If you live near a lake or visit lakeside areas often, you’ve probably encountered lake flies, tiny insects that come in large swarms and seem to be everywhere during the warmer months. Though they don’t bite or sting, lake flies can make it difficult to enjoy time outdoors. They gather in thick clouds, cover windows and patios, and leave a mess when they die off.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about how to get rid of Lake Flies, including smart home solutions, natural remedies, and how Safe Home Management can help you stay on top of the problem.
What Are Lake Flies?
Lake flies are small insects that look like mosquitoes. The only difference is that they are harmless to humans. They hatch in large groups near freshwater lakes and ponds, especially in spring and early summer. Their larvae live in the sediment at the bottom of lakes, and when they mature, they emerge in huge numbers to mate.
They don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases, but their presence in such large numbers is what makes them such a nuisance. And, that’s when the question of how to get rid of lake flies arises.
Why Are Lake Flies a Problem?
Here are some reasons why lake flies are so troublesome for people who live or vacation near lakes:
- They swarm in massive clouds, making it hard to breathe or see when outside.
- They stick to everything, windows, siding, cars, patio furniture, and clothing.
- They create a mess, dead lake flies pile up quickly, and cleaning up can become a daily task.
1. Reduce Outdoor Lighting
One of the simplest ways to get rid of lake flies is to reduce the amount of bright outdoor lighting around your home.
- Use yellow bug lights, as these are less attractive to insects than standard white or blue lights.
- Turn off porch and dock lights when not in use.
- Install motion-sensor lighting, which helps reduce unnecessary lights.
This reduces the number of flies swarming near your windows and entryways at night.
2. Use Screens and Seal Entry Points
Lake flies can slip inside through even the smallest gaps. Make sure your home is sealed up:
- Install fine-mesh screens on windows and doors.
- Use weather stripping around door frames.
- Add door sweeps to close the gap at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Close vents or cover them with mesh during fly season.
This keeps the problem outside where it belongs.
3. Natural Repellents That Work
If you're looking for eco-friendly ways when looking for how to get rid of lake flies, try these natural options:
- Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender can repel flying insects. Mix with water and spray around the required areas.
- Citronella candles or torches work best in outdoor gathering spaces.
- Garlic spray (garlic and water mixture) has a strong smell that repels many types of bugs.
These methods are safe, non-toxic, and can help make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
4. Fans Are Your Friend
Lake flies are weak fliers. Setting up an oscillating fan or a ceiling fan outdoors can help:
- Use fans on porches, patios, or decks to keep flies from hovering.
- Fans can be used indoors, too, if flies have already made their way inside.
- Keeping the fan on or auto can be varied, so use the mode accordingly.
This is a quick and effective way to clear a small area without chemicals.
5. Keep Your Yard Tidy
Lake flies stay in grass and shrubs during the day. Keep the area around your home neat:
- Mow the lawn regularly.
- Trim bushes and remove thick vegetation near the lake’s edge.
- Clean up piles of leaves or organic debris where flies might gather.
A well-kept yard attracts fewer insects.
6. Clean Up Dead Flies Daily
Once the swarming starts, you’ll likely see piles of dead lake flies near doors, garages, patios, and docks.
- Sweep or blow them away daily.
- Use a hose or pressure washer to clean driveways and siding.
- Vacuum indoor entryways if they manage to get in.
This helps maintain hygiene and prevents secondary pest problems.
7. Use Bug Zappers with Caution
Bug zappers and UV light traps can help reduce flying insects in certain areas, but they should be used carefully:
- Place them away from your sitting area or where you gather.
- Use in the evening, when flies are more attracted to light.
Be aware that zappers can also kill beneficial bugs, so only use them when necessary.
8. Safe Use of Insecticides
If natural and physical methods aren't working, some may consider using insecticides. However, this should be a last resort:
- Lake flies have a short life cycle, so sprays may not be effective long-term.
- Always follow label directions or consult a pest control professional.
Look for environmentally safe products labeled for flying insects.
9. How Safe Home Management Can Help
Dealing with seasonal insect problems like lake flies can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're managing a full-time household or a lakeside vacation property. That’s where Safe Home Management steps in to make life easier.
Here’s how Safe Home Management can help:
- Seasonal pest control planning: Their team monitors seasonal trends and prepares your home in advance with protective measures that discourage swarming.
- Outdoor lighting upgrades: They can install or replace bug-attracting lights with more insect-resistant lighting solutions.
- Professional cleaning: They provide daily or weekly outdoor cleanups during peak lake fly season to remove dead insects and keep your property spotless.
- Sealing and maintenance: Safe Home Management can inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and screen damage, and repair them to keep flies out.
- Yard maintenance: Regular landscaping and vegetation trimming reduce resting spots for lake flies, and they can schedule those services automatically during critical months.
With Safe Home Management, you don’t have to deal with the lake fly invasion alone. We provide customized solutions that fit your property’s needs so you can relax and enjoy lakeside living again.
10. Community-Wide Solutions
If you live in a lakefront community, working together can also make a big difference:
- Speak to your homeowners’ association about treating lake water with safe larvicides (administered by professionals).
- Encourage community-wide lighting policies to reduce attraction to common areas.
- Promote shoreline cleanliness to minimize breeding grounds.
A group approach can drastically reduce lake fly populations across the entire area.
Conclusion: You Can Get Rid of Lake Flies
While lake flies might be harmless, they’re far from pleasant to deal with. Thankfully, now you know exactly how to get rid of lake flies using smart lighting, physical barriers, natural repellents, and professional support from Safe Home Management. Whether you're a full-time resident or enjoy seasonal visits to the lake, these simple strategies can help you reclaim your outdoor space.
Stop swatting, start relaxing, and let Safe Home Management help make your home truly fly-free.