Flies, those buzzing, bothersome insects, have been more than just a nuisance throughout history. They pose a genuine threat to human health as carriers of various diseases. Common houseflies, often categorized as “filth flies,” thrive in unsanitary environments, breeding in decaying food, animal waste, and garbage.
The rapid life cycle of a fly, from egg to adult in as little as ten days, means that a small fly problem can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation. The cornerstone of effective, long-term fly control lies in diligent sanitation and exclusion practices.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to identify different types of flies and provide proven methods to eliminate fly infestations in your home, reclaiming your space and peace of mind.
A cluster of house flies on a screen, illustrating the common nuisance and unsanitary nature of fly infestations.
Understanding Fly Control Management
Effective fly control starts with a dual approach: sanitation and exclusion. By minimizing attractants and blocking entry points, you create an environment less hospitable to flies. Beyond these foundational steps, a range of targeted insecticide solutions can provide further control.
Strategic Fly Control Options
For more aggressive fly problems, various insecticides are available in different formulations, including liquid concentrates for broader application, insecticide dusts for cracks and crevices, fast-acting pyrethrin aerosols for immediate knockdown, and convenient fly baits to attract and eliminate flies. Fly light traps are also highly effective, particularly in commercial settings, using UV light to lure and trap flies. Outdoor fly traps and fogging materials offer further options for managing infestations in different environments.
In kitchens, both residential and commercial, drain flies can be a persistent issue. Invade Bio Treatment Gel is a highly recommended solution for drain fly problems. This natural, microbe-based product breaks down organic buildup in drains, eliminating the breeding ground for these flies.
For commercial spaces, especially kitchens, fly lights are a popular and effective choice due to their ability to attract and capture flies efficiently. Fly glue traps offer a less technical, yet still effective trapping method.
For detailed information on specific fly types and their control, explore our resources on Filth Flies, Small Flies, and Nuisance/Biting Flies.
A selection of fly control products, including fly paper, spray, and a UV light trap, showcasing various methods for managing fly infestations.
Natural and DIY Remedies to Get Rid of Flies
When dealing with fly infestations, especially outdoors, fly traps can be remarkably effective. Many outdoor fly traps utilize attractants made from putrescent ingredients, often rotten eggs. These attractants emit a strong, unpleasant odor to humans, but are irresistible to flies. For indoor situations or for those seeking gentler solutions, essential oils and other natural fly repellents can be effective, particularly in smaller, enclosed spaces.
Fly traps can capture thousands of flies and should be replaced once full. For severe outdoor infestations, consider deploying multiple traps around the perimeter of your property. Position traps away from your immediate living areas to avoid inadvertently drawing flies closer to your home.
Here are 5 effective natural remedies to help get rid of flies:
1. Rotten Food Fly Trap: Bait and Trap
Instead of discarding spoiled food, repurpose it into a fly trap. Place the rotten food in a container and tightly seal it with plastic wrap. Create small holes in the plastic wrap, just large enough for flies to enter. Position the container in areas with high fly activity. Flies will be drawn to the decaying food, enter the trap, and become stuck. Once they perish, dispose of the entire container and repeat the process as needed.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap: Sweet Demise
A popular and simple DIY fly trap involves apple cider vinegar. Fill a container with water, add a spoonful of sugar, a squirt of dish soap, and a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Gently stir the mixture to combine. Place the container in fly-prone areas. The sweet scent of vinegar attracts flies, but the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the water, causing them to drown upon contact. Replenish the solution as needed until the flies are eliminated.
3. Red Wine Fly Trap: Re-purpose Leftovers
Don’t discard leftover red wine; it can serve as an effective fly trap. Pour the wine into a container, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover the top with plastic wrap, securing it tightly. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap to allow fly entry. Flies are attracted to the aroma of red wine and will enter the trap seeking a drink. The dish soap will trap and drown the flies, preventing their escape.
4. Essential Oil Fly Repellents: Natural Deterrents
Essential oils offer a natural way to repel flies. Strong, pungent scents are particularly effective. Consider using clove, pine, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree, or citronella oil. These oils act as natural fly repellents due to their potent fragrances. Lemon eucalyptus oil has been reported as particularly effective by some. To use, apply a few drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to strips of cloth and place them in strategic locations to create DIY fly paper. Alternatively, mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture around patios and decks to deter flies from the area.
5. Fans and Candles: Disrupt and Deter
Wondering how to manage flies outdoors? A simple fan can make a significant difference in smaller outdoor spaces. Flies prefer calm air and are disoriented by moving air currents. Setting up a fan can disrupt their flight and deter them from lingering. Citronella candles also act as effective natural fly deterrents. Primarily known for mosquito repellent properties, citronella can also effectively repel flies, especially in confined outdoor settings.
Identifying Types of Flies: Know Your Enemy
Accurate fly identification is crucial for targeted and effective control. Different fly species have varying habits and may require slightly different approaches to eliminate them.
Filth Flies: Disease Vectors
Filth flies, including common house flies, are more than just a nuisance; they pose a health risk to humans and animals. Their habits contribute to the spread of bacteria and disease-causing organisms. Filth flies breed and feed on garbage, manure, and decaying matter. When they land on food or food preparation surfaces, they can transmit diseases like food poisoning and dysentery.
Common Types of Filth Flies (further details available via link above)
Small Flies: Kitchen and Food Area Pests
Many small flies (under 1/4 inch) are commonly found in kitchens and food handling areas and are also capable of carrying disease-causing organisms.
Types of Small Flies (further details available via link above)
Nuisance and Biting Flies: Irritation and Bites
Many flies encountered around homes are simply nuisances, while others are biting flies. Like other fly types, they often breed in decaying organic matter and animal waste. They can also transmit bacteria and viruses. Biting flies, such as stable flies and horse flies, feed on mammalian blood, inflicting painful bites.
Types of Nuisance and Biting Flies (further details available via link above)
Identifying the specific type of fly is a vital first step in implementing the most effective fly control strategy.
Preventing Flies: Stop Infestations Before They Start
Prevention is always the best approach to pest control. Maintaining a clean home environment is key to preventing fly infestations. Focus on keeping kitchen areas free of exposed food by storing food in airtight containers that flies cannot penetrate.
Sanitation: The Cornerstone of Fly Prevention
Sanitation is paramount in any effective fly management plan. The primary goal of sanitation is to eliminate or minimize fly larvae breeding sites. It’s equally important to remove attractants that draw adult flies, such as garbage and animal waste. Moisture is a critical element for fly breeding. Ensuring proper drainage wherever possible is also essential. Without a readily available water source, flies will struggle to survive and are more likely to relocate.
Decomposing Organic Waste: A Major Fly Magnet
Decomposing organic waste is a powerful attractant for flies. They are drawn to plant or animal-based materials like compost, rotting produce, and animal feces, and will lay thousands of eggs in these materials. When the eggs hatch, maggots emerge, followed by adult flies shortly after. Eliminating these organic waste sources is crucial for maintaining a fly-free property.
- Regularly clean garbage cans with a bleach solution. Keep compost bins covered and ideally located away from living areas.
- Invade Bio Foam is a natural probiotic product that can be used to spray and break down organic debris in dumpsters and garbage cans, reducing fly breeding sites. Soldier fly larvae are often found around dumpsters; managing waste effectively reduces their presence. Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Odors attract flies, so keep garbage cans as far from doors as possible to minimize fly entry into your home.
- Repair or replace damaged window and door screens. Use fine mesh screens on all building openings. For doors that must remain open for business or access, install air curtains. Air curtains with a velocity of 1,600 feet per minute or higher can effectively prevent fly entry.
- Promptly remove pet waste from your yard. Flies readily breed and lay eggs in pet waste due to its moisture content and organic matter.
- Regularly wipe down surfaces that come into contact with food to remove potential food debris.
- Dead rodents or birds can exacerbate fly problems. Remove any dead animal carcasses, as flies will lay eggs on decomposing bodies, leading to maggot and subsequent adult fly development.
- Avoid overwatering indoor potted plants. Overly moist soil can create ideal breeding conditions for gnats. Ensure plant pots have good drainage and allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
- Maintaining clean outdoor areas is crucial. Remove soiled flower bedding, decaying plant matter, straw, and animal matter to eliminate potential fly breeding sites.
Explore Our Fly Control Products
Ready to take decisive action against flies? Browse our comprehensive selection of fly control products designed for both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether you’re battling house flies, fruit flies, or any other type, our product range includes eco-friendly options, advanced traps, and effective repellents. Each product is carefully chosen for its efficacy and safety, allowing you to address your fly problem effectively and responsibly. Don’t let flies dominate your space any longer. Visit DIY Pest Control and begin creating a fly-free environment today.
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FAQs About Fly Control
What Attracts Flies to My Home or Garden?
Flies are primarily attracted to readily available food sources, including food waste, pet waste, and overripe fruits. Standing water also serves as an attractant and breeding site for some fly species. Reducing these attractants through diligent cleaning, prompt garbage disposal, and eliminating standing water sources is crucial for preventing fly infestations.
Are There Natural Remedies for Fly Control?
Yes, numerous natural remedies can help manage fly problems. Effective options include using essential oil sprays made with lavender or eucalyptus, setting up simple vinegar or wine traps, and incorporating fly-repelling plants like basil and lavender into your garden or around your home.
How Can I Prevent Flies from Entering My House?
Preventative measures to keep flies out of your home include sealing cracks and crevices in the building’s exterior, installing fine mesh screens on windows and doors, practicing proper waste management, and keeping doors closed as much as possible, especially during peak fly activity times.
How Do I Safely Get Rid of Flies in Kitchens and Food Areas?
For safe fly elimination in kitchens and food preparation areas, prioritize non-toxic methods. Utilize sticky traps or UV light traps to capture flies without using harmful chemicals. Maintain strict cleanliness, store food in airtight containers, and regularly dispose of garbage to minimize attractants.
Can Flies Actually Transmit Diseases?
Yes, flies are known vectors for various diseases, including food poisoning and dysentery. They can contaminate food and surfaces with pathogens. Protecting your family from fly-borne illnesses involves maintaining a clean environment, implementing effective fly control measures, and ensuring food is properly covered and stored.
