Having flies in your house is certainly not desirable and can be a health and hygiene concern. It’s best to take steps to prevent flies from entering your home and to eliminate any infestations as soon as they occur. Here are some tips on how to keep flies out of the house:
Keep Doors & Windows Closed
The easiest way for flies to enter your home is through open windows and doors. Ideally, you’ll want to keep them closed as much as possible, especially during peak fly season. If your home gets particularly warm and you need to have your doors/windows open to allow for air circulation, see the next step:
Install Screens
Window and door screens are made of a fine mesh material, typically made of aluminium or fibreglass, that is designed to allow air to flow through while blocking out insects like flies. The mesh is made of tightly woven fibres that are too small for flies to pass through. This creates a physical barrier that prevents flies and other insects from entering the house through the windows. Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the screens that could allow flies to get through.
Keep Your House Clean
Keeping your house clean can significantly reduce the chances of flies becoming an issue. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, such as food waste, pet waste, and compost. By keeping your house clean and free of these materials, you can reduce the likelihood that flies will be attracted to your home.
You should also be sure to clean up any spills and food crumbs immediately and empty your bins on a regular basis.
Store Food Properly
Flies are attracted to food, and by storing food properly, you can make it less likely that they will be able to access it. An excellent way of storing food is to use airtight containers as flies are able to detect food through their sense of smell, so by keeping food in airtight containers, you can prevent the odours from attracting them.
Certain types of food, such as fruits and vegetables, are particularly attractive to flies. By refrigerating these foods, you can slow down the ripening process and reduce the risk of a fly infestation when the food goes off.
Eliminate Standing Water
Standing water can become a breeding ground for flies as it can provide them with the water and nutrients they need to survive. To reduce the likelihood of a fly infestation, it’s important to eliminate standing water in and around your home, this can include pet water bowls, bird baths, and clogged gutters.
Use Fly Traps
Fly traps can help to control the population of flies by luring them in and trapping them. However, it’s important to use them in conjunction with the other pest control measures we’ve covered in this article, to minimise the problem before it begins. There are several types of fly traps, including sticky traps, baited traps, and electric traps, and each works in a slightly different way.
Sticky Traps
Using a brightly coloured surface that attracts flies, sticky traps are made using a sticky adhesive that latches to the fly as they land on the trap. Best placed in areas that are particularly susceptible to fly infestations, such as near bins and food preparation areas.
Baited Traps
Baited traps use a lure, such as a sweet or fermented substance, to attract flies. Once the fly is attracted to the bait, it enters the trap and is unable to escape. Baited traps can be very effective at capturing specific types of flies, such as fruit flies or house flies.
Electric Traps
Electric traps are extremely efficient, making use of ultraviolet light to attract flies, and once the fly comes into contact with the electrified grid, it is instantly pacified. Electric traps can be very effective at controlling large populations of flies, but they can be noisy and may not be appropriate for all indoor settings.
Use Natural Repellents
You can use everyday household items such as essential oils, herbs and vinegar as a natural, yet effective fly repellent. Whilst they may not be as effective as chemical repellents or other pest control measures. However, natural repellent can be a useful addition to your overall pest control strategy, especially if you are looking for a natural, non-toxic solution.
Summary
By following these tips, you can help keep flies out of your home and prevent infestations. If you already have a fly infestation, it’s best to call a pest control professional to help eliminate the problem.
If you are based in and around Leicestershire, contact our pest control specialists if you have an issue with flies or other pests in your home.
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