How to keep horse flies away from outdoor dining areas

Horse flies can be a nuisance when you are trying to enjoy a meal outdoors. These large, biting flies can make it difficult to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep horse flies away from your outdoor dining area. Here's how:

Step 1: Keep the area clean
Horse flies are attracted to food and other organic matter, so it's important to keep your outdoor dining area as clean as possible. This means cleaning up any spills or crumbs immediately and disposing of any food waste in a sealed container.

Step 2: Remove standing water
Horse flies also breed in standing water, so it's important to eliminate any sources of standing water in your outdoor dining area. This includes emptying any water dishes for pets and ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris.

Step 3: Use fans
Horse flies are weak fliers and are easily deterred by a breeze. Use fans to create a gentle breeze in your outdoor dining area. This will not only help keep horse flies away, but it will also make your outdoor dining experience more comfortable overall.

Step 4: Install screens
If you have a covered outdoor dining area, consider installing screens to keep horse flies out. This will also help keep other flying insects, like mosquitoes and gnats, at bay.

Step 5: Use natural repellents
There are several natural horse fly repellents you can use in your outdoor dining area. These include essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint. You can also use citronella candles or torches to help repel horse flies.

Step 6: Consider commercial repellents
If natural repellents aren't doing the trick, you may want to consider using a commercial horse fly repellent. These products come in sprays, lotions, and wipes and are designed to keep horse flies away from your skin.

By following these steps, you can keep horse flies away from your outdoor dining area and enjoy your meals in peace.