It’s a common household nuisance to find flies buzzing around, especially as the weather warms up in spring, summer, and fall. These pests often find their way indoors seeking food sources and moisture. Understanding what inadvertently attracts flies is key to effectively preventing them from becoming unwelcome guests in your home.
To tackle a fly problem, it’s helpful to know the type of fly you’re dealing with. Common house flies are notoriously drawn to decaying organic matter like waste and rotting meat. Fruit flies, on the other hand, are attracted to sugary substances, making overripe fruits, spilled sugary drinks, and even alcohol prime targets. Drain flies thrive in damp environments rich in organic material, often breeding in drains where they lay their eggs.
What Conditions Inside Your House Attract Flies?
Flies are frequently found in areas that aren’t kept clean. Several conditions commonly attract flies to homes:
- Uncovered garbage cans both inside and outside provide easy access to food waste.
- Decaying animal carcasses, which might be hidden in walls or attics, are a significant attractant.
- Pet waste left in yards is another source that draws flies outdoors, which can then move indoors.
- Overripe fruit left on countertops emits strong odors that are irresistible to fruit flies.
- Spilled sugary drinks and open alcohol containers are magnets, particularly for fruit flies.
- Organic scum buildup in drains offers both food and breeding grounds for drain flies.
Outdoor events like picnics with food, especially meat and sweet items, can also attract flies to your property. Open doors and windows during these times can easily lead to flies entering your home and potentially establishing an infestation. Certain types of flies, such as cluster flies, are attracted to buildings at specific times of the year as they look for sheltered spots to spend the winter inside homes.
Practical Steps for Fly Prevention
Once you know what attracts flies, you can take targeted actions to deter them from returning. Effective fly prevention strategies include:
- Regularly remove trash from both indoors and outdoors areas.
- Ensure garbage cans are kept clean and, most importantly, securely covered.
- Clean up pet feces from your yard frequently to eliminate a breeding ground.
- Discard overripe or rotting food promptly and keep fruit stored properly.
- Clean up spills immediately, especially sugary drinks and alcohol.
- Regularly sanitize your garbage disposal to prevent odor and buildup.
- Ensure windows are tightly sealed and keep doors closed when possible to block entry. This is especially crucial for preventing overwintering flies like cluster flies from entering in the fall.
For persistent fly problems or if you’re unsure what is specifically attracting flies to your home, it might be beneficial to consult with pest control professionals. They can help identify the attractants and recommend effective removal strategies. Contacting a pest control service can provide tailored solutions to effectively manage and eliminate fly infestations.
