Your Midwest Summer Survival Guide: How to Get Rid of Flies for Good

Summer in the Midwest brings sunshine, BBQs, and… an invasion of tiny, winged pests. If you’ve noticed little flies circling your kitchen sink, hanging around produce, or popping up from potted plants, you’re not alone. Warm, humid weather creates ideal breeding conditions for a variety of small flies — especially the notorious fruit fly.

But don’t just reach for the bug spray. Getting rid of fruit flies and other small pests requires a deeper approach. This guide will help you identify the most common offenders and kick them out of your home for good.

Why Are Flies So Bad in the Summer?

Small fly populations explode in warm, moist environments. Summer heat speeds up their life cycles, allowing them to go from egg to adult in just days — especially when paired with ripe fruit, standing water, or damp soil.

Aside from being annoying, these pests can carry bacteria, contaminate food, and even harm indoor plants. The sooner you identify them, the better your chances of preventing a full-blown infestation.

Small Fly ID & Solutions Chart

Here are four of the most common small flies you’ll see during Midwest summers — along with how to spot them, what attracts them, and what to do about them.

Fly	Image & Description	Loves	Lookalikes	Preventative Measures
Fruit Fly	Tiny (1/8”), tan, red eyes. Hovers near food or drains.	Fermenting fruit/vegetables, wine, juice, sticky kitchen spills	Fungus gnat, phorid fly	Apple cider vinegar traps, clean kitchen/dining areas, refrigerate produce
Fungus Gnat	Small (3mm), dark, mosquito-like; often around soil	Moist soil, decaying plant roots, overwatered pots	Fruit fly, non-biting midges	Let soil dry, bottom-water plants, use sticky traps around plants
House Fly	Gray, fast flyers, about 1/4” long	Garbage, pet waste, compost, open food	Blow fly, stable fly	Seal trash, clean bins, repair screens, use fly lights/traps
Drain Fly	Fuzzy, moth-like, slow flyer near sinks	Gunk in drains, soap scum, organic buildup	Moth, tiny brown moths	Enzyme-based or microbial drain cleaners, scrub drain covers, maintain dry pipes

Are These Flies Dangerous?

Yes — while small flies aren’t the main cause of foodborne illness, they can spread harmful bacteria.

Flies often land on garbage, pet waste, and raw meat. When they buzz over to your food or food prep surfaces, they bring those germs with them. House flies in particular are known to transmit Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli — all of which can cause serious illness.

Flies like fruit flies, drain flies, and fungus gnats can also spread germs by moving through organic buildup in kitchens and bathrooms. That’s why consistent sanitation is key to keeping these pests under control and protecting your health.

When Should You Call a Pest Professional?

DIY fly fixes work — sometimes. But if you’re still swatting after trying vinegar traps and scrubbing drains, it may be time to call in the pros.

Call a pest control expert if:

• Flies keep coming back even after you’ve cleaned.

• You get rid of one type of fly, only to discover another.

• The infestation grows too quickly to manage.

A trained technician can identify the fly species, uncover the source, and apply treatments that work — without putting your family or pets at risk.

Take Back Your Summer

Don’t let small flies take over your summer fun. With a few smart prevention strategies and expert help when needed, you can enjoy a fly-free home from now through Labor Day.

Need support? Contact us today to schedule a summer fly inspection. We’ll help you kick these pests to the curb — so you can get back to grilling, gardening, and soaking up the sun.