Here's How I Get Rid of FLIES at Campsites

The BEST solution will cost you less than $6.

This is the paid follow-up to Summer Is Coming: Do You Know the #1 Campground Enemy?. If you don’t have a paid subscription, don’t worry. The last post was free, and the next one will be too! This post is for the people who help me pay for grad school and adventures with paid subscriptions—and those who have appeared in my blog posts and videos over the years. Thank you!

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Flies are a sure-fire way to ruin the mood on any camping trip. Imagine whipping up the world’s best breakfast, only to be swarmed by disease-carrying insects that want to taste your eggs, coffee, and you!

Last week, I shared how flies were the absolute worst nuisance I ever encountered at campgrounds. Not only do they buzz frustratingly loudly and try to get into your food, but many also bite.

After my first month on the road, however, I found the absolute best solution. I’ve kept at least one handy in the RV ever since. I’ll save it for last, because there are other things you can try if you didn’t have the foresight to drop by your local Home Depot before camp.

Let’s get started!

1. Manage your food and trash.

You’ve often seen warnings in nature like, “Don’t feed the wildlife.” This sign typically refers to animals such as squirrels, deer, raccoons, bears, and the like. Maybe also the people who want to “here kitty kitty” the mountain lion to give it some catnip and treats.

But the flies are also part of the wildlife in your area, and you shouldn’t feed them either. Pick up all your trash, keep trash cans closed or bags tied, and wash utensils as soon as possible.

If you’re in a fly-infested area, RVers are better off cooking and eating indoors. For everyone else, eat quickly and keep an eye on your food.

Remember that flies are attracted to animals, filth, food, and your eyelashes. They’ll buzz in your ear, sit on the edge of your coffee cup, and happily give you a little anthrax and cholera as a nice bonus.

2. Shut the windows and doors.

I already know what you’re thinking.

You didn’t travel this far with your RV or tent to be locked inside. You want to breathe the fresh air and open yourself up to Mother Nature. That’s great. Go ahead and open yourself up to that lovely lady, but please shut the windows and doors, and zip up your tent.