How to Keep Flies & Mosquitoes Away During Summer in Puglia
Discover practical ways to keep flies and mosquitoes away during summer in Puglia. From prevention tips to recommended products, enjoy your outdoor spaces all season long.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
How to Keep Flies & Mosquitoes Away During Summer in Puglia
Summer in Puglia is everything people dream of.
Long evenings by the pool. Outdoor dinners with family and friends. Beautiful sunsets over olive groves. Warm temperatures that invite you to spend every possible moment outside.
Then... the flies arrive.
And just as the sun begins to set, the mosquitoes decide it's their turn.
If you've recently bought a holiday home or moved to Puglia, you're probably wondering if this is normal.
The short answer?
Yes.
The good news is that with a few simple habits and the right products, you can make a huge difference and enjoy your outdoor spaces much more comfortably.
Why Are There So Many Flies & Mosquitoes in Puglia?
Puglia's warm Mediterranean climate is one of the reasons so many people fall in love with the region.
Unfortunately, it's also the perfect environment for insects.
During the warmer months you'll often find:
House flies
Mosquitoes
Fruit flies
Wasps
Gnats
The combination of high temperatures, agriculture, olive groves, livestock, and occasional standing water creates ideal conditions for them to thrive.
That doesn't mean you have to spend your summer constantly swatting insects, it simply means prevention is key.
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes only need a tiny amount of standing water to breed.
Take a quick walk around your property every week and check for:
Buckets
Plant saucers
Children's toys
Bird baths
Old pots
Blocked gutters
Removing these breeding spots can dramatically reduce mosquito numbers around your home.
2. Keep Outdoor Dining Areas Clean
Flies are attracted to food, drinks, and leftovers.
After eating outside:
Wipe down tables.
Empty rubbish bins regularly.
Clean BBQ grills.
Avoid leaving pet food outside.
Small habits make a surprisingly big difference.
3. Install Fly Screens
One of the best long-term investments for any home in Puglia is installing fly screens on windows and doors.
They allow fresh air to circulate while keeping insects outside where they belong.
If you're renovating your property, it's something we always recommend considering.
4. Let Nature Help
Certain plants are believed to help discourage insects while making your garden look beautiful.
Popular choices include:
Lavender
Rosemary
Basil
Mint
Lemongrass
Citronella
While they won't completely eliminate mosquitoes, they can become part of an effective overall strategy.
5. Use Moving Air
Here's a tip many people don't know.
Mosquitoes are surprisingly weak flyers.
A simple outdoor fan on your terrace or dining area can make it much harder for them to land while also keeping you cool during hot summer evenings.
It's a simple solution that's often overlooked.
6. Keep an Electric Fly Swatter Nearby
Sometimes, despite all your preventative measures, a few unwanted visitors still make their way inside.
An electric fly swatter is one of those simple tools you'll quickly wonder how you ever lived without.
Unlike traditional fly swatters, they're fast, rechargeable, and chemical-free.
They're especially useful around:
Outdoor dining areas
BBQs
Kitchens
Pool houses
Holiday homes
It's one of those small purchases that can make everyday life much more enjoyable during the summer months.
7. Consider UV Insect Traps
For indoor spaces, UV insect traps can be another great addition.
Many modern versions work quietly overnight and help reduce the number of flying insects without using chemical sprays.
They're particularly useful in:
Bedrooms
Living rooms
Holiday rentals
Guest houses
8. Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure
The biggest mistake people make is waiting until the insects become a problem.
Instead, prepare your property before the hottest months arrive.
A few preventative steps now can save a lot of frustration later—and allow you to spend more time enjoying your garden instead of chasing flies around the dinner table.
Products We Actually Recommend
We've tested a variety of products over the years and found that a few simple additions can make a noticeable difference during the summer.
Here are some of our favourites:
⭐ Solar Garden Lights (to improve outdoor comfort without attracting as many insects as harsh white lighting)
Beautyfull Cozy String Lights & Amazing Wall Lights - We use them both and are very satisfied with them!
Flies and mosquitoes are simply part of life in Southern Italy. The good news is that they don't have to ruin your summer. By combining good property maintenance with a few practical products, you can create a much more enjoyable outdoor environment for your family, your guests, and yourself.
After all, your evenings should be spent relaxing with a glass of wine under the stars, not constantly waving flies away from the dinner table.
Need Help Maintaining Your Property in Puglia?
At Puglia Property Management, we help homeowners keep their properties in excellent condition all year round.
From garden maintenance and outdoor improvements to renovations and complete property management, we're here to help you enjoy your home, without the stress.
Get in touch today to discuss your property. We'd love to hear about your plans.
*Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use or believe offer great value for property owners in Puglia.