When flies enter your home, they are a real nuisance and, by contaminating food and other surfaces, they risk spreading disease. Some species, such as lipoptena (deer fly) and horseflies, can even bite! Show who's in charge of the house by using traps, repellents and spray solutions. In addition to killing them, try to block their access by disposing of the waste and getting rid of other possible sources of infestation. By taking these measures, you can ensure that your home does not constitute a calling point for these insects, where they can find food and shelter.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Catching the Flies
Step 1. Use the vacuum cleaner if you want a quick fix
Flies are very difficult insects to catch with a regular fly swatter, but you can easily catch them with a vacuum cleaner. Mount the attachment with the hose, point the nozzle at a fly and see how it sucks in. It's easy to use and prevents you from running around the house all day trying to remove these swift pests.
If you don't have a good vacuum cleaner, you might as well get an electric fly swatter. It is much more effective than manual and also works outdoors. When you bring it close to a fly, the electricity will stun it allowing you to kill it
Step 2. Make a dish soap trap if you want to attract flies
Choose a shallow container with a wide opening, such as a saucer or glass, so that the hateful flies go straight to the bait. Pour in at least 15 ml of apple cider vinegar and add about 3 drops of liquid dish soap. The latter will loosen the surface tension so that the insects cannot come out once they have fallen. Vinegar is the bait and the smell of apples will attract them in large quantities.
You can use a fruit-flavored dish soap without vinegar, which you will replace with an equal amount of water
Step 3. Create a funnel trap to prevent smaller flies from escaping
House flies and fruit flies can't resist a sweet surprise. After adding at least 80ml of water to a glass jar or tall glass, add 1 teaspoon of sugar (about 4g). Insert a plastic funnel into the jar opening. Then, wait for unwanted guests to come in without being able to leave.
- Sugary foods and drinks are excellent bait in the absence of sugar. Try using honey, wine, or even a very ripe fruit. You can also add yeast to attract flies.
- To make a funnel, take a sheet of paper and cut out a circle; from the latter then cut out a piece in the shape of a triangle. Fold the cut ends into a cone with a bottom opening of about 1 cm. Use duct tape to join the ends and secure the cone.
- Another way to get a cone is to cut a plastic bottle in half. After that, place the bait on the bottom of the cut bottle. Finally remove the cap, flip the top over and insert it into the bottom.
Step 4. Use fly paper if you want a localized remedy
You find it in the form of adhesive strips that you can place in areas where these unsightly insects tend to land, for example near the fan and door frames. In fact, when they get tired, they lean on the first point they find. A caught fly attracts other flies, so sit back and relax while you wait.
- Since fly paper is very sticky, be careful with your hair. Try to place it in visible places.
- Dispose of it as it fills up. It's a little disgusting to watch, but it's a small price to pay if you want to keep the problem under control. You can then use another strip if necessary.
Step 5. Install a fly catcher if you prefer a reusable tool
You will need an electrical outlet to connect the appliance to. Once hung inside the house, wait for the light to attract these unwanted guests. They will fall to the bottom on top of a plate, which you can take out and clean. You will enjoy the thought that they are electrocuted as you do not have to move a finger to eliminate them.
- Fly catchers make a loud noise when flies land on them. If you're not used to it, it might get a little annoying.
- Some of these appliances are designed for outdoor use. Read on the packaging. Generally, it's best to turn them on when someone is around. When they're not needed, it's best to turn them off so they don't attract other flies.
- You can also get yourself a UV light trap. It is quieter than normal electric traps. The flies will land on an adhesive plate that you can remove and replace as needed.
Method 2 of 3: Using Fly Repellents and Poisons
Step 1. Mix water and cayenne pepper to make a natural repellent spray
Flies, along with many other insects, can't stand the strong flavor of spices and, therefore, keep away from them. Add 240ml of water to a spray bottle, then combine about 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (nearly 2g). Spray the solution on doors and windowsills to keep these annoying invaders from entering the house.
- To make the repellent, you can chop or grind fresh cayenne pepper or use ready-made powder. Dried cayenne pepper is stronger and more effective, but loses potency faster. Spray it again when you no longer smell it in the air.
- Ginger is another strong spice that repels flies. Use it if you don't have cayenne pepper powder.
Step 2. Place pots with aromatic plants, such as basil, near various access points in the house
If you're looking for an all-natural way to get rid of flies even in the kitchen, try herbs. Lavender, lemongrass, and mint are just a few examples. Create small nurseries in areas where flies tend to collect, such as doors, windows, fruit trees, and areas where there is standing water. Also, plant them around the open spaces you use when you want to enjoy the good weather.
- To plant herbs, use neutral or natural soil. You can grow them in small boxes, pots or soil. Make sure the soil is well drained and exposed to the sun for at least 6 hours a day.
- Since they are not toxic plants, don't worry. You could also transfer them into small boxes to put on window sills to discourage the entry of flies.
Step 3. Fill spice bags to protect the pantry
Buy some organza sachets or bags, then fill them with your favorite spice. Clove is a great choice, but basil and lemongrass are fine too. Then, put them in an area that you want to protect, such as the furniture where you store snacks and snacks. To inhibit the smell of food, you may want to use them in closed, unventilated areas.
Exchange them when they begin to lose their effectiveness. When you no longer smell the spices, throw away the contents of the bags and refill them
Step 4. Chase them away with a powerful fan
Even the most annoying flies can't handle the force of the fan. For example, if you are planning a party, place a certain number of fans in the area where you want to welcome your guests and around the buffet. However much these insects try to get close, they will not be able to maintain the right direction in flight.
It also works indoors. Try turning on the ceiling fan if flies are gathering nearby. The only problem is that it scatters them rather than eliminating them, so you may want to use a trap or vacuum cleaner to catch them
Step 5. Use a spray fly killer for severe infestation
It is a fast and effective product, but also toxic to people and pets. For best results, buy a pyrethrum-based one and spray it in areas where flies tend to congregate. Protect yourself by wearing a face mask before using it. You will likely need to repeat the treatment over a 2-week period to completely resolve the problem.
- Since it is a rather aggressive chemical, it clears the area to be treated. Keep people and pets away from this area for several hours to air it out.
- If you need to kill a small, manageable colony of flies, consider setting up a trap first. For example, fruit flies can be caught easily with the help of a sweet solution and a little patience.
Method 3 of 3: Clean and Protect the Home
Step 1. Insert the garbage bag into the bin and close it with the lid
Trash is the main food source for flies, but keeping your home free of litter isn't as easy as it sounds. Throw them away as soon as possible, keeping them in the meantime in a bag duly placed in the garbage can and closing it with the lid. You will prove to the flies that in your house you don't mess around!
- Learn about food sources that attract various species of flies. For example, mushroom flies grow in very humid soils, fruit flies proliferate in the presence of overripe fruits or products, phorias thrive near waste and organic materials, while house flies propagate outdoors or wherever the garbage remains.
- To protect the area where you throw the garbage, line buckets and bins to keep them clean. Empty them as soon as they fill up and wash them whenever they get dirty.
- When cleaning a garbage can, also check the surrounding area for food encrustations. Sometimes food can fall to the ground in hidden places. If you notice any flies around a closed, clean bucket, it is likely they are attracted to something nearby.
Step 2. Close foods in special containers and throw them away when they get lost
The food you buy belongs to you, so show the flies that they are not welcome. Store it in airtight containers and, depending on your needs, place it in the refrigerator or pantry. When it starts to spoil, get rid of it as soon as possible so it doesn't attract flies.
Watch out for leftovers! Sugary drinks and rotting foods are overrun by these annoying bugs, so they are great ingredients for traps. Take advantage of it
Step 3. Remove the spots as soon as you see them
The liquid ones are easy to identify and remove with absorbent paper, but don't forget encrustations and residues of solid foods. Many times, crumbs fall into hidden and difficult to access places. For example, check if anything dropped under the hob cabinet the last time you cooked. By cleaning up right away, you'll get rid of these organic leftovers before the flies find them.
Flies love wetlands where they can find rotting food. Then, check inside drains, in the dishwasher, and under larger appliances to see if there are any food residues and traces of moisture. Clean these spots often to prevent them from becoming havens for your unwanted guests
Step 4. Repair mosquito nets and seal any cracks in the house
To keep these insects away, you need to find out where they come from. Regardless of how beautiful your home is on the outside, cracks can always form in walls and insulation materials. Look for them by inspecting it. Then, seal them with putty, silicone, gaskets, and mosquito nets.
- Check mosquito nets and windows regularly and repair them if you notice any tears or missing pieces.
- Pay particular attention to where the walls meet. They are very likely to have cracks to fill. Close the gaps by applying some putty.
Step 5. Eliminate stagnant water sources
Watch out for puddles that form as a result of heavy rain. Also, keep an eye out for buckets, birdbaths, and other areas where water tends to collect. Clean and dry so the flies don't have water to drink.
- To properly drain the soil, change the slope, check the aeration, or add some sand. Also, mow your lawn regularly to reduce water under the grass.
- Watch out for wet areas in your home, making sure there are no leaking drains and pipes. Clean and make any necessary repairs to prevent moisture from building up inside.
Step 6. Remove leaves and other dirt outside your home
You certainly won't think flies can live among dead leaves, but it does. So, as soon as you can, it's best to remove them along with animal waste and other potential food sources. To keep these unwanted guests at bay, don't neglect the maintenance of your garden and outdoor spaces.
Place compost at least 6m away from home to discourage flies from entering
Advice
- Flies generally feed on junk and decaying food. Get rid of this waste to avert the risk of infestation.
- If you can, observe them carefully to understand which species they belong to. From the shape and color you can determine the most efficient method to solve the problem.
- Find out where the infestation starts by looking for places where flies gather. For example, fruit flies tend to fly near the kitchen sink, while blowflies often congregate around walls where there is a dead animal or near animal waste.
