How to Stop Flies in the Chicken Coop

If you have chickens, chances are you’ll also deal with flies at some point, especially during warmer weather. While flies are certainly annoying, they’re usually a sign of moisture, manure, or food scraps building up around the coop.
The good news?
With a few simple hygiene and management habits, fly numbers can be kept well under control, without harsh chemicals or constant treatments.

Why Flies Are Attracted to Chicken Coops

Flies thrive in warm, humid, and smelly conditions. They’re naturally drawn to areas where livestock live, particularly where there is:
– Manure and droppings
– Wet or damp bedding
– Spilled feed and food scraps
– Standing or pooled water

Chickens produce a lot of manure and are excellent at splashing water and scattering food, which means fly pressure can build quickly if conditions aren’t managed.
Flies aren’t just a nuisance, they can spread bacteria and contribute to unhealthy environments if left unchecked.

Practical Ways to Reduce Flies Around the Coop

1. Keep the Coop Clean
– Regular cleaning is the single most effective way to reduce flies
– Remove old litter from the coop and run
– Clean nesting boxes regularly
– Remove uneaten feed, scraps, and old eggs
– Prevent droppings from building up
– Scrub down the coop using a commercial coop cleaner or a homemade cleaning solution. Pay close attention to damp or dirty areas where flies congregate
– Make sure water isn’t pooling anywhere, as standing water is a prime breeding site for flies

2. Choose the Right Litter
Litter choice plays a big role in fly control.
– Sand is an excellent option, as it covers droppings and dries them out quickly, reducing odour and moisture
– Hemp bedding is another good alternative and helps deter bugs
– Dry conditions are far less attractive to flies

3. Use Natural Fly Deterrents
Flies dislike the strong scent of many herbs. Hanging herbs in the coop or sprinkling them into bedding can help repel flies naturally.
Herbs that work well include:
Basil
Chamomile
Lavender
Lemongrass
Oregano
Mint
Rosemary
Thyme
These herbs are safe for chickens and can support immune health too.
Alternatively, a ready-made natural nest herbs or herbal defence can be an easy option if you want something pre-mixed.

4. Fly Traps
Fly traps can be a helpful part of an overall fly management plan.
Fly ribbons are non-toxic and insecticide-free but should be hung well out of reach so chickens can’t access them
Eco fly traps made from food-grade, non-toxic ingredients can be placed around the coop to help reduce numbers
Traps work best when combined with good hygiene, not as a standalone solution.

5. Improve Ventilation
– Good airflow makes a big difference.
– Ensure the coop has adequate ventilation
– Cross breezes help discourage flies
– Better airflow also reduces moisture and odour
– Simple changes here can significantly reduce fly pressure.

6. Manage Feed and Food Scraps
Flies are strongly attracted to feed, especially when it becomes wet.
– Pick up leftover scraps once chickens are finished
– Avoid leaving feed out overnight
– Keep feeding areas tidy
– This also helps discourage rodents and other pests.

7. Stay on Top of Poop Buildup
Manure is one of the biggest fly attractants.
– Regularly remove excess droppings from the coop and run
– Keep high-traffic areas dry and clean
– Small, frequent clean-ups work better than occasional deep cleans.

8. Consider Ducks (Optional Bonus)
Ducks of all breeds love eating insects and larvae and will happily forage through puddles and damp areas.
While ducks can help reduce fly and insect populations, they should be seen as additional support, not a complete fly-control solution.

9. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth can be used as part of a fly-prevention routine.
– Sprinkle food-grade DE in coop bedding or dust bath areas
– DE works mechanically by drying out insects and making areas less hospitable for larvae
– DE is not a miracle fix on its own but works best alongside good hygiene and moisture control.

10. DIY Chicken Coop Fly Repellent
You can also try a natural fly repellent spray for problem areas.
DIY Fly Repellent Recipe
2 cups vinegar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
40 drops essential oil (rosemary, basil, dill, peppermint, spearmint, lavender, thyme, geranium, lemongrass, citronella, lemon, or orange)
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, shake well, and lightly spritz areas where flies gather.

Prevention Over Reaction
Flies are part of keeping chickens, particularly in warm and humid conditions. Rather than reacting once numbers explode, ongoing prevention through hygiene, airflow, and moisture control is the most effective long-term approach.
A few consistent habits will always work better than quick fixes and they’ll make your coop a healthier place for your flock overall.