Do you want to know how to keep flies from coming in the house? Flies inside your home are more than just a nuisance; they can also transmit pathogens that cause serious illnesses. Luckily, there are several effective strategies to keep these unwelcome guests out. At flyermedia.net, we provide comprehensive insights into managing and preventing fly infestations. From understanding their behavior to implementing practical preventative measures, we’ve got you covered. Explore our resources to learn more about insect control and maintain a pest-free home.
1. What Types Of Flies Commonly Get Indoors?
Different types of flies can find their way inside, each with its own habits and habitats. Identifying the specific type of fly is the first step in effectively managing and preventing infestations. According to research from the University of Florida, understanding their breeding habits is crucial for targeted control measures.
1.1. House Flies
House flies, typically about 1/4 inch long, feature four dark stripes on their bodies. These flies are attracted to organic matter and commonly lay eggs in garbage, compost, and even the thin film inside recycling bins. Faith M. Oi, Ph.D., extension associate professor of urban entomology at the University of Florida, emphasizes that the rapid reproductive cycle of house flies means that neglecting to manage waste can quickly lead to an infestation.
In optimal conditions, house flies can reproduce in less than a week. The warmer the environment, the faster they progress from egg to adult. Leaving trash unmanaged, especially before a vacation, can result in a significant fly problem upon your return.
1.2. Blow Flies and Bottle Flies
Blow flies and bottle flies are similar in size to house flies but distinguished by their metallic sheen in shades of green, blue, or bronze. These flies are drawn to animal waste and carcasses, often indicating the presence of a dead animal, such as a bird or squirrel, in areas like attics or chimneys. Elmer Gray, an entomologist and researcher at the University of Georgia, notes that a large number of these flies indoors often points to such an issue.
Blow flies are often attracted to decaying matter and can indicate the presence of dead animals.
1.3. Filth Flies
Small filth flies, including drain flies, breed in the sludge and decaying matter that accumulates in drain pipes. These tiny, moth-like flies, about 1/16 inch long, have hairy bodies and wings. They are commonly found in kitchens near drains and garbage disposals. Oi advises that regular cleaning of drains is essential to prevent these flies from breeding.
1.4. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are attracted to ripening produce and can enter your home from outside or be brought in on infested fruit. These small flies, about 1/8 inch long, have distinctive red eyes and lay eggs on fermenting produce, trash cans, drains, and recycling bins. Regularly inspecting and washing produce can help prevent fruit fly infestations.
2. How Harmful Are Flies Commonly Found Indoors?
While common house flies don’t bite, they are carriers of various pathogens that can cause diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and cholera. Because of this, it’s important to discard any food that flies have come into contact with to prevent potential health risks.
Some flies, like horse flies and black flies, do bite, which can be painful. Keeping flies away is not just about comfort but also about protecting your health.
3. How Can You Effectively Keep Flies Away?
Flies can live for nearly 30 days and reproduce quickly, laying many eggs during their lifespan. Managing them effectively requires a multi-faceted approach. These tips will help keep flies away and reduce the chances of an infestation.
3.1. Repair and Maintain Window Screens
Window screens are your first line of defense against flies. Gray emphasizes that ensuring these screens are in good repair is crucial. Holes and gaps provide easy access for flies and other pests to enter your home. Regularly inspect and repair or replace damaged screens to keep pests out.
3.2. Remove Trash Regularly
Discard rotting produce and avoid leaving food waste, like banana peels, on your counters. Oi advises taking out indoor trash bags at least once a week to prevent rotting food from attracting flies. Proper waste management is fundamental to preventing fly infestations.
Outdoors, Gray recommends securely tying trash bags inside garbage cans to contain odors and keeping the cans far from your house’s entrances. Place compost bins as far away from the house as possible to minimize attraction.
You should also clean up pet waste every day to remove potential breeding grounds for flies.
3.3. Clean Garbage Containers Regularly
In addition to keeping trash and recycling bins away from your house, you should clean them regularly. Flies are attracted to fermentation, so rinse cans and food containers before tossing them into the bin, says Oi. Regularly cleaning these containers prevents the buildup of residue that attracts flies.
3.4. Protect Food Outdoors
When eating or cooking outdoors, protect your food. Cover picnic foods with fine mesh food covers. Flies carry pathogens on their bodies and also defecate and regurgitate while walking on food, which is unhygienic.
Running a box fan can also help; flies dislike fast-moving air. “Enough air movement to be considered a ‘bad hair day’ keeps them away,” says Oi.
3.5. Keep Drains Clean
Flies are attracted to the buildup in drains. Clean them regularly and use a long brush for a thorough cleaning if you see buildup. This removes potential breeding sites and helps prevent drain fly infestations.
4. What Are The Common Signs Of A Fly Problem?
Recognizing the signs of a fly infestation early can help you take prompt action. Indicators include an increase in flies, swarms outdoors, droppings, or maggots. If you notice these signs, you may need to contact a professional.
To check for drain flies, use a clear container smeared with petroleum jelly, turn it upside down over the drain overnight. If drain flies are present, they will get stuck trying to fly out, according to Oi. If you find drain flies, use a stiff drain brush and a drain cleaner to clear out the sludge.
Flies on food can transmit pathogens, highlighting the importance of food safety.
5. Do Repellents Effectively Keep Flies Away?
Many DIY repellents, such as pungent soap bars, essential oils, sonic repellent devices, and bags of water with pennies, are not scientifically proven to deter flies. Gray notes that these methods lack scientific support.
Spraying insecticides is also not a sustainable solution, as flies can develop resistance to pesticides. Oi explains that pesticides are not a permanent fix and finding the breeding source is crucial for managing infestations. Contacting a professional pest control company may be necessary for significant infestations.
6. What Are The Most Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Flies?
The best way to keep flies away outdoors is to eliminate their food and breeding sources. Flies dislike citronella and strong scents like lavender, rosemary, catnip, and basil. Planting these outdoors may help deter them. White outdoor lights may also attract flies, so switching to yellow bulbs is advisable. Remove any stagnant water or moisture sources where flies can breed.
For killing flies indoors, using a fly swatter is effective and pesticide-free, according to both Oi and Gray. Keep sanitizing wipes handy to clean the swatter and the surface where the fly was smashed.
To prevent flies from becoming a problem indoors, hang sticky traps in the garage near entrances to your home. These traps can help reduce the number of flies that enter when you open doors.
7. How to Prevent Flies from Entering Your Home
Preventing flies from entering your home involves a combination of proactive measures and maintaining a clean environment. By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of fly infestations.
7.1. Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your home clean is the most effective way to deter flies. Regular cleaning reduces the availability of food sources and breeding grounds that attract flies.
Key Practices:
- Regularly Clean Surfaces: Wipe down kitchen counters, tables, and other surfaces daily to remove food residue and spills.
- Sweep and Mop Floors: Sweep and mop floors regularly to eliminate crumbs and other food particles.
- Clean Appliances: Clean appliances such as microwaves, toasters, and ovens to remove any accumulated food debris.
7.2. Manage Waste Properly
Proper waste management is crucial in preventing fly infestations. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, so managing your waste effectively can significantly reduce their presence.
Key Practices:
- Use Tightly Sealed Trash Cans: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors from escaping and attracting flies.
- Empty Trash Regularly: Empty indoor trash cans at least once a week, or more frequently if necessary, to prevent food from rotting.
- Rinse Recyclables: Rinse recyclable containers before placing them in recycling bins to remove any residual food or beverage residue.
7.3. Control Moisture
Moisture can create ideal breeding conditions for flies. Controlling moisture levels in and around your home can help prevent infestations.
Key Practices:
- Fix Leaks Promptly: Repair any leaky pipes or faucets to eliminate sources of standing water.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure that gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning properly to direct water away from your home’s foundation.
- Ventilate Damp Areas: Use fans or dehumidifiers to ventilate damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
7.4. Seal Entry Points
Sealing potential entry points can prevent flies from entering your home. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and other openings that flies could use to get inside.
Key Practices:
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors with caulk or sealant.
- Install Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent flies from crawling under the door.
- Use Window and Door Screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have screens in good condition to keep flies out.
8. Natural Methods to Repel Flies
While DIY repellents like essential oils and sonic devices have questionable efficacy, some natural methods can help deter flies. These methods are safe, environmentally friendly, and can complement other preventive measures.
8.1. Use Herbal Repellents
Certain herbs and plants have natural repellent properties that can help keep flies away.
Effective Herbs:
- Citronella: Known for its strong scent, citronella is a popular ingredient in insect repellents.
- Lavender: Lavender’s pleasant fragrance is disliked by flies and other insects.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, woody scent that repels flies.
- Catnip: Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that is highly effective at repelling flies.
- Basil: Basil’s aromatic leaves emit a scent that flies find unpleasant.
8.2. Utilize Essential Oils
Certain essential oils can also be used to repel flies. These oils can be diffused, sprayed, or applied to surfaces to deter flies from entering your home.
Effective Essential Oils:
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has a strong, refreshing scent that flies dislike.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil contains compounds that repel flies and other insects.
- Lemongrass Oil: Lemongrass oil has a citrusy scent that is effective at deterring flies.
- Clove Oil: Clove oil has a strong, spicy scent that repels flies.
8.3. Create Natural Fly Traps
You can create simple and effective fly traps using common household items. These traps lure flies in and prevent them from escaping.
DIY Fly Trap:
- Materials: A plastic bottle, sugar, water, and dish soap.
- Instructions: Cut off the top of the plastic bottle, invert it into the bottom of the bottle, and secure it. Mix sugar and water in the bottle’s base, add a few drops of dish soap, and place the trap in an area where flies are common.
9. Professional Pest Control
In some cases, fly infestations may be too severe to handle with DIY methods. Professional pest control services can provide effective solutions for managing and eliminating fly problems.
9.1. When to Call a Professional
Consider calling a professional pest control company if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Infestation: If you have tried various DIY methods and the fly problem persists.
- Large Infestation: If you notice a large number of flies in and around your home.
- Unknown Source: If you are unable to identify the source of the fly infestation.
9.2. What to Expect from a Pest Control Service
A professional pest control service will typically follow these steps:
- Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify the type of flies, the extent of the infestation, and the breeding sources.
- Treatment Plan: Develop a customized treatment plan to address the specific fly problem.
- Treatment Application: Apply appropriate treatments, such as insecticides, traps, or other methods, to eliminate the flies and prevent future infestations.
- Follow-Up: Provide recommendations for preventing future fly infestations and schedule follow-up visits to ensure the treatment is effective.
Well-maintained window screens are essential for keeping flies and other pests out of your home.
10. FAQ: How To Keep Flies From Coming In The House
10.1. What attracts flies to my house?
Flies are attracted to food sources, such as rotting produce, garbage, and pet waste. They are also drawn to moisture and standing water.
10.2. How do I get rid of flies naturally?
Natural methods include using herbal repellents like lavender and basil, creating DIY fly traps with sugar and water, and utilizing essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.
10.3. What are the signs of a fly infestation?
Signs include an increase in flies, swarms outdoors, droppings, and maggots.
10.4. Why are flies so hard to get rid of?
Flies reproduce quickly and can develop resistance to pesticides. Finding and eliminating their breeding sources is crucial for effective control.
10.5. Can flies make me sick?
Yes, flies can transmit pathogens that cause diseases like dysentery, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, food poisoning, and cholera.
10.6. How often should I clean my trash cans?
Clean your trash cans regularly, especially if they contain food waste, to prevent odors and attract flies.
10.7. Are there any plants that repel flies?
Yes, plants like citronella, lavender, rosemary, catnip, and basil have natural repellent properties.
10.8. Do ultrasonic pest repellers work on flies?
No, ultrasonic pest repellers are not scientifically proven to be effective at repelling flies.
10.9. What should I do if I have a large fly infestation?
If you have a large fly infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
10.10. How can I prevent flies from breeding in my drains?
Clean your drains regularly with a stiff brush and drain cleaner to remove sludge and decaying matter.
Keeping flies out of your house requires diligence and a combination of preventive measures. By understanding what attracts flies, implementing effective control strategies, and maintaining a clean environment, you can significantly reduce the presence of these pests. For more detailed information and resources on pest control and other topics, visit flyermedia.net today and explore the world of aviation and beyond. Whether you’re seeking flight training, aviation news, or career opportunities, flyermedia.net is your go-to source.
