House flies can transmit at least 65 different diseases, including cholera and typhoid. They multiply quickly, with a single female laying 100-150 eggs.1 These reasons, as well as a multitude of others, highlight the importance of keeping your home fly-free.
Here are 15 effective ways to get rid of flies in your house and ensure they
1. Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is the first line of defense against flies. Regularly wiping down surfaces, removing the trash, and sweeping the floors can help eliminate food particles and spills that attract flies. Clean up immediately after meals, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Additionally, pay special attention to areas where food is prepared and consumed. Flies are particularly drawn to these spots. Clean countertops, stove tops, and dining areas thoroughly.
Regularly check for and clean up pet food spills, as these can also be a fly magnet.
2. Use Fly Traps
Fly traps are a simple yet effective solution. Sticky fly paper can be hung in areas where flies are most problematic.
The adhesive surface traps flies when they land on it, gradually reducing their numbers. You can also use UV light traps that attract flies with light and trap or kill them with a small electric shock.
3. Install Screens on Windows & Doors
Screens are a fantastic way to keep flies from entering your home while still allowing fresh air in. Ensure all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens with no holes or tears. This simple barrier can significantly reduce the number of flies indoors.
In addition to screens, consider using screen doors or magnetic door screens. These are particularly useful for high-traffic areas where doors are frequently opened and closed, providing an extra layer of protection against fly invasions.
4. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell great but also repel flies. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass are particularly effective. You can create a spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and spraying it around windows, doors, and other entry points.
Another method is to use essential oil diffusers throughout your home. This keeps the scent consistently in the air, deterring flies. You can also apply essential oils to cotton balls and place them in areas where flies are a problem.
5. Keep Garbage Cans Sealed
Flies are attracted to the smell of garbage. To keep them at bay, make sure your indoor and outdoor garbage cans are always sealed tightly. Use trash bags that can be tied securely, and avoid letting garbage overflow.
Regularly clean your garbage cans to remove any residue that could attract flies. A solution of water and bleach or vinegar works well for this purpose. Keeping the area around your garbage cans clean is equally important.
6. Use Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators of flies can help control their population. Birds, spiders, and certain types of beetles and wasps are known to prey on flies. By attracting these predators to your yard, you can reduce the number of flies entering your home.
Creating a garden that attracts birds, such as planting berry bushes or installing bird feeders, can be effective. Additionally, avoid using pesticides that could harm these beneficial creatures, allowing nature to help keep flies in check.
7. Try Vinegar & Dish Soap
Apple cider vinegar and dish soap make a simple yet effective fly trap. Fill a shallow dish with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts flies, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown.
Place these traps in areas where flies are most problematic. They are particularly effective in kitchens and near windows where flies tend to congregate. This method is safe, non-toxic, and easy to set up.
8. Use a Fly Swatter
Sometimes, the old-fashioned methods work best. A good fly swatter can help you quickly reduce the number of flies in your home. Look for one with a sturdy handle and a large swatting surface for the best results.
Swatting flies requires some agility and patience. It can be a bit of a game, but it’s effective for dealing with flies that have already made it inside. Combine this with other methods for comprehensive fly control.
9. Plant Fly-Repelling Herbs
Certain herbs are known to repel flies. Basil, mint, rosemary, and bay leaves are excellent choices. Plant these herbs in pots around your home, particularly near entry points like windows and doors.
Not only do these herbs repel flies, but they also add a pleasant aroma to your home and can be used in cooking. A small herb garden can be practical and decorative, contributing to a fly-free environment.
10. Use a Fan
Flies are weak fliers and can be deterred by strong air currents. Placing fans in strategic locations, such as near dining areas or kitchen counters, can help keep flies away. The constant breeze makes it difficult for them to land and settle.
Ceiling fans can also be effective, especially in rooms where people spend a lot of time. This method is simple and effective and has the added benefit of keeping people cool during the warmer months.
11. Store Food Properly
Proper food storage is crucial in preventing fly infestations. Store food in airtight containers and keep fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving food out in the open, especially sweets and meats that attract flies.
If you have a compost bin, ensure it is tightly sealed and located away from your home. Regularly dispose of or compost food scraps to minimize attraction. This practice not only helps keep flies away but also maintains the freshness of your food.
12. Use Citronella Candles
Citronella is a natural fly repellent. Using citronella candles both indoors and outdoors can help keep flies at bay. These candles are particularly effective during outdoor gatherings or while enjoying your patio.
Place the candles strategically around areas where flies are a problem. The scent of citronella masks other scents that attract flies, making your home and outdoor spaces less inviting to these pests.
13. Keep Drains Clean
Drains can be a breeding ground for flies, especially fruit flies. Regularly clean your kitchen and bathroom drains with baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water. This helps remove any organic material in which flies might lay their eggs.
Consider using drain covers to prevent flies from entering and laying eggs. Keeping your drains clean and debris-free is an essential step in reducing fly populations in your home.
14. Use Electric Fly Swatters
Electric fly swatters are a modern twist on the traditional fly swatter. They use a small electric charge to zap flies on contact, making catching and killing them easier. These devices are effective and often come with a rechargeable battery.
Electric swatters can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are particularly useful in high-traffic areas where flies are most active. This method is quick and efficient for immediate fly control.
15. Hang Up Some Fly Strips
Fly strips are another tried-and-true method for controlling flies. These sticky strips can be hung in areas where flies are a problem. When flies land on the strip, they become stuck and cannot escape.
Fly strips are inexpensive and easy to use. They can be placed around your home near windows, doors, and trash cans. Regularly replacing the strips ensures continued effectiveness.
Implementing these strategies can effectively reduce and prevent fly infestations in your home. A combination of methods often works best for comprehensive fly control. With a little effort and consistency, you can enjoy a fly-free living space.
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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.