House flies, also referred to as 'nuisance' flies, are typically found in human habitats. Their eggs are typically laid in trash and decomposing organic substances.
A house fly infestation is a primary concern that comes with the risk of spreading disease. These pesky insects can carry viruses and bacteria, and that's just the beginning of it. House flies can spread diseases such as dysentery, cholera, tuberculosis, and other illnesses by contaminating water and food.
You could reach out for that pesticide spray can or another chemical formula to get rid of flies. But there's a catch. Pesticide ingredients can be harmful to your home and family, maybe even more harmful than the pathogens the house flies spread.
Fortunately, today's age offers many non-toxic, natural, safe, and easy ways to prevent infestations or get rid of flies. Here are some ways:
1. How To Get Rid of Flies Naturally
Plants That Get Rid of House flies
Whether for aromatherapy or cooking, many aromatic plants that soothe our worries and work up our appetites also repel flies for a healthier and less annoying home. It's often preferable to get rid of house flies naturally, without the use of pesticides. Potential remedies that are effective and safe for your home and family include:
A. Flowers and Herbs
Flowers and herbs can be planted outside in your garden to keep flies away from your home, and you can cook some of them. These include:
- Lavender
- Bay leaves
- Marigold
- Catnip
- Cloves
- Cayenne pepper
- Pine
- Eucalyptus oil
- Mint
- Nasturtiums- This flower keeps more than flies outside away. It keeps bugs such as aphids, beetles, and squash bugs away while also promoting other plants' growth in your garden
B. Citrus Oil
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Many commercial house fly repellents contain orange or lemon extracts. Citrus extracts are not just used for the scent, but because citrus oil in citrus fruit peels is a natural bug deterrent. Put citrus peels in a small cloth on a dish, where the house flies buzz a lot. Make sure to keep them moist, and rub the peels repeatedly to keep the scent fresh.
C. Venus Fly trap
Venus fly traps are carnivores that feed on insects, making them quite handy plants to have around the house. You are advised to plant Venus fly traps to attract flies outside, where they'll naturally eat the house fly instead of having it inside where you'll need to feed the plant flies.
The plant's trap closes in around the fly trapping it. It then secretes digestive fluids to digest the insect's soft inner part. It uses 5 to 12 days to digest the house fly then spits out the exoskeleton.
2. DIY Homemade trap
The most effective way to deal with fly infestations at home is to call on pest control professionals. But if you're not dealing with an infestation per se, simple homemade DIY can effectively do the job.
Homemade traps are cost-effective ways to combat flies, and their efficiency varies. Here are some you can make with everyday household items.
A. Plastic Soda Bottle trap
- Carefully clean an empty plastic two-liter bottle
- Cut the top, above where the label is put
- Pour a sweet liquid, like sugar water or molasses, honey or wine in the bottom third of the bottle
- Remember the upper part of the bottle that you cut out, turn it upside-down, making a cone shape, and place it on the opening of the larger part of the bottle
- A fruit fly will quickly find its way into the trap but won't get out
B. Vinegar and Dish soap
Mixing vinegar and dish soap makes an excellent trap that helps you deal with house flies. For this method, mix about an inch of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of liquid soap in a tall glass jar. Then cover the glass top with a plastic bag, wrap it around with a rubber band to hold the plastic bag, and then use small nails to poke small holes on the plastic bag at the top.
Apple cider vinegar attracts fruit flies, and the soap then causes the flies inside to sink instead of landing on the vinegar.
3. Get Rid of Flies Indoors
A. ERDM Approach For Long-term Protection
Professional bug control services best guarantee the complete removal of flies from your home or business. For that fly problem, the Ehrlich expert will follow this ERDM approach to ensure long-term protection:
- Exclusion - Preventing flies from entering the house by sealing doors, windows, roof vents, etc.
- Restriction - Remove possible fly breeding areas like compost bins
- Destruction - Use correct fly control treatment tailored to suit individual circumstances
- Monitoring - Regular inspection
Flies may pose a health risk by carrying diseases such as Typhoid, E.Coli, and Salmonella. Luckily, this pest control method is there to keep flies outside.
B. Insecticide and Other Repellants
You can use these repellants to trap or kill the flies:
- Pyrethrin-based insecticide- Pose a health hazard if not well handled
- Sticky fly paper
- Electronic fly killer
- Light trap -Light traps are boxes with light that always attracts these flies. When the flies get to the light, they'll either be electrically zapped or trapped
Frequently Asked Questions on Flies
1. What attracts house flies to your home?
Flies are mainly attracted by breeding sites in which adult flies can lay their eggs. These include:
- Rotting material, for instance, food waste and other garbage
- Animal feces, including pet waste
- Manure
- Trash cans
- Bright lights at night can also attract them
2. How can I keep flies away?
Prevention of pest problems is the best defense for your home. Best practices include:
- Make sure your window screens, doors, and home vents are sealed properly
- Use garbage cans with a tight-fitting lid
- Store food properly in an air-tight container
- Don't leave dirty dishes or glasses on the counter
- Don't leave leaves or food debris out to decay near your house
3. How long does an infestation last?
A common misconception is that a fly infestation will die out in a short period. Depending on the fly species, a housefly and other larger flies can live for days, maybe even months. Although, mayflies only have a 24-hour lifespan.
