How do I reduce the amount of flies in my yard?

Question

I have a small patio, and two dogs. They are trained to go on the dirt, which I hose regularly and *always* pick up after them right away. (and what I pick up get baggied, and tied, and put into a trash can with a lid on it).

There are some flies buzzing around all the time and I don't like it. Is there something better, that is environmentally friendly and pet friendly that I can spray it with? I sprayed it with fly spray and lysol tonight out of frustration, but now I'm going to keep my dogs away from it for a few days.

Answer 1

Keep the dogs away from the patio when expecting to be out on it. Be even better if the dogs do not stay on the patio at all.

Move the trash cans around the corner.

Answer 2

Take the dogs for a walk after they eat, pick up the dirt and dispose of it when you get home.

Answer 3

Prob'ly traces of poo.  Farm store might have fly-paper.