Bye bye, fly
Are houseflies driving you crazy? Take back your space by eliminating this pest problem using one or more of these removal methods and learn some preventative actions so you can banish them for good.
While they are a nuisance, flies are usually not dangerous as they rarely bite or sting. However, houseflies can transmit diseases and spread bacteria because they lay their eggs on unsanitary surfaces like decaying food and trash or dead animals.
While a fly or two inside your home is to be expected (especially during summer months), if you see a swarm of them, it’s time to address the problem. Houseflies normally don’t originate from inside your home, which means they likely found their way in through exterior doors and windows, seeking a warm environment.
Once flies come in from the outside, they are attracted to various sources in your home:
Rotten fruit
Garbage
Food leftovers
Trash
Pet waste
Cat litter
Animal food
Other flies
The average life cycle of a housefly is around 15 to 30 days but within that time, they can lay their eggs on various breeding sites and continue to infiltrate your space. You can distinguish houseflies from other types of flies such as fruit flies or drain flies by their larger appearance.
A simple fly swatter may do the trick when you have random houseflies from time to time, but when they are persistent, you may need a more aggressive method.
Because houseflies originate from outside the home, start by checking the exterior to see if they are coming from there. For example, you may find them swarming around a pile of mulch because it is composed mainly of organic material. Pay close attention to areas that may accumulate standing water, as flies are attracted to damp areas and stagnant water. Clearing up the source of the exterior flies may ease the issue inside your home.
If you can’t pinpoint an exterior source where the houseflies may come from, try cleaning the inside of your home from top to bottom, starting with bathrooms and the kitchen. Take out all the garbage and target any areas and crevices where there may be food sources.
Using houseplants or herbs to combat flies not only makes your house smell nice, but can keep these pests at bay. Here are some plants you can use to repel pesky houseflies:
Lavender
Basil
Cloves
Pine
Mint
Marigolds
Venus Fly Trap (although they can only consume 5–10 bugs each month)
Because of its heat, cayenne pepper can be used as a deterrent around your home. Mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with one cup of water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the edges of doors and windows or where the flies are congregating.
Another effective way to get rid of houseflies is to use apple cider vinegar as a deterrent. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, ½ cups of water, and a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and poke holes in the top. They will be attracted to the sweet smell of the apple cider vinegar, go into the trap through the holes, then be unable to get back out.
Another pest control method is hanging sticky traps inside and outside of your home. Put them near entryways, sinks, garbage disposals, and garbage cans. This is a good first line of defense because they last for a few weeks without releasing any harmful chemicals into your home.
For more stubborn fly infestations, you may need to take stronger measures. Chemical-based insecticides can eliminate houseflies and prevent them from breeding any further. You can use sugar-based fly bait that attracts them to the source, causing them to ingest the chemical. Or, you can try a pyrethrin-based insecticide spray inside and outside of your home to instantly eliminate the houseflies when they come in contact with the chemical.
Note: As with any chemical cleaner, it’s important to properly ventilate the room when using and refer to the manufacturer’s directions regarding cleanup and application, especially around children and pets.
Use an empty soda bottle to create a homemade fly trap that they’re attracted to but can’t get out of.
Take a one-liter soda bottle and carefully cut along the top indented line with a serrated knife or sharp scissors.
Put some ripe fruits or honey at the bottom.
Add water and a few drops of vinegar to the empty bottle so that it is covering the fruit.
Flip the cut-off piece upside down and place it inside the empty bottle with the funnel facing down.
Once you have assembled the trap, the flies will be attracted to the sweet ripe fruit or honey, but fall into the water and vinegar mixture. They won’t be able to get back out, preventing them from laying their eggs on new breeding sites.
Trap flies using ultraviolet light to eliminate infestations. Like most insects, flies are attracted to light sources, which is why you may notice yourself shooing them away more often on summer nights when you're near a porch or flood.
They work by emitting a strong UV light that lures the flies to the source and then they get stuck to an attached glue trap. Some UV light traps have an electric component built in that zaps the flies as they gravitate towards the light.
Stop houseflies in their tracks by taking preventative measures inside and outside of your home by adopting these habits:
Keep compost piles far away from your home
Regularly clean out the refrigerator
Be sure to cover all trash cans, even outdoor bins
Take out the trash often
Don’t leave out exposed meats
Immediately clean up spills (especially during the summer)
Make sure seals are tight on doors and windows
Check screens for small rips and tears that flies can get in through
Replace mulch once it becomes discolored and you see signs of decomposition
Don’t leave grass clippings lying around
Clean cat litter daily
Remove sources of standing water
To prevent houseflies from showing up in the first place, there are some small steps you can take. Keep your kitchen clean by removing any compost, trash, and old food. Clean up any spills quickly and make sure your windows don’t have any rips that will let them come inside.
There are many natural ways to get rid of houseflies, including
Planting deterrants like lavender, basil, clover, mint, venus fly traps, marigold, and pine.
Mixing cayenne with water to create a natural spray.
Mixing apple cider vinegar with soap to create a seductive trap.
