1. Keep the Coop Clean
The first—and most important—step is staying ahead of buildup. Flies are attracted to manure, damp bedding, spilled feed, and anything beginning to decompose.
Instead of waiting until the coop looks dirty, I recommend doing small cleanups throughout the week. Removing wet bedding, cleaning nesting boxes, and wiping down feeders and waterers helps prevent flies before they become a problem.
One product I always recommend is All Purpose Coop Cleaner. It's made with a natural low pH cleaning formula that safely cleans wood, plastic, metal, concrete, bedding, feeders, waterers, brooders, and more without needing to remove your birds. It helps create a cleaner, healthier environment while fitting perfectly into your regular biosecurity routine. Plus, one bottle of concentrate goes a long way, making up to five gallons of cleaner.
2. Don't Let Moisture Build Up
Flies thrive in damp conditions.
Check around waterers every day and replace any wet bedding as soon as possible. Improving ventilation and fixing leaks can dramatically reduce moisture inside the coop, making it far less attractive to flies.
3. Manage Your Compost Pile
If you compost chicken manure and bedding, keep the pile away from the coop whenever possible.
Turning your compost regularly helps it heat up, which speeds decomposition and discourages fly breeding. Covering fresh manure with dry leaves, straw, or carbon-rich materials also helps keep flies under control while creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
4. Store Feed Properly
Spilled feed attracts much more than chickens—it also invites flies, rodents, and other unwanted pests.
Store feed in sealed containers and sweep up any leftovers around feeders each day. A few minutes of cleanup can prevent a much bigger pest problem later.
5. Encourage Natural Airflow
Fresh air is one of the easiest natural fly deterrents.
Good ventilation helps keep bedding dry, reduces odors, and creates conditions that are much less inviting for insects. Even adding an extra vent or allowing more airflow through the run can make a noticeable difference during the hottest months.
6. Use a Natural Insect Repellent
Even with the cleanest coop, flies and mosquitoes can still become a nuisance during peak summer.
That's why I like using Bye Bye Insects as an extra layer of protection. Made with a blend of essential oils, it's designed to naturally repel flying insects without relying on harsh chemicals. It's a simple addition to your summer flock care routine, especially during evenings when mosquitoes and flies are most active.
7. Pick Up Manure Regularly
You don't necessarily have to perform a full cleanout every week, but removing manure from high-traffic areas regularly goes a long way.
Roost boards, areas beneath perches, and muddy spots around the run are common breeding grounds for flies. Keeping these areas clean interrupts the fly life cycle before it gets out of control.
The best fly control isn't one magic product—it's a combination of good habits.
By keeping your coop clean, reducing moisture, managing compost, storing feed properly, and using natural products that support a healthy environment, you'll spend far less time swatting flies and more time enjoying your flock.
My favorite combination is using All Purpose Coop Cleaner as part of a regular cleaning routine and following it up with Bye Bye Insects during the summer months. Together, they help create a cleaner, more comfortable space for both you and your chickens.
Summer flies may be inevitable, but a full-blown infestation doesn't have to be.
