If you’ve ever lifted the lid of your outdoor trash can during a warm day in Northwest Arkansas, you’ve probably encountered an unpleasant sight — buzzing flies, maggots, and the smell that draws them in. Whether you live in Bentonville, Springdale, Rogers, or Centerton, fly problems around outdoor garbage are a common headache for homeowners, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall.
Flies aren’t just annoying. They carry bacteria and can become a bigger issue if infestations take hold near your home. Fortunately, there are reliable and easy ways to reduce fly activity around your trash area, improve sanitation, and keep your property smelling and looking clean.
Here’s how to do it.
Why Outdoor Trash Cans Attract Flies in Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate with long summers and plenty of rainfall. This combination of warmth and moisture accelerates the decomposition of garbage, which in turn attracts flies, especially house flies and blowflies.
In neighborhoods from Fayetteville to Cave Springs, common factors that worsen fly problems include:
- Leaving trash uncovered or lids open
- Food scraps, meat, and pet waste in bags
- Poor drainage under or around the bin
- Missed or delayed garbage pickups
- Recycling contamination
8 Effective Ways to Keep Flies Away From Outdoor Trash Cans
1. Keep the Lid Closed at All Times
Always secure the lid of your trash can. Flies are attracted to the smell of rotting organic matter and will lay eggs on exposed surfaces. A tight-fitting lid is your first line of defense.
Local tip
If you live in a windy area like west Centerton or rural areas outside Rogers, consider using a bin with lockable or weighted lids to prevent accidental openings.
2. Double-Bag Odorous Waste
Flies are especially drawn to protein-rich garbage like meat scraps and spoiled food. Double-bagging smelly items helps contain both the odor and any liquids that might leak.
Bonus
Consider freezing meat scraps and placing them in the trash only on pickup day to reduce rot and smell during hot Arkansas afternoons.
3. Clean the Bin Regularly
After each trash pickup, rinse out the inside of your bin with a hose. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of dish soap and white vinegar or baking soda. This helps remove food residue and odor that can attract flies and maggots.
Pro tip
Leave the bin open to dry fully in the sun, as dry surfaces are less attractive to flies than damp ones.
4. Use Trash Can Liners or Inserts
Using large commercial trash liners inside your outdoor bin helps reduce leaks and direct contact between garbage and the bin walls. This makes cleaning easier and helps control lingering smells.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda or Lime in the Bottom
Sprinkling baking soda, garden lime, or even cat litter in the bottom of the can absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. This simple step is particularly helpful during Bentonville’s high-humidity months from June to September.
6. Place Trash Cans in a Shaded Area
Flies thrive in heat and sunlight. By placing your bin in a shady or well-ventilated location, you can slow decomposition and make the area less attractive to flies. Just be sure it remains accessible to sanitation services.
7. Apply Natural Repellents
You can use DIY fly deterrents such as:
- A few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil on a cotton ball placed inside the bin
- Vinegar and dish soap traps placed nearby
- Spraying a water and vinegar solution around the can’s rim
These methods are safe, affordable, and eco-friendly.
8. Keep the Area Around the Bin Clean
Remove food wrappers, spills, or pet waste from around your bin to reduce fly breeding grounds. If your bin sits on gravel or soil, consider adding a concrete pad or paver base for better drainage and easier cleaning.
When to Consider Professional Help
If you’re dealing with ongoing fly problems, especially if they’re accompanied by maggots or infestations around your home, a pest control inspection can help identify whether the problem stems from garbage, compost, drainage issues, or hidden breeding areas.
In neighborhoods with mature trees and heavy vegetation like those near Lake Fayetteville or western Springdale, flies may also be linked to other pest problems like rodents or wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor trash cans may be a necessary part of everyday life, but they don’t have to attract flies and create sanitation problems. With just a few small adjustments to how you store, bag, and manage your garbage, you can keep your bin area clean, odor-free, and uninviting to pests.
Need help identifying a recurring fly issue? Contact Rid-a-Pest, your Northwest Arkansas pest experts, for a customized sanitation and pest prevention plan tailored to your property.
