How to Get Rid of Houseflies at Home Naturally and Safely

how to get rid of house flies

Identifying types of small house flies is key to eradicating them. For example, fruit flies, drain flies, and fungus gnats look similar. However, they come from different sources — rotten fruit, drain sludge, and damp soil. Therefore, to get rid of the flying bugs for good, you’ll need to identify them to know where to kill them at the source. In addition to its ability to annoy, the common housefly can transmit diseases.

✔️Create a soda bottle trap.

If an infestation does occur, there are many natural and trapping methods to try. Houseflies are one type of fly in the insect order Diptera, all of which have one set of wings. Use these tips to rid your home of houseflies and prevent them from coming back.

Signs of a Fly Infestation

If you notice fruit flies in your drain, you might be looking for an instant fix — like pouring bleach down the drain. Doing so might kill some larvae, but it will not kill enough of the eggs or larvae to eliminate the problem. That's because bleach passes down the drain too quickly to do a thorough job. Try leaving out an open bottle with a little leftover liquid — the skinny neck will keep the flies trapped.

Step 2: Sanitize Garbage Disposal Areas

how to get rid of house flies

You can even create a spray with alcohol and water to spritz on plants, or use dish soap and vinegar to trap and drown them in a mason jar or bottle. Some of these ideas work overnight and can even kill fruit flies on the spot. First, locate the source of the fly infestation and remove the food. This may mean cleaning drains, removing garbage, or trashing rotting fruit or vegetables. Next, thoroughly clean the surfaces with a vinegar solution to kill bacteria. There's nothing worse than being jolted out of a deep sleep by a sharp buzzing sound close to your ear.

Gideal 20-Pack Dual-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps

Small flies buzzing around your kitchen, living room, or bedroom are more than a nuisance. Many species of small house flies can carry disease as they feed on garbage, emerge from drains, or crawl over decaying plant matter. And getting rid of tiny house flies can be challenging because it’s difficult to locate the source. Inspecting your property, inside and out, and fixing the places that are attracting house flies will stop them from coming near or into your home. Hang a non-toxic disposable fly trap filled with water outdoors near your windows or doors to augment the spray solution. Getting house flies is like getting the common cold—it’s bound to happen.

How to get rid of flies indoors

This creature will spend most of its time flying, and it's quick enough to pose a challenge when you wield a fly-swatter. You’ll want to employ the help of a professional if flies are a repeat issue in your house and the above measures aren’t helping — or the situation seems to be getting more severe. Pest control providers will identify the species you’re dealing with and apply the most appropriate solutions.

Swatting or Trapping Flies

how to get rid of house flies

A housefly has almost 360-degree vision, so it’s best to approach from behind and hover just above before making a fast, decisive flick with your weapon. Flies are one of the few insects that are actively affected by colors, so use a flyswatter in a neutral tone for superior stealth. Consistent efforts to remove breeding sites, use traps and maintain cleanliness are crucial for successfully eliminating a gnat infestation. If you're experiencing an abundance of gnats in your house, several factors could be contributing to the problem. Gnats are attracted to warm, moist environments and breed in damp areas, so reduce or eliminate areas where water collects in your yard and house. Overripe fruits and vegetables can attract gnats, so keep your kitchen clean and trash properly disposed of.

Drain flies are usually harder to control than other types because of where they nest and reproduce, and their eggs are often unharmed by water and common cleaners. Trapping adult flies usually won’t solve the problem, as they’ve likely already laid eggs. Instead, clean drains manually with your favorite organic or synthetic cleaner and plenty of old-fashioned elbow grease.

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Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are extremely small (1/10 inch) flying insects that selectively lay their eggs in decaying fruit and certain other food, such as mushrooms. While it can be disconcerting when a small swarm of fruit flies suddenly appears around a bowl of fruit or bunch of bananas, it should bother you less than a housefly infestation. Fruit flies are essentially harmless and they do not spread disease as do ordinary houseflies. First, check your screens and windows for holes, and remind your family to close the door behind them. House flies are attracted to things that make you go "ew," like pet waste, drain gunk (especially if you have a garbage disposal), overripe produce, trash cans, and sticky spills. Not-so-gross things, like pet food or a half-empty glass of wine, can also attract flies.

Since we know citrus fruit (especially oranges) are a pet hate for flies, then another great way to get rid of them is to use a combination of citrus fruit and cloves. Sometimes a Christmas tradition, inserting cloves into an orange is really easy and they can be placed anywhere in the home. Pick up and rinse out pet food bowls as soon as they’ve finished eating, especially if it’s of the wet food variety.

Set the plants on a kitchen windowsill, and flies will be less likely to enter. Alternatively, add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle full of water, and then mist door and window frames frequently to keep flies at bay. Additionally, window and door screens are effective ways to prevent houseflies from entering your home.

Read all application directions and warnings on any fly killers or repellents and tailor treatment to specific areas. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol. You can also buy sticky papers or strips of various kinds to trap flies. Hung in the air or applied to windows, these products will trap any flies that alight on them. Swinging from the shoulder or trying to smack a fly while it's flying is rarely successful. A fly swatter should never be used near food areas, and it should be disinfected after each use.

The Safer Home Indoor Fly Trap plugs into an outlet and uses UV light to attract bugs to its sticky glue card, where they’re discreetly held until you throw out the bug-filled card. "The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and get trapped inside," the expert said. Apple cider vinegar can be purchased at Tesco for £3.75, or from Sainsbury's for £3.50. As the weather gets warmer and spring is underway, many of us will be opening our windows and doors - but it can also mean your living space may be infected by flies. "Then, you simply need to poke small holes in the film, and the flies will be attracted to the vinegar and get trapped inside." Fly traps are a common method but if you don't want to buy them you can make your own using ingredients from the kitchen.

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