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CartHere’s How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Home
House flies are a major source of irritation, and can even pose a health hazard when present around food. Fortunately, there are many ways to help rid your home of these pests, but it’s important to know the best methods for your particular situation. Here are some options to consider, along with tips to help keep flies out of your house.
Eliminate Fly Attractors
One way to get rid of flies is to reduce the number of fly attractants around your home. That means washing dishes immediately after use, throwing away empty food containers and food scraps, and taking organic garbage outside. You should also keep your kitchen and any other food areas wiped down with kitchen cleaner or dish soap to eliminate any food residue.
Indoor Fly Traps
Indoor fly traps are available in a variety of types, but most are non-toxic and chemical-free. Some have muted LED lights with enough lumens to attract nearby flies, but not draw them in from outdoors. Plug-in fly traps can be placed in any nearby outlet where flies are present.
Homemade Fly Traps
You can easily create a DIY fly trap using ingredients you probably have in your home. One common method is to cut the top off of a plastic soda bottle and fill the bottle base with sugar water. Once cut, simply place the top part of the bottle nozzle-down in the base. Then fill the base with sugar water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap to help trap the flies inside.
Put a Light in the Window
Here’s a trick that works well for bedrooms. Flies are attracted to light, so if it’s sunny outside simply shut the door, close the blinds or drapes, and leave a small gap that lets in light. Then open the window to draw out the flies.
Fly Swatters
A trusty fly swatter still offers a tried and true method for killing flies in your home. Traditional fly swatters consist of a handle and a flat mat surface to slap the flies. House flies have near 360-degree vision, so it’s best to approach from behind and hover just above before making a fast, decisive flick with your swatter. Electric fly swatters are also available. Similar in shape, they feature interwoven electrical wires that zap the flies with a low current when you make contact.
Fly Paper
Fly paper offers another traditional way to get rid of house flies. This sticky paper is placed in areas that attract flies, such as beneath a light or next to a garbage bin. Many also include baits to lure the flies. Once they land the sticky surface adheres to the flies and traps them. Commercial fly paper works extremely well, but you can also make your own using brown paper, tape, and honey or corn syrup.
Mid-Air Vacuuming
If you’re doing a bit of housework it’s good to know that you can also vacuum flies straight out of the air. This can be an effective method if you only have a few flies. You can also use your vacuum to remove dead flies after using other methods for removal.
Bug Sprays and Insect Repellents
Bug sprays are an effective tactical weapon for indoor use. In other words, only spray them directly on the fly. Don’t area-spray as you might outdoors, and never spray around food or in your kitchen.
Bug Zappers
Bug zappers are great for reducing flies and other flying insects outdoors. They can be used inside too, as long as you’re ok with hearing the occasional zapping noise.
How to Keep Flies Out of Your House
To prevent flies from entering your home in the first place, you should cut off their easy entryways. For starters, make sure you repair any broken window screens or screen doors. Keep garbage cans away from your door so flies aren’t hanging around as people enter and leave the house. You should also have outdoor garbage cans that close tightly with a fitted lid.
Houseplants
Houseplants can also help keep flies out of your home. Various herbs and flowers emit odours that repel flies and other insects. Here’s some options to consider placing on windowsills and close to doors:
Petunias are very effective at repelling many insects
Marigolds are beautiful and keep many bugs at a bay
Lavender will repel insects and also perfume the inside of your home
Lemongrass contains citronella, a key component of many insect repellents
Basil and mint repel insects and can be used in the kitchen to flavour dishes and salads
Rosemary and sage have insect-repellent qualities and also have culinary and medicinal uses
At times there will be lots of coming and going from your backyard, so it’s inevitable that some flies will get inside your home. The key is to get rid of them quickly before they become a nuisance and most importantly, before they proliferate.
