Dealing with flies buzzing around your trash can be annoying, but don’t worry flyermedia.net offers solutions. Knowing How To Get Flies Out Of Trash Can involves understanding what attracts them and implementing effective prevention and removal strategies. Keep reading to discover solutions for dealing with garbage flies, fly control, and fly infestations effectively.
1. Why Are Flies Attracted to Your Trash Can?
Flies are naturally drawn to decaying organic matter, which makes your trash can a prime breeding ground. Female flies can lay hundreds of eggs, and these eggs can hatch into adult flies in just a few days if there is a food source. According to Penn State Extension, with an adequate food source, these eggs can become millions of flies in a very short period of time. This rapid reproduction is why controlling the environment around your trash can is essential.
Common types of flies, such as house flies, black soldier flies, and fruit flies, thrive on the food waste typically found in garbage cans. They are often attracted to decaying matter and the yeast cells that grow on sugary substances and fermenting or rotting fruits. The strong odors emanating from kitchen waste are irresistible to these pests, making it vital to minimize organic matter in your trash.
2. Top 8 Methods: How to Get Rid of Flies Around Garbage Cans
When you notice a swarm of flies around your trash bin, acting quickly is crucial. Delaying action can lead to female flies laying more eggs, exacerbating the infestation. Here are eight effective methods on how to get rid of flies around garbage cans to help you tackle this problem head-on.
2.1. Thoroughly Clean Your Trash Can
person spraying cleaning solution inside trash can
One of the most effective ways to deter flies is by eliminating the odors that attract them. Rotting meat and produce are particularly enticing to flies. Cleaning your trash cans regularly can significantly reduce the fly population around your home.
How to clean your trash can:
- Prepare a Vinegar Solution: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of tap water and white vinegar.
- Soak and Scrub: Spray the inside of the trash can thoroughly with the vinegar solution. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the vinegar to loosen any grime and kill bacteria.
- Scrub Thoroughly: Use a scrub brush to clean the entire inside of the trash can, including the lid.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the trash can with water and allow it to dry completely.
- Deodorize with Baking Soda: Sprinkle a cup or two of baking soda inside the trash can and let it sit overnight. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors and keep flies away.
To maintain freshness and continue to repel flies, consider adding baking soda each time you empty the trash. Other odor-prevention methods include using dryer sheets or charcoal inside the trash can.
2.2. Use a Fan to Blow Flies Away
Using a fan is a simple but effective method for keeping flies away from your trash cans. If your trash bins are located in a garage or near an electrical outlet, a box fan can be a great solution.
Flies struggle to fly in strong winds, so a strategically placed fan can deter them. Plug in the fan and set it to its highest setting to create a constant breeze that keeps flies away. An added benefit is the cooling effect during hot weather.
According to various sources, including entomological studies, cool air can deter many types of insects and rodents. Cold air can prevent flies from entering unwanted areas and repel mosquitoes, wasps, and even mice.
2.3. Apply Ginger Spray
fresh ginger root with spices
Ginger, known for its spicy aroma, is a natural fly repellent. Flies cannot stand the smell of ginger, making a ginger powder spray an effective solution for trash bins plagued by flies.
How to make ginger spray:
- Mix Ginger Powder: Mix ginger powder with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray Liberally: Spray the solution directly at swarms of flies or liberally around the garbage bin.
Due to their aversion to the scent, ginger spray can provide immediate relief and help keep flies away from your trash area.
2.4. Create an Eco-Friendly Homemade Fly Killer
For those seeking a non-toxic solution, a homemade fly killer spray can be an excellent option, especially for indoor use. This method uses essential oils that are safe for your family but deadly for flies.
Ingredients for homemade fly killer spray:
- 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 2 oz of hot water
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Add the lemongrass essential oil to the hot water in the spray bottle.
- Shake Well: Shake the bottle to ensure the oil and water are mixed thoroughly.
- Spray Directly: Spray the solution directly on flies around your trash bin.
Additionally, you can create a fly trap using a bowl of water, apple cider vinegar, and a drop of dish soap. The sweet scent of apple cider vinegar attracts flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing the flies to drown once they land.
2.5. Utilize Chemical Bug Spray
person spraying bug spray
When dealing with a severe fly infestation, chemical bug spray can offer a more aggressive solution. Bug sprays containing active ingredients like permethrin can effectively eliminate flies.
Before using chemical bug sprays, it’s important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. Permethrin can be harmful if inhaled, so ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
If you don’t have bug spray, common household chemicals like Windex or hairspray can also be used to kill flies on contact.
2.6. Install Fly Traps
fly trap hanging from tree
Fly traps are adhesive strips coated with a sweet, fragrant substance that attracts flies. These traps can be strategically placed near trash cans to capture flies.
Once flies land on the sticky flypaper, they become trapped and eventually die. While effective, it can take up to three days for a fly to die from starvation, dehydration, or exhaustion. For a quicker solution, consider using flypaper coated with poison.
2.7. Implement a Garbage Guard
garbage guard on blue bin
A garbage guard is an insect killer that uses slow-release technology to emit an odorless vapor of insecticide. This vapor kills insects, including flies and fruit flies, providing long-lasting pest control for up to four months.
The garbage guard is easy to install with its adhesive backing. Attach it directly to the inside of the trash can lid. Ensure the lid is closed to allow the vapor to effectively eliminate pests inside. These are designed for outdoor use and are not recommended for indoor trash cans.
2.8. Seek Professional Assistance
When fly infestations become overwhelming, seeking help from an exterminator or pest control expert is often the best course of action. Professionals can provide a more permanent solution to deal with flies around your garbage bin.
Exterminators offer services for fly removal and some even use eco-friendly methods to address pest problems. While chemicals like controlled-release insecticides are available for purchase, it is recommended that they be used only by licensed pest management professionals due to their commercial-grade strength and potential hazards.
3. Top 9 Tips: Preventing Flies Around Garbage Bins
Preventing flies from infesting your garbage bins is key to maintaining a pest-free environment. Here are nine essential tips on how to keep flies away from garbage cans.
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Don’t Put Food Waste in the Garbage: One of the most effective strategies to deter flies is to eliminate their food source. Instead of throwing food scraps into the trash, consider using an electric kitchen composter like Lomi to recycle organic waste.
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Tie Up the Garbage Properly: Ensure that garbage bags are securely tied to prevent odors from escaping and attracting flies. Double-bagging can provide an extra layer of protection.
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Use Biodegradable Trash Bags: Plastic garbage bags trap moisture, creating ideal conditions for flies. Biodegradable trash bags are more porous, allowing waste to dry out quickly and deter flies.
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Line the Bin with Newspapers: Placing newspapers at the bottom of the trash bin can absorb moisture and keep the bin drier, which helps to prevent flies. Newspapers also make cleaning the bin easier.
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Try Cinnamon Oil Fly Deterrents: Cinnamon oil has a pleasant scent for humans but repels flies. A spray containing cinnamon essential oils and water can keep flies away from garbage bins.
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Use Cedar Chips: Cedar chips are a natural insect repellent. Place cedar chips in the bottom of your trash can or hang a cedar sachet nearby to deter flies.
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Control Flies with Clove Oil: Clove oil is another effective essential oil for repelling flies. A spray containing clove oil can be applied around areas that attract flies or directly on flies as an insecticide.
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Thyme Oil Can Repel Flies Too: Thyme oil is known for its strong scent, which is unappealing to flies. Spray essential oils containing thyme directly on and around your trash cans to keep them pest-free.
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Deter Flies with Basil Leaves: Basil has a fragrance that repels flies. Steeping basil leaves in boiling water overnight can create an essential oil that can be combined with vodka and sprayed in areas that attract flies.
4. Prevent Flies for Good: Use Lomi to Dispose of Food Waste
woman holding composted soil next to lomi electric kitchen composter
Traditional garbage disposals are not always the best solution for food waste. Many types of food cannot be processed correctly, leading to clogs, plumbing issues, or unsustainable waste incineration. Instead, consider Lomi, a connected food recycler, to sustainably transform food scraps into nutrient-rich dirt.
Lomi offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to manage kitchen scraps, reducing the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills negatively impact the planet by taking up space, releasing methane, wasting resources, producing bad odors, and harming wildlife.
According to a report by Rubicon, about 25% of the contents in an average American household’s trash bag are food waste. By using Lomi, you not only reduce fly infestations around your trash can but also contribute to a healthier planet.
5. FAQ: How to Get Rid of Flies Around Trash Can
5.1. What is the main reason why flies are attracted to trash cans?
Flies are attracted to trash cans primarily because of the decaying organic matter present, which serves as a food source and breeding ground.
5.2. How often should I clean my trash can to prevent flies?
Ideally, you should clean your trash can every 1-2 weeks, or more frequently if you notice a strong odor or fly activity.
5.3. Can vinegar and baking soda really help in getting rid of flies around trash cans?
Yes, vinegar helps to disinfect and remove grime, while baking soda neutralizes odors that attract flies.
5.4. Are there any plants that naturally repel flies?
Yes, plants like basil, lavender, and mint naturally repel flies due to their strong scents.
5.5. Is it safe to use chemical bug sprays around my trash can?
Chemical bug sprays can be effective but should be used with caution. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
5.6. What essential oils are most effective for repelling flies?
Essential oils like lemongrass, clove, cinnamon, and thyme are effective for repelling flies due to their strong, unpleasant scents.
5.7. How does an electric kitchen composter help in preventing fly infestations?
An electric kitchen composter, like Lomi, transforms food scraps into nutrient-rich dirt, reducing the amount of organic waste that attracts flies to your trash can.
5.8. What are biodegradable trash bags and how do they help?
Biodegradable trash bags are more porous than plastic bags, allowing moisture to evaporate and waste to dry out, which deters flies.
5.9. Can I use a regular household fan to keep flies away from my trash can?
Yes, a regular household fan can create a strong breeze that makes it difficult for flies to fly and congregate around your trash can.
5.10. When should I consider calling a professional pest control service for fly control?
Consider calling a professional pest control service when fly infestations become severe and difficult to manage with DIY methods, or if you are concerned about using strong chemicals.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and prevent fly infestations around your trash cans. For more information on sustainable waste management and eco-friendly solutions, visit flyermedia.net today and take the first step towards a cleaner, healthier environment.
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