Spotting one or two flies in the house is quite common, but when there is a buzzing sound everywhere in your house, you should take prompt action. Though flies do not cause any harm, they can spread microorganisms and pathogens which can cause food-borne diseases. In this guide, we will discuss DIY tips that help get rid of flies in the house.
What Attracts Flies in the House
There are various reasons behind flies coming to your home. Find the things below that are attracting flies.
Open Garbage
Open garbage bins and trash cans act as a beacon for flies in the house. Flies can smell sweet and fruity smell from far-off distances. If you store garbage in open bins, flies will get attracted. Make sure to store garbage in bins that have tightly closed bins and dispose of the garbage regularly.
Uncovered Food
Keeping food in the open is an invitation to flies in the house. Flies are attracted to fruits kept on the kitchen counter and in open spaces. Either place them in the refrigerator or keep them in sealed bags. Dirty dishes in the sink can also attract flies due to the accumulated leftover food on them. Wash the dishes and utensils immediately after using them.
Bright Lights
Flies are also attracted to mercury vapor lamps, which create very bright light. Flies will accumulate to the UV light that these lamps produce. Think about it before installing these lights in your house.
DIY Tips to Get Rid of Flies in the House
Essential Oils
You can use essential oils of thyme, clove, basil, lavender, lemongrass, and mint oil. They all have pest and fly-repellant properties. Mix a few drops of one of these essential oils in a cup of water and store it in a spray bottle. Squirt it in areas where you see flies in the house or near doors and windows. You can also put a few drops of essential oils in a diffuser and place it in the rooms where you see flies in your home. Make sure to keep these essential oils out of the reach of your pets, as they may be harmful to them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural fly repellant. It can kill flies by damaging their exoskeleton. Dust a few diatomaceous earth on houseplants, garbage cans, and other surfaces where you frequently see fly activity in the house. Repeat the process after 1-2 weeks until the flies are completely removed from the house.
Fly-Repellant Plants
You can grow fly-repellant plants in your kitchen and garden area to repel flies. Basil, lavender, bay leaves, mint, and citronella have strong scents that flies cannot stand. They will leave the area where these plants are grown. You will also get fresh herbs, and it will add to the beauty of your house as well. Leaving sachets of herbs around the home will also help to drive away flies.
Lemon and Cloves
Cut a lemon in half and insert 15-20 cloves in it. This will create a strong-scented repellant. Place the lemons in near windows and other areas where you frequently see flies in the house. The citrus smell of lemon and the strong scent of cloves together will make a perfect fly-repellant and make them leave the area.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is an excellent natural fly repellant that can deter other insects as well. Mix one cup of water and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a bottle and spray it near entryways and wherever you see flies in the house.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap can make an effective fly trap. Mix a little apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a tall glass. Cover the glass with a plastic cover, and secure it with a rubber band. Poke small holes in it and place it in the areas where flies are mostly seen. Flies will get attracted to the apple cider vinegar and fly through the holes. The dish soap will cause the flies to sink instead of landing on the vinegar.
Chemical Insecticides
Purchase insecticide spray that contains pyrethrin to repel flies from your house. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and shake the bottle well before use. Spray it directly on flies or near the windows and entrances.
Fly Baits
Set fly baits in areas where you see flies congregating in your house. The flies will eat the bait and die quickly after consuming it. These baits contain pesticides and insecticides, so keep them away from your kitchen and other areas where you store food in the house. Also, make sure that your children or pets do not reach the baits.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are strips of sticky paper that can be hung or laid down throughout your house. They are covered with a very sticky substance that will stick flies and other pests to them. As they can stick to everything, be careful while using them.
Call a Professional
If you have tried home remedies to remove flies from your home but all failed then it is time to call a pest control in Jaipur. Also, it becomes important when you are dealing with a severe fly infestation. They will treat your house from both inside and outside.
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The Final Words
Flies can be challenging to remove, but with the tips outlined in this article, you can surely keep them at bay. Remember, keeping the house clean, disposing of the garbage daily, and storing foods in air-tight containers are the keys to making your home fly-free. The above-mentioned tips are effective in mild infestations. Do not forget to seek professional assistance when flies are buzzing all over your home and troubling you significantly. Taking prompt actions and keeping the right approach will help you get rid of flies in the house.
