There’s almost nothing as irritating as the constant buzzing of a fly inside your peaceful home. Beyond the annoyance, flies can carry pathogens that lead to serious illnesses like food poisoning, cholera, and dysentery. Simply put, flies are unwelcome guests indoors.
Fortunately, while there are over 110,000 species of flies, only a small fraction are common household pests. According to Dr. Faith M. Oi, Ph.D., an urban entomology expert at the University of Florida, the flies that cause the most problems are often called “filth flies.” She explains, “They’re naturally designed to break down organic matter. By being mindful of our habits, we can greatly reduce the chances of getting sick.”
The primary goal is prevention – keeping flies out of our homes in the first place. Elmer Gray, an entomologist and researcher at the University of Georgia, notes, “There’s no single, magical solution for fly control. However, taking a few fundamental steps to limit their access to our homes can make a significant difference.”
Keep reading to discover practical and natural methods on how to keep flies away and maintain a fly-free home.
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Identifying Common Types of Flies Invading Your Home
While any fly species could potentially wander indoors, house flies are the most frequent culprits, along with fruit flies and bottle flies. Identifying the type of fly can be helpful, and you can usually distinguish them by size and their preferred locations within your house.
House Flies
House flies are typically around 1/4 inch in length and easily recognized by the four dark stripes on their backs. They are attracted to decaying organic materials and often lay eggs in garbage, compost, or even the residue inside recycling bins.
Dr. Oi points out their rapid reproduction rate in favorable conditions: “Under ideal circumstances, flies can reproduce in less than a week.” Warmer temperatures accelerate their life cycle, from egg to adult. Imagine forgetting to take out the trash before a week-long vacation – you might return to a kitchen with a fly larvae surprise.
Blow Flies and Bottle Flies
Blow flies and bottle flies are other common indoor invaders. Similar in size to house flies, they stand out with their metallic sheen, appearing green, blue, or bronze. These flies are drawn to animal waste and carcasses for breeding. If you notice a large number of these flies inside, it could indicate a deceased animal, like a bird or rodent, possibly in your attic or chimney, according to Gray.
Filth Flies (Drain Flies)
Smaller filth flies, commonly known as drain flies, thrive in the slime and decaying matter that accumulates in drain pipes, explains Dr. Oi. Resembling tiny moths, they measure about 1/16 inch long and have hairy bodies ranging from yellow to brownish-black, with wings they hold tent-like over their bodies when at rest. You’ll often find them in kitchens, particularly near drains and garbage disposals.
Fruit Flies
Tiny fruit flies often enter from outside, attracted by ripening fruits and vegetables on your counters, or they might hitch a ride on infested produce. About 1/8 inch long with distinctive red eyes, they lay eggs on fermenting produce surfaces or in trash cans, drains, and recycling bins.
Read also: 5 Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Your Yard
Are Flies Really Harmful? Understanding the Risks
While most common house flies don’t bite, certain types, such as horse flies and black flies, do and can inflict painful bites. More importantly, flies are vectors for germs that cause diseases like dysentery, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and cholera. Therefore, it’s crucial to discard any food that flies have come into contact with.
Effective Methods: How To Keep Flies Away From Your House
Flies have a relatively long lifespan of up to 30 days and can multiply rapidly, laying numerous eggs during this time. The best approach to fly control might vary depending on the specific type of fly, but these general strategies are effective for keeping flies out of your house overall:
1. Maintain and Repair Window Screens
Ensure your window screens are in good condition. Gray emphasizes, “These are your first line of defense against flies.” Screens with holes or gaps provide easy entry points for flies and other pests. Regularly inspect and repair any damage to your screens.
2. Manage Trash Properly
Dispose of overripe or rotting produce promptly and avoid leaving food waste, like banana peels, on countertops, advises Dr. Oi. Take out indoor trash bags at least once a week to prevent food decay from attracting flies inside.
For outdoor trash management, Gray recommends securely tying trash bags and sealing them tightly within garbage cans to contain odors. Position garbage cans as far away from house entrances as possible. Dr. Oi also suggests placing compost bins as far from the house as feasible.
Daily cleanup of pet waste is also crucial, according to Gray.
3. Regularly Clean Garbage and Recycling Containers
Beyond distance, regularly cleaning your trash and recycling bins is essential. Flies are attracted to fermentation, such as from residue in beverage cans. Dr. Oi recommends rinsing cans and food containers before discarding them in bins. Learn how to clean your trash cans effectively.
4. Protect Food During Outdoor Activities
When eating or cooking outdoors, protect your food from flies. Cover picnic foods with fine mesh food covers, suggests Gray. Flies transmit pathogens not only on their bodies but also through defecation and regurgitation while on food – a decidedly unappetizing thought.
Using a box fan outdoors can also deter flies. Dr. Oi explains, “Flies dislike strong air currents. Air movement strong enough to create a ‘bad hair day’ for you will keep them away.”
5. Keep Drains Clean and Clear
Flies are attracted to the buildup in drains. Regularly clean drains and, if you notice buildup, use a long-handled brush for thorough cleaning.
Related Article: How To Keep Wasps Away From Your Home
Recognizing the Signs of a Fly Problem
If you’re seeing more flies than usual and are unsure of the source, or if you suspect a larger issue, there are telltale signs. An increase in indoor flies, swarms of flies outdoors near your property, fly droppings (small dark spots), or the presence of maggots all indicate a potential infestation requiring professional help.
To check for drain flies specifically, Dr. Oi suggests a simple test: coat the inside of a clear container with petroleum jelly, place it upside down over the drain overnight. Drain flies attempting to exit will get trapped. If drain flies are present, use a stiff drain brush and a drain cleaner to eliminate the sludge.
Debunking Fly Repellent Myths
Despite common beliefs, many DIY “repellents” are ineffective at keeping flies away. This includes pungent soap bars, essential oils, sonic repellent devices, and the popular internet myth of hanging water-filled bags with pennies. Gray states definitively, “None of these theories are scientifically supported.”
Furthermore, relying on insecticides to kill flies is not an ideal long-term solution. Dr. Oi notes, “Flies are becoming resistant to many pesticides registered for their control. And pesticides are not a permanent fix. If you have a significant infestation, you must identify and eliminate the breeding source. They are breeding somewhere.” For serious infestations, contacting a professional pest control service is recommended.
Effective Fly Control and Removal Strategies
The most effective way to manage flies outdoors is to eliminate their food sources and breeding grounds. While flies are not fond of citronella and other strong scents like lavender, rosemary, catnip, and basil, simply planting these outdoors is not a guaranteed solution. Switching to yellow outdoor lights can be beneficial, as white lights may be more attractive to flies. Also, remove any standing water or moisture sources where flies can breed.
For dealing with flies that do get indoors, both Dr. Oi and Gray recommend the tried-and-true fly swatter. “It’s an effective, pesticide-free method to kill them,” says Gray.
Dr. Oi also suggests keeping sanitizing wipes handy to clean both the swatter and the surface where you swatted the fly.
To proactively reduce indoor fly problems, consider hanging sticky traps in your garage or near entry points to your home. While not aesthetically pleasing, Gray mentions they can help reduce the number of flies that enter when doors are opened.
