How to Get Rid of Flies from Home? 10 Effective Tips
Flies may be small, but they can quickly become a big problem if not dealt with. They are not only bothersome insects but also carry hazardous bacteria that can contaminate your food, endangering your family’s health. In this article, we’ll review several tried-and-true strategies for eliminating annoying flies in your home.
What Types of Flies Are Invading Your Home?
Different types of flies may require a completely different eradication method. Houseflies are the most common inside the house, but fruit flies can be seen flying around in and around ripe or rotten fruits, while drain flies can be found in moist places such as drains. Being able to identify the type of fly will enable you to determine the best method of eradication.
Characteristics of Common Indoor Flies
Houseflies: Larger, gray bodies with four dark stripes upon their thorax. They are attracted to food waste and garbage.
Fruit Flies: Small, tan, or brownish, usually with red eyes, are found around ripe fruits and vegetables.
Drain Flies: Small, hairy bodies with wings resembling a moth found in moist areas.
How to Get Rid of Flies From Your Home
Identify and Eliminate Attractants
Generally speaking, flies are attracted by sources of food, moisture, and waste. To begin your fly control, get rid of any materials that could attract them:
- Cover and Store Food Properly: All food must be covered or placed in sealed containers.
- Clean Up Spills Immediately: Even small spills of juice or crumbs attract flies, so clean up immediately.
- Manage Trash: Put trash in cans with tight-fitting lids and remove it often.
Keep Your Home Clean
A clean house is less attractive to flies. Regular cleaning routines should emphasize the following:
- Wiping Down Surfaces: Ensure kitchen counters, tables, and other surfaces are wiped daily.
- Sweeping and Vacuuming: regular cleanups of floors and carpets that might be laden with food particles and other debris attracting these flies.
- Washing Dishes Promptly: No dirty dishes should remain in the sink, as they attract flies.
Use Fly Traps
Fly traps are also an excellent way to reduce the population of flies in your house:
- Sticky Traps: These can be put in those areas where the flies are most active, such as near windows and doors.
- UV Light Traps: These attract flies through light and either trap or kill them; hence, they’re very effectively used in the kitchen.
Seal Entry Points
Flies can enter your home by the tiniest gaps and cracks:
- Check and Repair Screens: Ensure all the window and door screens are intact and do not have torn piercings.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: The space around the foundation’s windows, doors, and areas can be sealed using caulk and weather stripping.
- Install Door Sweeps: Put in door sweeps to prevent flies from entering under the doors.
Manage Outdoor Spaces
Flies often breed outside and then infiltrate your home. A well-managed outdoors can go a long way in reducing the number of flies:
- Clean Up Pet Waste: Flies are attracted to feces, so regular cleanup is vital in keeping them away.
- Keep Garbage Bins Closed: Ensure containers on the ground are tightly lidded.
- Remove Standing Water: Flies can breed in standing water, so remove any puddles or containers that act as a collection point for water.
Employ Natural Fly Repellents
Following are some of the natural repellents that will help people keep flies away safely and effectively:
- Essential Oils: Oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are fly-repellant. Mixing a few drops with water and spraying the mixture around your home might ward off some flies.
- Herbs: Herbs such as basil and mint, if kept near the windows and doors, will prevent the entry of flies.
Maintain Indoor Plants
Indoor plants make great aesthetics for every home, and they could invite flies into your home if not properly taken care of:
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatered plants provide a welcoming environment for flies.
- Check for Mold: The moldy odor from the soil can also attract flies, keeping your plants healthy and the soil well-drained.
Use Insecticides Sparingly
In severe cases of infestation, the application of insecticide can be carried out:
- Choose Safe Products: Select insecticides designed for indoor usage and carefully follow the directions on the label.
- Apply in Key Areas: Spraying insecticides around windows and doorways, as these are the areas where flies are very active.
Control Moisture Levels
Flies are very susceptible to wet conditions; therefore, controlling humidity is essential.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in plumbing or roofing to prevent water accumulation.
- Use Dehumidifiers: In particularly damp areas, such as basements, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in plumbing or roofing to prevent water accumulation.
- Use Dehumidifiers: Use a dehumidifier in areas of the house that may be more humid, like basements.
Consider Professional Pest Control
If you have tried several means and yet you are facing the fly problem, probably it is now time to get a professional:
- Expert Assessment: Professionals can identify the type of flies you’re dealing with and find their breeding sites.
- Targeted Treatments: The treatments offered by professional pest control services are stronger than over-the-counter available insecticides, thus ensuring a long-lasting solution.
The Dangers of Ignoring a Fly Infestation
They are generally harmless, and the number might be in a few, but an infestation can develop quickly, causing host problems. Flies spread bacteria that can contaminate food and contact surfaces, leading to illnesses that might be serious, such as food poisoning. Besides, it signifies that something in your home may attract pests, indicating poor cleanliness or calls for maintenance.
Conclusion
Getting rid of flies quickly is necessary to live comfortably and safely in your house. Flies are more than a nuisance; they carry serious health risks by spreading bacteria and contaminating food. Follow these tips for proactive prevention and elimination of flies at your house. That tiny problem is enormous if you let it get away from you.
Start using these methods today, and if the problem persists, call in professional help. All homes should be a haven of peace and cleanliness; now take the steps necessary to keep it that way!
