Vinegar flies, also known as fruit flies, can quickly become a nuisance around outdoor trash cans. To keep them away, follow these effective strategies:

1. Seal Trash Tightly: Use trash bags and ensure lids are tightly closed to block odors that attract flies.

2. Clean Regularly: Rinse trash cans weekly with soapy water or a vinegar solution to eliminate residue and odors.

3. Use Natural Repellents: Place bay leaves, cloves, or citrus peels in the trash can to deter flies naturally.

4. Set Up Traps: Create DIY vinegar traps (apple cider vinegar + dish soap) near trash cans to catch existing flies.

5. Avoid Overfilling: Empty trash frequently to prevent overflow, which attracts more pests.

By maintaining cleanliness and using these simple tricks, you can significantly reduce vinegar fly infestations around your outdoor trash cans.