s a hot summer day. You’ve spent the morning cleaning the house and just need to tie up the trash and toss it in the outdoor bin before calling it a day. You open the door, and a blast of heat and humidity hits you like a wall.

As you make your way to the garbage cans, you’re met with a familiar (and unwelcome) smell. You wrinkle your nose. That putrid odor is getting stronger and then you hear it: buzzing. Lots of buzzing. A swarm of flies is circling the bin, and you suddenly regret not dealing with the trash earlier.

Sound familiar? Flies love garbage cans, but the feeling definitely isn’t mutual. Understanding why flies are drawn to your bins, learning what actually works to keep them away, and figuring out how to prevent the problem altogether can save you a lot of headaches (and gag reflexes). Let’s dig into what you need to know.

Why Does My Bin Keep Getting Flies?

Flies are drawn to some of the grossest spots imaginable. Why? Because those places offer what they need: food and breeding grounds.

If flies make it into your house, they’ll head straight for the kitchen, hovering over food on the counter, digging through the trash, exploring your sink drain. But outside? Their favorite spots are rotting fruit, animal waste, and yes, your garbage bins.

Flies are also big fans of moisture. They breed in damp, decomposing organic matter—like soggy leaves or food scraps in a hot trash bin. If your garbage can smells, holds moisture, or isn’t sealed up tight, it’s basically a welcome sign for flies.

What Smell Do Flies Hate the Most?

While the stench of decaying garbage attracts flies, certain scents actually repel them. They won’t eliminate flies, but they might help keep them away.

Here are a few smells that flies can’t stand:

• Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender

• Herbs such as basil, bay leaves, and cloves

• Citrus scents from lemon or orange peels

Try placing these scents in or around your bins and see if they make a difference. Sometimes, a little goes a long way.

What Can I Put on My Bin to Stop Flies?

Beyond scents, there are a few simple tricks you can try to discourage flies from setting up shop in your garbage can:

• Drop dried herbs or citrus peels into the bin

• Dab essential oils on cotton balls and stick them in the lid

• Spray diluted essential oils around the bin area

• Set up fly traps designed for outdoor use near your garbage cans

While these aren’t foolproof solutions, they’re easy to try and might just make your bin less attractive to flies.

Does White Vinegar Keep Flies Away from Bins?

Vinegar is a go-to for many household tasks, but when it comes to repelling flies, it’s a bit of a trick question.

Flies are actually attracted to vinegar because of its acetic acid content. So while it works great in traps to lure them in, it won’t work as a repellent.

That said, vinegar is useful for cleaning. A vinegar-based solution can help sanitize your garbage cans and kill fly eggs or larvae (aka maggots). So while it won’t repel flies, it will help stop their life cycle.

How to Stop an Outside Bin from Smelling?

The key to a fresher-smelling garbage bin? Consistent maintenance.

Empty your bins frequently—don’t let trash sit for more than a few days in hot weather. Rinse them out regularly to get rid of leftover residue. For deeper cleans, scrub with soap and water, or use a vinegar-based cleaner.

If odors linger, try:

• Sprinkling baking soda in the bottom

• Tossing in a bit of activated charcoal

• Using essential oils as mentioned above

Also, always make sure the bin lid is tightly closed. This helps trap smells inside and keeps flies (and other critters) out. If possible, store bins out of direct sunlight and at least 20 feet away from your home to minimize heat buildup and pests.

Does Salt in Bins Stop Flies?

Salt doesn’t kill flies, but it can help reduce the moisture in your bin. And since moist environments are breeding grounds for flies, anything that helps dry things out is a win.

So while it’s not a silver bullet, tossing some salt into the bottom of a clean bin as part of your regular cleaning routine could help in your fly-fighting strategy.

Additional Tips to Keep Flies Out of Your Garbage Can

Here are a few more everyday habits that can go a long way:

• Bag everything: Always seal trash in garbage bags before putting it in the bin. Loose items are a fly buffet.

• Avoid tossing in fast food bags or food scraps directly, especially in summer.

• Keep lids closed tight to trap smells and prevent entry.

• Clean regularly, especially if spills or leaks happen.

• Store bins in a shaded area, away from doors and windows.

Being proactive can make a major difference in avoiding a full-on fly invasion.

When to Ask a Professional

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, flies just won’t quit. Here are some signs it might be time to bring in a pro:

• You’re seeing frequent fly infestations even with regular cleaning

• Fly larvae, bad smells, or swarms keep returning after deep-cleaning

• Flies are showing up inside your home

• You suspect a bigger pest problem (like rodents or a dead animal nearby)

A pest control expert can assess what’s really going on, treat the problem at its source, and offer long-term prevention options.

All-American Pest Control offers effective fly control solutions that focus on prevention, sanitation, and year-round protection, so you don’t have to keep battling flies (or other pests) on your own.

Get Rid of Your Fly Problem By Contacting All-American Today

Flies aren’t just annoying, they can carry bacteria and spread germs after spending time in the nastiest of places. Keeping them away from your garbage bins protects your home and your family’s health.

If you’ve got a fly problem, or just want to make sure one never starts, get in touch with All-American Pest Control. Our Perimeter Plus plan covers over 47 common pests, including flies. Want even more coverage? Check out our Complete Care plans.

No matter which you choose, we’ve got your back. Let us help keep your home clean, protected, and fly-free—starting today.

Contact Us for Fly Control

Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation.