Scientists made a startling calculation about houseflies: a single pair of flies beginning reproduction in April could potentially produce 191,010,000,000,000,000,000 offspring by August under optimal conditions!
While this astronomical number may seem far-fetched, it underscores the urgent need for effective fly control methods. Let’s look at 14 instant ways to banish these pesky insects from your outdoor spaces.
1. Deploy Vinegar & Dish Soap Traps
Create a simple yet effective trap by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a tall glass. Cover it with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and poke small holes on top. The vinegar attracts flies, while the soap causes them to sink.
2. Harness the Power of Essential Oils
Mix pungent essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or rosemary with water in a spray bottle. Spritz this natural repellent around your outdoor areas to keep flies at bay.
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3. Utilize Fly Paper
Hang sticky fly paper strips in areas where flies congregate. These traps use a sweet, fragrant scent to lure flies and then trap them on the adhesive surface.
4. Plant Natural Fly Repellents
Grow herbs and flowers like basil, lavender, marigolds, and mint in your garden. These plants naturally repel flies with their strong scents.
5. Install Ultraviolet Light Traps
Use UV light traps to attract and capture flies. For optimal results, place one trap for every 30 feet of wall, keeping them away from food preparation areas.
6. Create a Cayenne Pepper Spray
Mix cayenne pepper with water in a spray bottle and apply it to surfaces where flies tend to land. The sharp odor acts as a natural deterrent.
7. Employ Air Curtains
Install air curtains above doorways to create a barrier of moving air. Studies show that air moving at 26 to 30 feet per second at 3 feet above the ground provides 80% exclusion of house flies.
8. Hang Water Bags with Pennies
Fill clear plastic bags with water and a few pennies, then hang them around your outdoor area. While scientific evidence is limited, many swear by this method to repel flies.
9. Use Citronella Candles
Burn citronella candles in your outdoor space. The strong scent and smoke help keep flies away.
10. Set Up Outdoor Fly Traps
Place commercial fly traps around your yard. These devices use attractants to lure flies and then trap them, effectively reducing the population.
11. Maintain Proper Sanitation
Regularly clean up pet waste, keep garbage cans sealed, and remove standing water from your property. Good sanitation is crucial in preventing fly infestations.
12. Create a Clove & Lemon Repellent
Cut a lemon in half and stick 6-12 cloves into each half. The strong scent of this natural repellent deters flies while providing a pleasant aroma for humans.
13. Use Electric Fly Swatters
Employ electric fly swatters for quick and effective elimination of individual flies. These devices are particularly useful for persistent pests.
14. Set Up Oscillating Fans
Place fans in your outdoor area and keep them running. Flies have difficulty navigating in strong air currents, making this a simple yet effective deterrent.
Source:
1. University of Florida
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.