Flies are an inevitable nuisance in most homes, especially during the hottest months of the year; however, there are some things you can do to minimize their presence. You can get rid of them by using traps and fly swatters, insecticides, natural deterrents to spread in the air, such as essential oils and herbs, and by taking some steps to clean the areas where flies like to eat and reproduce, preventing them from returning to infest the house.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Traps
Step 1. Use the light traps to catch a large number of them
UV rays are perfect for catching flies and other relatively large insect or pest species that enter your home. The flies are attracted to the light and then trapped by a sticky plank or killed by an electric shock.
- Put the devices about 1.2-1.8m from the floor;
- Place them in such a way that they are not visible from outside the house, so that the light does not attract other flies;
- Use traps specifically designed for indoor use, as the high voltage outdoor ones could create a health problem.
Step 2. Use fly paper
It is a simple tool for capturing large numbers of adult specimens. Purchase one or more rolls and hang the strips in different areas of the house where flies tend to cluster.
Do not hang them directly over the areas where you prepare meals or eat, as live flies or their dead bodies could detach from the adhesive and fall off
Step 3. Use vinegar or wine based traps to catch fruit flies
These insects are incredibly attracted to fermented fruit products, such as red wine and apple cider vinegar. You can make a number of different traps using these two substances as bait to attract and kill adult specimens:
- Pour some apple cider vinegar into a bottle or jar and cover the opening with plastic wrap, using a rubber band to hold it in place. Make a small hole in the foil, so that the fruit flies smell the vinegar and enter the container; at that point, they are no longer able to escape and drown in the liquid.
- Put some vinegar in a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap, stirring to combine the ingredients. The detergent breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing the midges to drown when they try to lean on the vinegar.
- Leave an open bottle of red wine with a small amount of liquid at the bottom; midges are able to get in easily, but then have a hard time getting out.
- Alternatively, you can also purchase ready-made commercial traps.
Step 4. Catch flies with an electronic racket
It is a more hygienic alternative to traditional fly swatters, as it kills these and other insects on simple contact, saving you the need to crush them and clean up the mess.
This is a fairly safe tool, but it can still cause a rather unpleasant jolt; keep the racket away from pets and children
Method 2 of 4: Insecticides
Step 1. Treat front doors with pyrethrin spray
It is a fairly safe natural insecticide extracted from chrysanthemums. There are also synthetic products made with the same natural chemicals found in flowers, called pyrethroids. Spread the spray on the doors of the house to discourage flies.
Step 2. Kill them directly with a pyrethrin product
In addition to spreading it on the doors, you can also direct the spray on the parasites and kill them quickly; however, be careful not to use this type of product in the area where you prepare or consume food; Although pyrethrin is a fairly safe substance, it can be dangerous for people and pets if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Step 3. Use an insecticidal bait
You can find a wide variety of these products on the market; flies eat the poisoned bait with an insecticidal substance and die. You can buy them in the form of a pre-prepared trap, pellet or liquid to be applied in areas frequented by flies.
- There are several models on the market, one of which is composed of an adhesive to be attached to the window panes; flies eat the poisoned bait found on the surface of the adhesive and die, usually directly on or near the windowsill.
- These traps can be dangerous for animals and children, so be sure to strictly follow the warnings and safety measures and place them out of their reach.
Method 3 of 4: Natural Repellents and Insecticides
Step 1. Use essential oils
Many plants produce natural substances that act as repellents and insecticides; you can use these essential oils relatively safely to kill or keep flies from home. Those of thyme, cloves, geranium, basil, lavender, lemongrass and peppermint all have these properties.
- Use a spray to treat fly-infested areas.
- Put a few drops of repellent oil in an essential oil diffuser and leave it in the room where flies are particularly annoying.
Step 2. Grow aromatic herbs with a repellent effect
Basil, bay leaves, mint, rosemary, and lavender are all plants that flies don't like. Growing some of these on the kitchen windowsill is a perfect way to keep insects away, with the advantage of always having fresh spices and herbs available to add to your dishes.
Step 3. Use diatomaceous earth
It is a non-toxic powdered insecticide that acts simply by dehydrating and damaging the exoskeleton of insects. Spread a small amount on plants, trash can, and other surfaces where flies congregate.
Method 4 of 4: Keep Them Out of Home
Step 1. Clean up splashes and food scraps immediately
Flies are attracted to moist organic material, which is important to them both as a food source and as a place to lay their eggs. Make sure these insects can't access food, bucket litter, or compost in your home.
- Store food for family members and pets in the refrigerator in sealed containers.
- Wash dirty dishes immediately;
- Clean up any food spills as soon as you notice it;
- Throw away leftovers and food scraps in a bucket with a lid or in the trash compactor (if you have one).
Step 2. Keep the area where you store the garbage can tightly closed and clean
Dispose of waste and compost in sealed containers and take them to the external bin often. Check carefully for possible larvae or worms under the lids of the containers or on the walls and occasionally wash the buckets with very hot soapy water.
Step 3. Get rid of used diapers and animal feces
If you have a cat, change the litter box often; even the nappy bin can be one of the places that attract flies the most, so you should get the bags containing this waste out of the house as quickly as possible.
Step 4. Clean the floor under appliances and surrounding areas
Do not neglect the walls around the refrigerator and other kitchen accessories, especially where condensation tends to accumulate; for this operation use hot soapy water. After cleaning, carefully rinse and wring out the mop and rags you used and hang them up to dry; flies can breed in the damp strips of mop and cloths.
Step 5. Treat the drains
The organic material that accumulates in the pipes can attract some species of flies. Use a plunger or other similar tool to remove this dirt from clogged or slow drains. then, clean the duct with a stiff bristle brush.
- Bleach and drain cleaners are typically not effective at clearing infestations from pipes.
- If the mechanical action isn't enough, try an antibacterial cleaner specifically for plumbing. Remember to choose a product compatible with the type of septic tank installed in your home; usually, you have to use these substances several times over a few weeks to get the desired results.
- Treat drains with hydroprene, a mildly aggressive insecticide that prevents larvae from developing.
Step 6. Install the mosquito nets
The easiest access routes for insects are the open doors and windows. If you like to have good air circulation in the house, remember to equip these openings with mosquito nets to prevent flies from entering; inspect often for holes and replace them when damaged.
Step 7. Cover the vents as well
Flies can enter through the air intakes of the roof and attic, as well as from all the other small openings that connect the outside with the inside of the house; you should cover them with a metal mesh that does not block the passage of air, but prevents the access of insects.
Step 8. Fill in the cracks, crevices and gaps around the pipes
If you are concerned about parasites entering through these openings, seal them with putty, foam, or silicone.
