During warmer months, it can seem nearly impossible to make your home a “no fly” zone. Flies can be almost unavoidable no matter how many precautions you take, but there is hope!
In this article, I’ve outlined for you several options to rid yourself of flies for good. Whether you choose fly swatters, insecticides or natural remedies, you can kill flies and secure your home once again.
Why Should I Care About Flies?
Other than being a nuisance, there are several reasons you don’t want to have flies in the home:
- They carry diseases on their legs and pass them into your food.
- They transfer their saliva to your food before eating it.
- They can transmit diseases such as salmonella, cholera, typhoid, anthrax, tuberculosis and dysentery.
- They’ve been known to transmit parasitic worms.
3 Best Ways to Kill Flies Effectively
When you are facing a fly infestation, it can seem very overwhelming and you might not know where to start. Thankfully, there are options available to you no matter what your preferences are in pest control.
You can choose what methods will work best for you and your situations. Here are a few of the most common ways to kill flies quickly.
1. Fly Traps
There are several options available to you if you want to set up traps for the flies in your home. Many of these can be purchased at any home improvement store.
Fly Tape
You will be able to find a wide variety of brand name products such as Black Flag. It can be referred to as flypaper and even fly ribbon. This paper is coated with a sweet fragrance and is sticky so flies get trapped when they land.
- Hang in areas where flies like to gather.
- Be careful not to hang near areas with food preparation or eating occurs.
Bug Vacuum
Sometimes called an aspirator or bug vac, this small and powerful portable cleaner will generate enough suction to trap the fly inside the device.
- Some offer an adhesive surface inside to trap the fly.
- Some hold the fly inside until they dehydrate and die.
- You can choose non-lethal options which simply trap the fly but cause no harm
UV Light Traps
These will kill insects by electrocuting them with high voltage from an electrical grid.
- Choose an indoor model versus an outdoor option.
- Place light 4 to 6 feet above the floor.
- Don’t allow the light to be visible from outside or you will attract more flies.
Electric Swatter
These are sometimes referred to as racket zappers and are handheld products that look like a tennis racket. It is similar to a stun gun but with lower power.
- These are more sanitary than traditional swatters.
- While they are safe, you should still avoid using near children and pets.
Fly Gun
This operates much like a swatter but uses a spring-loaded projectile.
- These can be purchased as a toy or novelty item.
- Seem to work as well as traditional fly swatters.
Homemade Trap
Follow these steps to create your own trap at home.
- Place apple cider vinegar into a jar.
- Cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure with rubber band.
- Create a tiny hole in the plastic wrap for flies to crawl in.
- Flies will get in but will become trapped inside and die.
2. Insecticides
There are many brands and products currently on the market that will allow you to kill flies fast and effectively. Again, many of these are available for purchase at your local home improvement store.
Pyrethrin Spray
- Natural Insecticide made from chrysanthemum flowers.
- Spray doorways to stop flies from entering.
- Spray directly on flies to kill instantly.
- Do not use near food or food preparation areas.
Fly Bait
- Choose pellets, traps or liquid solutions.
- Apply to glass windows or windowsills.
- These are dangerous to pets and children. Keep out of reach.
3. Natural Remedies
Pest control with natural remedies is gaining more popularity and it’s easy to see why. Having products that are safe around your children and pets is essential for their well-being. Many people will choose these options first before moving on to harsher chemical products.
Essential Oils
- Choose variations of clove, thyme, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, basil and peppermint.
- Use a spray where the flies gather.
- Place a few drops in a diffuser and run in rooms that contain flies.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is a non-toxic insecticide that works by causing damage to the exoskeletons of an insect.
- Use a small duster to place on your houseplants.
- It can also be used in garbage cans or other areas that attract flies.
- Be sure you purchase a food-grade quality of Diatomaceous Earth for safety.
Herbs
There are several herbs you can grow in your home to repel flies.
- Choose options such as basil, mint, rosemary, lavender or bay leaf.
- Grow on your windowsill.
- This not only keeps flies away but will also provide you with fresh herbs for cooking.
Prevention is Always Better than Treatment
When you are battling a fly infestation, you have no choice but to resort to treating the situation. Once they are under control, it will be far easier to prevent them from coming back again than treating them.
Follow these simple tips and tricks to keep your home fly free.
1. Keep Your House Clean of Food Waste
It is no surprise that flies are attracted to waste materials. This not only serves as an area of food for the fly but also a great location to lay eggs for future flies.
- Store all food, including pet food, in the fridge or tightly sealed containers.
- Clean any spilled food as soon as it happens.
- Wash dishes immediately.
- Use a covered trash can or garbage disposal.
2. Clean up After Babies and Pets
Pet waste and baby diapers are a leading cause for attracting flies into the house.
- Change cat litter frequently.
- Clean diaper bins often.
- Remove any human or animal waste from the home quickly.
3. Clean the Garbage Area
When you maintain a clean and sanitary garbage area, you set yourself up for success to avoid flies.
- Use well-sealed containers.
- Inspect your garbage containers for signs of maggots or insects.
- Wash the garbage can on a regular basis.
- Don’t forget to clean your compost containers.
4. Clean Drains
Many people will neglect their drains, but it is a common place for flies to be attracted to. When you allow the buildup of organic materials, you are asking for an infestation.
- Use a plunger to remove any clogs or slow drains quickly.
- Use an antibacterial drain cleaner every few weeks.
- Treat all the drains with S-hydroprene which is an insecticide that prevents fly larvae from growing.
5. Clean Appliances
Your fridge and other kitchen appliances are areas where condensation will gather and attract flies.
- Clean with warm, soapy water on a regular basis.
- Always rinse and clean any sponges, rags or mops that you’ve used. Then, hang them to dry.
6. Check Your Screens
The screens on your doors and windows create easy access for flies to enter. If you like to have the windows open, be sure you follow these steps to ensure a home free from critters.
- Install screens in all windows and doors.
- Inspect screens on a regular basis for holes.
- Replace or patch any damaged screens promptly.
7. Inspect Your Pipes
Crevices, spaces and cracks around your household pipes could be luring flies into your home.
- Inspect your pipes for any signs of cracks or crevices.
- Fill openings with caulk, spackle or expanding foam where possible.
Cleaning your home on a regular basis is essential if you want to keep the flies at bay. A little effort now will keep you fly free for a long time to come.
Other Resources
When you are looking for ways to tackle fly problems in your home, there are a lot of resources available to you for more information.
1. Talk to your Local Pest Control Company
The professionals at your local company are knowledgeable into the species of insects living near you. Contact them for advice and maybe a consultation if you feel overwhelmed by battling the issue on your own.
2. Pinterest
This social sharing site offers many tested and approved methods for removing flies quickly. See what others have found to be useful. Maybe they will work for you as well!
3. Home Remedies Sites
Online resources for home remedies can be valuable tools for finding more solutions. They teach how common household ingredients like the cucumber or cinnamon can be effective tools in your battle for control.
In Closing
By using the outlined steps above, you’ll find that it is relatively easy to kill flies in your home. Whether you choose to use traps, insecticides or natural remedies, there is a solution available to everyone.
If you aren’t currently fighting a fly epidemic in your home, take steps to ensure that the home remains fly free. A little time now saves a lot of headaches later.