How Do Flies Get In A House? Flies invade your home through various entry points like open windows, damaged screens, and cracks, seeking food and warmth; but don’t worry, flyermedia.net provides effective solutions to prevent and eliminate these pesky insects, keeping your home clean and healthy. By understanding their behavior and implementing preventative measures, you can significantly reduce fly infestations, creating a more comfortable living environment. Learn about fly control measures, fly behavior, and preventing infestations on flyermedia.net.
1. Understanding Fly Behavior
To effectively combat flies in your house, it’s essential to understand their behavior and habits. Flies are not just random visitors; they’re actively seeking out environments that provide them with food, warmth, and breeding grounds. By understanding what attracts them, you can take targeted steps to keep them out.
What Attracts Flies to Your Home?
Flies are attracted to a variety of things inside and around your home:
- Food Sources: Open food containers, spills, crumbs, and pet food are all major attractants. Flies have a strong sense of smell and can quickly locate these food sources.
- Garbage: Uncovered or poorly sealed garbage cans provide an ideal breeding ground for flies. The decaying organic matter is a perfect food source for larvae.
- Moisture: Flies are drawn to moist environments, such as leaky pipes, damp areas in the basement, and overwatered plants.
- Warmth: During colder months, flies seek shelter and warmth inside your home. They often congregate near windows, doors, and other entry points where heat escapes.
- Animal Waste: Pet feces in the yard can attract flies. Cleaning up pet waste regularly is crucial for fly control.
Common Entry Points for Flies
Identifying how flies enter your home is the first step in preventing them from getting inside. Common entry points include:
- Open Doors and Windows: The most obvious entry point, especially during warm weather when you want to keep your home ventilated.
- Damaged Screens: Tears or holes in window and door screens provide easy access for flies.
- Cracks and Gaps: Small cracks in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors can be enough for flies to squeeze through.
- Vents and Utilities: Open vents, unsealed pipes, and utility access points are often overlooked but can be significant entry points.
- Plumbing Systems: Drain flies, in particular, can breed in the moist organic matter found in drains, making plumbing systems a breeding ground and entry point.
2. Identifying Types of Flies
Not all flies are the same, and identifying the type of fly you’re dealing with can help you tailor your control measures. Here are some common types of flies found in homes:
- House Flies (Musca domestica): These are the most common type of fly found in homes. They are typically dark gray, about 1/8″ to 1/4″ long, and have four dark stripes on their thorax. House flies are known to transmit diseases and can be a significant nuisance.
- Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster): Small, tan-colored flies often found near ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They breed quickly and can become a major problem in kitchens.
- Drain Flies (Psychodidae): Also known as moth flies, these small, fuzzy flies are often found near drains and sewers. They breed in the organic matter that accumulates in drains.
- Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis): Larger than house flies, cluster flies are clumsy fliers and often found clustering together, especially in attics and basements. They are less of a health risk than house flies but can be a nuisance due to their sheer numbers.
- Blow Flies (Calliphoridae): Metallic blue or green in color, blow flies are attracted to decaying meat and animal carcasses. They are often an indicator of a dead animal nearby.
- Flesh Flies (Sarcophagidae): Similar to blow flies, flesh flies are attracted to decaying meat and can be identified by the three stripes on their thorax.
Knowing which type of fly you’re dealing with can help you target your control efforts more effectively. For instance, eliminating breeding sites is crucial for fruit flies and drain flies, while sealing entry points is essential for cluster flies.
3. The Dangers of House Flies
Many people underestimate the dangers posed by house flies. While they may seem like a minor nuisance, house flies can transmit a wide range of pathogens that can cause serious illnesses.
Disease Transmission
House flies are known to carry over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They pick up these pathogens when they land on garbage, feces, and other contaminated surfaces. When they land on your food or surfaces in your home, they can transfer these pathogens, leading to illness.
Common diseases transmitted by house flies include:
- Salmonella: Causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- E. coli: Can lead to severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Typhoid Fever: A bacterial infection that can cause high fever, headache, and intestinal problems.
- Cholera: An acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
- Dysentery: An infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea containing blood and mucus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), flies contribute to the transmission of diseases that affect millions of people worldwide each year. Proper sanitation and fly control measures are essential for preventing these illnesses.
Contamination of Food
House flies not only transmit pathogens but also contaminate food through their feeding habits. Flies regurgitate digestive juices onto solid food to liquefy it before consuming it. This process can transfer bacteria and other contaminants onto the food. Additionally, flies defecate frequently, leaving behind fecal matter wherever they land, including on your food preparation surfaces.
Allergies
Some people may experience allergic reactions to house flies or their droppings. These reactions can manifest as skin rashes, respiratory problems, or other allergy symptoms. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may require medical attention.
4. Preventing Flies from Entering Your Home
The best way to deal with flies is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are several strategies to keep flies out:
Sealing Entry Points
- Inspect and Repair Screens: Regularly check window and door screens for tears or holes. Repair or replace damaged screens to prevent flies from entering.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
- Install Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to close gaps between the door and the threshold.
- Cover Vents: Cover vents with fine mesh screens to prevent flies from entering while still allowing for proper ventilation.
- Seal Utility Access Points: Ensure that pipes and utility access points are properly sealed to prevent flies from entering through these openings.
Maintaining Cleanliness
- Proper Waste Management:
- Keep garbage cans clean and tightly sealed.
- Dispose of garbage regularly to prevent buildup of decaying organic matter.
- Use garbage bags to line trash cans and prevent food waste from sticking to the inside.
- Food Storage:
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent flies from accessing it.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately to eliminate food sources for flies.
- Avoid leaving food out on countertops or tables.
- Regular Cleaning:
- Clean countertops, tables, and floors regularly to remove food particles and spills.
- Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant to kill bacteria and germs.
- Clean drains regularly to prevent buildup of organic matter that can attract drain flies.
- Pet Waste Management:
- Clean up pet waste in the yard regularly to prevent flies from breeding.
- Dispose of pet waste properly in sealed bags.
Using Natural Repellents
- Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender, are known to repel flies. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and spray around entry points or use a diffuser to create a fly-repellent environment.
- Herbs: Planting herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary near windows and doors can help deter flies.
- Vinegar Traps: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top. Flies will be attracted to the vinegar, enter the jar, and get trapped.
- Citronella Candles: Citronella candles are effective at repelling flies and other insects, especially in outdoor areas.
Professional Inspections
Consider scheduling regular pest control inspections to identify and address potential fly problems before they become severe. Pest control professionals can provide valuable advice and implement targeted control measures to keep your home fly-free.
5. Fly Control Products and Methods
If flies have already made their way into your home, there are several control products and methods you can use to eliminate them.
Fly Swatters
The classic fly swatter is a simple and effective tool for killing individual flies. Keep a fly swatter handy in areas where flies are common, such as the kitchen and patio.
Fly Paper and Sticky Traps
Fly paper and sticky traps are coated with an adhesive substance that traps flies. These traps can be hung in areas where flies are prevalent or placed near entry points. Replace the traps regularly as they become full.
Fly Traps
Fly traps use bait to lure flies into a container from which they cannot escape. There are several types of fly traps available, including:
- Light Traps: These traps use UV light to attract flies, which are then electrocuted or trapped on a sticky surface.
- Bait Traps: These traps use a sweet or protein-based bait to attract flies, which enter the trap and drown in the liquid.
Insecticides
Insecticides can be used to kill flies, but they should be used with caution. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions. Insecticides come in various forms, including:
- Sprays: Insecticide sprays can be used to kill flies on contact or to create a residual barrier that repels flies.
- Aerosols: Aerosol insecticides are convenient for treating small areas but may not provide long-lasting control.
- Foggers: Foggers release a cloud of insecticide that can penetrate hard-to-reach areas, but they require careful preparation and ventilation.
Biological Control Agents
Biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps, can be used to control fly populations. These wasps lay their eggs inside fly pupae, killing the developing flies. Biological control agents are a natural and environmentally friendly way to manage fly infestations.
6. Natural Remedies for Fly Control
If you prefer to avoid using chemical insecticides, there are several natural remedies you can try to control flies.
Essential Oil Sprays
Mix a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass with water in a spray bottle. Spray around entry points, near windows and doors, and in areas where flies are common.
Herbal Repellents
Place sachets of dried herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary in closets, drawers, and other areas where flies may be attracted. You can also grow these herbs in pots near windows and doors to deter flies.
Citrus Peels
Place citrus peels, such as orange or lemon peels, in areas where flies are common. The scent of citrus is known to repel flies.
Camphor
Burn camphor tablets in a well-ventilated area to repel flies. The strong scent of camphor is unpleasant to flies and will drive them away.
Cucumber Slices
Place cucumber slices in areas where flies are common. The compounds in cucumbers are believed to repel flies.
7. Addressing Fly Breeding Sites
To effectively control fly populations, it’s essential to identify and eliminate their breeding sites. Flies lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, so eliminating these breeding sites is crucial for preventing infestations.
Garbage Management
- Keep garbage cans clean and tightly sealed.
- Dispose of garbage regularly to prevent buildup of decaying organic matter.
- Use garbage bags to line trash cans and prevent food waste from sticking to the inside.
Compost Management
- Turn compost piles regularly to aerate the material and prevent fly larvae from thriving.
- Cover compost piles with a layer of soil or straw to deter flies from laying eggs.
- Avoid composting meat, dairy, and oily foods, as these attract flies.
Drain Cleaning
- Clean drains regularly with a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Pour boiling water down drains to kill fly larvae and remove organic matter.
- Use a drain brush to scrub the inside of drains and remove buildup.
Pet Waste Management
- Clean up pet waste in the yard regularly to prevent flies from breeding.
- Dispose of pet waste properly in sealed bags.
Standing Water Removal
- Eliminate sources of standing water around your property, such as bird baths, puddles, and clogged gutters.
- Change the water in bird baths and pet water bowls regularly to prevent fly larvae from developing.
8. Cluster Flies: A Special Case
Cluster flies are a unique type of fly that requires special attention. Unlike house flies, cluster flies do not breed indoors and are not attracted to garbage or food. Instead, they lay their eggs in the soil, and the larvae parasitize earthworms.
Why Cluster Flies Enter Homes
Cluster flies enter homes in the fall to seek shelter from the cold. They often congregate in large numbers in attics, basements, and wall voids. Cluster flies are attracted to the warmth of buildings and will squeeze through any small opening to get inside.
Controlling Cluster Flies
- Sealing Entry Points: The most effective way to control cluster flies is to seal all potential entry points, such as cracks, gaps, and openings around windows and doors.
- Insecticide Treatments: Insecticide treatments can be used to kill cluster flies inside buildings. Apply insecticides to areas where cluster flies are known to congregate, such as attics and wall voids.
- Professional Pest Control: If you have a severe cluster fly infestation, consider hiring a pest control professional to implement targeted control measures.
Identifying Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are noticeably larger than houseflies, measuring about 8-10 mm in length compared to the 6-7 mm length of houseflies. They are also clumsy fliers and tend to “cluster” together, hence their name.
9. When to Call a Professional
While many fly control measures can be implemented by homeowners, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional pest control company.
Severe Infestations
If you have a severe fly infestation that you can’t control with DIY methods, a pest control professional can provide targeted treatments to eliminate the flies and prevent them from returning.
Unidentified Breeding Sites
If you can’t locate the breeding sites of the flies, a pest control professional can conduct a thorough inspection to identify and eliminate these sources.
Multiple Types of Flies
If you have multiple types of flies in your home, such as house flies, fruit flies, and drain flies, a pest control professional can develop a comprehensive control plan to address each type of fly.
Safety Concerns
If you’re concerned about using insecticides or other chemical treatments, a pest control professional can provide alternative control methods that are safe for your family and pets.
Peace of Mind
Hiring a pest control professional can provide peace of mind knowing that your fly problem is being handled by experts who have the knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done right.
10. Fly Control Tips for Businesses
Fly control is especially important for businesses, particularly those in the food service industry. Flies can not only be a nuisance but also a health hazard that can damage your reputation and lead to regulatory fines.
Implement a Fly Control Program
Develop a comprehensive fly control program that includes preventive measures, monitoring, and targeted treatments.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your business clean and sanitary to eliminate food sources and breeding sites for flies. Clean countertops, tables, floors, and equipment regularly.
Proper Waste Management
Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and dispose of garbage regularly. Clean garbage cans frequently to prevent buildup of decaying organic matter.
Seal Entry Points
Seal any cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors. Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Use Fly Traps
Install fly traps in strategic locations to capture flies before they can contaminate food or surfaces.
Train Employees
Train employees on proper sanitation practices and fly control measures. Emphasize the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
Schedule Regular Pest Control Inspections
Schedule regular pest control inspections to identify and address potential fly problems before they become severe.
FAQ: How Do Flies Get In A House
1. What are the most common ways flies enter my house?
Flies commonly enter houses through open doors and windows, damaged screens, cracks in walls, and gaps around pipes and vents.
2. Why are flies attracted to my house in the first place?
Flies are attracted to food sources like open food containers, spills, and garbage, as well as moisture and warmth.
3. How can I prevent flies from getting into my house?
To prevent flies, seal entry points, maintain cleanliness by managing waste and storing food properly, and use natural repellents like essential oils.
4. Are house flies dangerous? What diseases can they carry?
Yes, house flies can carry over 100 pathogens and transmit diseases like salmonella, E. coli, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
5. What natural remedies can I use to control flies without chemicals?
Natural remedies include essential oil sprays, herbal repellents, citrus peels, and cucumber slices.
6. What are cluster flies, and how are they different from house flies?
Cluster flies are larger and clumsier than house flies. They don’t breed indoors and enter homes in the fall to seek shelter from the cold, often clustering in attics.
7. How do I get rid of drain flies in my house?
To get rid of drain flies, clean drains regularly with a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and pour boiling water down the drains.
8. When should I call a professional pest control service for fly control?
Call a professional for severe infestations, unidentified breeding sites, multiple types of flies, safety concerns, or for peace of mind.
9. What steps should businesses take to control flies, especially in the food service industry?
Businesses should implement a fly control program, maintain cleanliness, manage waste properly, seal entry points, use fly traps, and train employees on sanitation practices.
10. Can fly paper and sticky traps effectively control fly populations in my house?
Yes, fly paper and sticky traps coated with an adhesive substance can effectively trap flies. Replace them regularly as they become full.
Preventing flies from entering your home is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. By understanding their behavior, sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and using natural repellents, you can significantly reduce the number of flies in your home. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact flyermedia.net at 600 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, United States, or call +1 (386) 226-6000 for expert advice and solutions. Don’t forget to visit flyermedia.net to discover more tips on how to keep your home fly-free and explore the latest in aviation news and career opportunities. Let flyermedia.net help you take control of your environment and pursue your aviation dreams!
