Houseflies, also known as cluster flies, are the most common type of pests found in houses. With a faint buzzing, these flies can be really annoying. Houseflies usually thrive indoors and hide inside homes for breeding and reproduction. Apart from the irritating sound they create, these flies also carry germs and can contaminate food and water.
Therefore, to maintain a healthy lifestyle it is necessary to get rid of these flies from home. Here we have mentioned some tips and tricks on how to get rid of houseflies.
DIY to Get Rid of Flies in the House
Fly infestation at home is a serious problem that can lead to severe health and sanitation issues. Therefore, it is better to get rid of flies as soon as possible. For this purpose, you can take help from professional pest control companies in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates.
However, if the infestation is in its early stages and you are not willing to spend additional money on their control, opt for some DIY hacks. See the following home remedies for flies to get rid of them.
Use Vinegar and Dish Soap
The first pest prevention tip is to use a combination of vinegar and dish soap. Mix vinegar and dish soap in equal proportion and spray it on different parts of the house. Leave it for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.
If the detergent has a fruity smell then it will work best for this purpose. The mixture of fruity and pungent smell attracts flies and the chemicals in the detergent kill flies.
Plant Herbs
Flies are attracted to foul smells emitted from rotting or decaying materials. Therefore, pleasant and strong smells can be discomfort for the flies and they often avoid cohabiting in places with strong scents.
You can plant a number of herbs like catnip, bay leaves, basil, marigold and lavender to repel flies. Along with repelling, these herbs can also be used in cooking. Herbs are smaller in size and can get planted indoors or in small outdoor spaces like a vertical garden on a balcony. If you opt for the balcony, read our blog on how to create a vertical garden in your balcony to create a perfect picturesque garden.
Indoor Carnivorous Plants
It may sound brutal to plant a carnivorous plant in your home, but it is an effective way of getting rid of unwanted pests in the house. The carnivorous plants naturally grow in damp and humid environments: therefore, they can easily adjust indoors.
These plants do not require water as a food source. Rather, they depend upon small insects. These plants are naturally built to attract and capture smaller insects and then later digest them. Despite being carnivorous plants, they are not harmful to human beings.
Deep Clean your House
As mentioned above, flies are attracted to foul smells emitted from rotten and decaying items. Always deep clean your house at least once a week. Make sure to dispose of edibles that are rotting, especially fruits and vegetables.
Along with this, do not leave water stranded at any part of the house, as it works as a breeding ground for pests. For tips on effective deep cleaning, read our blog on DIY hacks for cleaning your home.
Pay Attention to Pets
Keep a regular check on your pets and bathe them at least once a year. Flies consider pet’s faeces as the best place to lay their eggs and hence, it is necessary to clean them properly. Even uncleaned faeces in outdoor spaces can attract flies. Therefore, properly clean your faeces and always wrap it in a plastic bag before throwing them away.
Build Fly Traps
Fly traps are an effective tool that aids you in getting rid of the flies from your home. It is not necessary to purchase an electric fly trap, you can build it at home. The first DIY fly track will only require two items: a soda bottle and a fruit slice.
Cut the soda bottle in half, add a slice of fruit and water to the lower half of the bottle. Place the upper half of the bottle inverted on the lower half and your fly trap is ready. Another fly trap is simple sticky paper. Take any thick paper and apply a sticky solution like honey on the paper. Hang the sticky paper at the entrance at exit points of the house. The flies will stick on the paper and when there are enough flies stuck on the paper, discard it.
Preventive Measures to Keep Flies Away
All the aforementioned measures are applicable when the flies have already infested your home. However, in order to avoid this situation, you can take these precautionary measures.
- Keep your trash bins clean and dispose of the garbage regularly. For peasant smell, place a small slice of citric fruit in the bin. Also, use sealed garbage cans for more effective results.
- Trim the grass and plants of your garden on a regular basis at least once a week. This will not only maintain but also help in landscaping your lawn.
- Avoid leaving food and other eatables uncovered on the kitchen countertops.
- Make sure all the doors close properly and windows have nettings.
- Turn off outdoor lights during the night, as white lights attract flies the most.
FAQs
Why are there big houseflies in my house?
Big flies are scavengers and generally eat dead animals. If you start seeing big flies in your home, it is possible that there are some animal carcasses near your home.
How to kill flies in your house?
There are multiple ways of killing flies in your home, but the most suitable one is using fly traps. You can either opt for a DIY fly trap or an electric one for this purpose.
How long do houseflies live
The life expectancy of a house fly in a suitable indoor environment ranges between 15 to 30 days.
These were all the tips on how to get rid of houseflies. These tips are effective for the early stages of infestation. If the infestation increases, you might need to consult a professional. However, if you continue to face infestation issues, even after pest control it indicates a long-term issue and it is better to move into a new home. You can browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and move into a new home.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more information on how to remove flies from home.
