House flies are a common nuisance in the house. Though they do not bite, they carry various microorganisms that spread pathogens and food-borne diseases. There are safe and natural ways to get rid of flies in the house. In this guide, we will discuss various tips and tricks that will help you get rid of flies in the house.
Causes of House Fly Infestation
Before delving into the fly prevention and control tips, let us understand the causes behind fly infestation in the house.
Food Sources
Flies need food sources to breed, and they lay their eggs around them. They enter your house in search of food and are attracted to garbage bins and leftover food in the house. If you have kept your food in the open and uncovered, more flies will get attracted to it.
Warmth
Flies also seek warmth, and they enter your house in search of warmth. They breed and grow proficiently in warm temperatures.
Fast Breeding
Flies are known to reproduce quickly. On average, a single female fly can lay up to 500 eggs in its lifetime. It takes 7–10 days for the flies from the egg stages to adult flies. As the adult flies emerge, they are ready to spread in and around your house in search of food.
Tips to Get Rid of Flies in the House
Whether you are dealing with a few flies or a severe infestation, it is important to eliminate them, as they carry several germs and bacteria with them. Find the tips below to get rid of the buzzing flies in and around your home.
Keep Your House Clean
A clean home is the first line of defense against flies or any other pests. Thoroughly clean your home daily and pay special attention to the kitchen and dining areas, as flies are attracted to food particles, garbage, and decaying food. Regularly sweep and mop the floor to remove spills and food crumbs scattered on the floor. Wipe off countertops and surfaces, and use garbage bins that have lids on them. This will prevent flies from accessing them. Fix leaky pipes and faucets, as flies are also attracted to moisture. Clean up pet waste promptly.
Seal Entry Points
Flies enter your home through holes and gaps. Fix nets on doors and windows and repair any gaps and holes in walls and doors. Make sure the screens are intact so that flies do not get a way to invade your home. Also, make sure your vents are properly sealed.
Store Food Properly
Flies invade your home in search of food and water. Cutting their food supply will help you get rid of them. Store food in air-tight containers, and keep the fruits and vegetables inside the refrigerator. Do not keep food in the open. Store sweet food items like sugar, jam, and honey properly in closed containers.
Use Essential Oils
You can use essential oils like citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and lavender oil to repel flies. These plants have natural pest-repelling properties. Mix a few drops of essential oil in water and store it in a spray bottle. Shake well and squirt it in different areas of the house, especially near the doors and the windows.
Grow Fly Repellant Plants
Herbs and plants can be grown both in the garden and inside the home in small pots to keep flies away. Some plants, like basil, lavender, marigold, bay leaves, eucalyptus, and catnip, are natural insect repellants. They will not only repel flies but will also add to the beauty of your house.
Clean the Drains Regularly
Clogged drains are the breeding grounds of flies, especially those that have organic matter in them. Make sure to clean your drains with baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda, followed by vinegar and boiling water, to open clogged drains. This will ensure the free flow of water and make your drains fly free.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies easily. Take a tall glass and mix a little apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in it. Cover the glass with a plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke some holes in the plastic wrap. Flies can be attracted to the vinegar and fly through the holes. The dish soap will make flies to drain instead of being able to land on the vinegar.
Call a Professional Exterminator
Though the flies issue can be tackled on your own, you may need professional assistance in severe infestations. If you feel flies are bothering you and home remedies are not working, hire a professional pest control in Bhopal that will effectively remove flies from your home both inside and outside. They will eliminate the source of infestation and suggest preventive measures to keep flies away from your home in the future.
Some more tips to prevent flies in the house.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight or on the kitchen counter.
- Don’t leave grass or leaves to decay near your house.
- Flies are attracted to lights. Turn off outdoor lights at night.
- Avoid using rat poison to kill rats, as the remains can attract flies.
- Move mulch piles away from your house.
- Clean the appliances from beneath.
Conclusion
Housefly infestations are not only irritating, but they can be hazardous to your health as well. Keeping your house clean, storing food properly, growing fly-repellant plants, using essential oils, and sealing entry points can help you prevent houseflies from entering your property. Remember to hire a professional pest control company in Bhopal if you are dealing with severe infestation.
