Donald Ray Pollock

Your Pest Control Expert

  • Get Rid of Ants
  • Get Rid of Lice
  • Get Rid of Flies
  • Get Rid of Ticks
  • Get Rid of Fleas
  • Get Rid of Spiders
  • Get Rid of Termites
  • Get Rid of Roaches
  • Get Rid of Bed Bugs
  • Get Rid of Mosquitoes

How to Keep Flies Away

Knowing how to rid yourself of the flies as well as how to prevent them from returning makes all the difference in the world. So stop being hassled by the flies and instead kill them, once and for all.

1. Vinegar Trap

Put dish liquid an inch deep into a jar and then add about one inch of water. For best results, you should use a dish soap that is fruity flavored. Now add a few drops of vinegar (apple cider). Place of few of these around your home where you are seeing the flies.

The idea here is that the flies will be attracted by the smell the vinegar puts off and they will fly in and drown from the water.

2. Citronella or Camphor

When it comes to repelling flies Camphor and Citronella are both extremely helpful. Flies already dislike smoke in general, but when the smoke comes from citronella or camphor burning it doubles the effectiveness. You should only use this outdoors.

3. Aromatic Herbs

Mint, Rue, Tansy, Wormwood, Basil, Lavender, and Elder are all fragrances that flies are not fond of. Using these would help in removing the flies that are present, and preventing any new flies from wanting to approach.

4. Lemongrass Spray

Mix lemongrass essential oil (25 drops) with hot water (½ cup). Add the solution into a spray bottle and use it by spraying around windows and doorways, or in any area that is fly infested.

5. Boiling Malt Vinegar

When you boil malt vinegar a smell is released that flies are not able to stand. This is great when it comes to a natural way to deter flies. You can boil it on the stovetop.

6. Plants That Are Carnivorous

Planting plants like the sundew or the Venus fly trap, which are carnivorous, provides a natural way for you to remove pesky little flies. These plants not only do a constant job for digesting flies but they are also nice to look at.

7. Using Vodka

Flies for one reason or another hate Vodka. They don’t like the way it smells and for this reason, people have come to find that it is great to use as a repellant.

Just use a cup of Vodka, aloe vera juice (2 tsp), lemon eucalyptus oil (1 tsp), and essential oil blend (½ tsp). Pour the ingredients in a bottle for spraying. You can use this in the area where the flies are, as well as on your skin.

If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients used to make this spray then you should not use it on your skin.

8. Pheromone Traps

These traps are effective among many species of flies.

Orkin’s website states that “There are approximately 120,000 species of flies that have been described by science.” That is a lot of fly species, to say the least. These traps are not much different from the other traps out there except they don’t use bait of odor or food, instead, they use pheromones. Once the fly is in the trap it will not be able to escape.

These traps are sensitive and they can attract insects even when there is a low-density present. They are good for infestations both outdoors and indoors. The drawback with these traps is that they often only attract one gender.

9. Fly Paper Traps

A cheap and great method for killing flies is a fly paper trap. This paper has a fragrance that is sweet to help with attracting the flies. This paper is very sticky. Sometimes it will have a substance that is poisonous as well. When the fly lands on the paper it becomes trapped.

You could definitely make your own fly paper at home, but it is often cheap enough just to buy the traps already made.

10. Flyswatter

Nearly everyone has heard of using a flyswatter to kill flies. This works if you are fast enough in hitting the fly to kill it. However, for large infestations, this is generally not the best idea.

It would take a great deal of time to eliminate a lot of flies this way. However, for just the stray fly here and there a flyswatter comes in handy and will take care of the job just fine.

11. Fly Zapper

This is an electrical device that sends off an electrical discharge. The device draws the fly in and then when it comes into contact with the fly zapper it zaps it. Since the fly comes to this device you don’t have to chase the fly down like you would need to with a flyswatter.

A UV light is emitted from the zapper and it attracts most insects that fly, not just flies. These zappers should have a guard on them that helps protect pets and people from touching the grid on accident.

12. Chemical Sprays

These kill flies relatively quickly when it comes into contact with it. Many people like it for its fast acting ability to kill the flies. However, it is important to note that many of these are not safe for pets. Reapplying the spray for a few weeks can give you results that are long-lasting.

13. Nematodes

These microscopic worms act like a parasite. Once they have been introduced they search for fly larvae, as well as other pests that are soil-borne, penetrate them and then, from the inside out, consumes the larvae. Nematodes are not harmful to plants, pets, people, or earthworms. These can work for up to 18 months once they are in place.

14. Homemade Sugary Water Trap

Mix sugar (¼ cup) and corn syrup ( ½ cup).into a wide-mouthed jar. Take a funnel and cut a hole around a centimeter in diameter at its tip. Now turn it upside down and place it over the jar. Check to ensure the cone isn’t touching the jar’s content.

Now put the glass jar in the area where you commonly see flies. They will be attracted to the smell coming from the jar and will go in it but they are not going to be able to figure out how to get back out again.

15. Bug Vacuum

These vacuums are usually very small but are also very effective. Once turned on it will suck in flies as well as other insects. Once the flies are in there is adhesive that they get stuck to.

16. Remove Breeding Grounds

You need to remove any place that the flies could be breeding. This means that your garbage cans need to be properly covered. All dishes used for feeding your pets should be kept clean, always. This is not going to kill the flies for you but it is going to help prevent them from breeding even further once the adults have been killed.

17. Close Doors

You need to make sure that you are keeping your windows and doors closed. Your mother likely told you this a million times when you were a kid. Leaving the door open or windows open, without a screen, will almost always result in unwanted flies, and other bugs entering your home uninvited.

18. Plant Plants

You can plant basil or mint plants in your kitchen. Place several of these small plants around in the areas where you are trying to kill the flies. This will deter them as they will not like the smell that is produced from these plants. You could also use them around the doorways, to help encourage them to stay out of your home completely.

Keeping Out Fruit Flies

To help keep away fruit flies there are a few things that you can do.

19. Clean Produce

As soon as you get home from buying any produce you should clean it. Then store it in a bag that is new and loose, don’t reuse the bag that you got at the store.

20. Cover The Bowl

You should either cover the bowl that you store your fruit in or you should place it in the refrigerator. Flies can really tell when the fruit begins to spoil.

21. Filtering The Garbage You Keep Inside

The garbage that you keep inside should not contain any fruit, vegetables, or even scraps of meat. You should place them in a sealed back and then take them out to the outside garbage can.

22. Keep Dishes Washes

You should make sure that all your dishes stay washed. Don’t leave them in the sink for hours on end. Also, place white vinegar and baking soda in your drains to aid in killing any flies that could be breeding in there.

Conclusion

Eliminating existing flies is half of the task, preventing flies from returning is the other half. Once you have your fly problem under control it will be much easier to keep them away going forward. You should have a much better idea of to effectively remove them as well as the different types of deterrents that you can use.

How to Get Rid of Flies

Flies seem to make our lives miserable. They take over our homes, make prey from our food and annoy us by buzzing all over the place.

There are plenty of other effects on us we may not see. The studies show the fact that there are over 100.000 species of flies, but if you ask me, they seem uncountable.

Flies don’t look too dangerous, however they are carriers of lots of diseases like salmonella. Read this article and you will find out how to make flies fly out of your house.

Ready? Then, let’s put an end to this flying issue!

1. Clean, Clean, then Clean Again!

Before any other remedies, we must understand that it is essential to keep the house, and especially the kitchen, spick and span.

If we disregard this aspect, our homes will be full not only of flies, but of many other gross bugs. So:

  • Remove any food source that may be accessible to flies, as this is what they look for.
  • Don’t let any crumbs on the table/floor after eating.
  • Do the dishes right after you eat, even if you are not in the mood for this.
  • Don’t leave any rotten food in your kitchen. Throw it immediately, a fly may lay its eggs on it just now.
  • Clean the kitchen after preparing food.
  • Make sure all the other members of your family does the same as you, when it comes to cleaning.

After you checked all these things and everything is impeachable now, let’s bring some “soldiers” to help us fight better!

How to Get Rid of Flies Naturally

Herbs really help a lot, if we desperately try to get of these annoying flies. They don’t like at all the scent released by the plants below. In order to make this more efficient, just change the place of the herbs now and then, or simply shake them a little bit.

2. Lavender

This is a powerful herb that works not only for flies, but for many other bugs. It repels them with a strong scent flies simply can’t stand.

Is the fly issue outdoors?

Just plant lavender in your beautiful garden and enjoy the perfume while flies run away! Or maybe you deal with flies indoors?

Grab some dried lavender, tie it in small bouquets and hang them all over the house. Moreover, you can grind the lavender and sprinkle the powder on the areas with problems.

3. Tansy

This flowering herb is better for dealing flies outdoors, than indoors. It is also highly recommended for the larvae of flies. So, you can place some bounds where needed in your house. Be careful! This herb resembling marigolds is invasive and there are people who get dermatitis because of it.

4. Rosemary

Yes! You can use rosemary not just in your tasty recipes, but for repelling flies! Because of its woody smell, the fly will stay away. Easy to plant and very efficient!

5. Peppermint

Don’t you love mint scent? Flies can’t say the same… This cheap herb is very useful for scarring flies away. Fresh or dried, mint simply deters them.

You can grow it in pots, as its spreads very quickly. In the past, this herb was used even in butcheries, to prevent flies trolling the meat.

DIY to Get Rid of Flies

Homemade recipes for getting rid of flies can be very helpful, especially when the problem is not totally out of control. Use these treatments if you want to protect your children and pets from chemicals.

6. Essential Oils & Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Lavender oil
  • Citronella oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Peppermint oil
  • Tea tree oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Water
  • A bottle

How to do it: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, then add about 20 drops of essential oils. You can pick just one, or you can put 2-3 drops of each of them. Stir the mixture and then spray where needed!

This can be applied even on animals, to make flies stay away from them.

7. Cloves and Lemon/Apple

  • Cloves
  • Lemon/apple

How to do it: Take a lemon/an apple and cut it in two. Grab one of the halves and insert about 10 cloves in it. Then take the other half and do the same. Put the halves on a plate and then you can keep the plate on your table while eating. Now you can eat in peace!

8. Camphor

Method 1:

  • Camphor
  • Plate

How to do it: Take 2 tablets of camphor and put them on a HOT plate. Now put the plate where the flies keep buzzing around.

Method 2:

  • Camphor
  • Hot water
  • Bowl

How to do it: Put two camphor tablets in a bowl. Then pour some hot water on the tablets and mix a little bit to quickly make camphor active. Again, place the bowl where the flies are.

Using Non-chemical Methods

9. Water Bag and Pennies

Yes, it may seem insane, but it is very helpful.

Pick a plastic transparent bag and fill it with water. Drop 5 pennies in the bag and seal it. Flies get confused and are scared of the reflection of the pennies and water. Hang the plastic bag and keep flies away!

10. Fly Paper/Fly Ribbons

This is more like an ancient technique, but still efficient.

It is very important that these ribbons are also environment-friendly and also cheap. How do they work?

Well, fly ribbons have a coat of an adhesive substance with sweet scent. Flies love the fragrance and get trapped by the attractant.

Humans may not perceive the smell, but flies have a strong sense and get lured.

The ribbons are perfect both for indoors and outdoors, but need to be changed every 2-3 days. You can buy such tool on Amazon here.

11. The Classical Swatter

This works for those who don’t have too many flies visiting their place.

You need to simply wait for the enemy to land on a surface and then hit the fly with the swatter. Of course, if you deal with a massive population of flies this method is out. But when they are not too many, you can even count this is an exercise of blowing off steam.

So, it can be more like a therapy. Again, this can be found on Amazon in many sizes and shapes.

12. Venus Fly Trap

This carnivorous plant feeds itself with insects and flies are such a feast for them! Venus Fly trap lures the fly with nectar and then traps it inside. It is easy to grow this plant and it doesn’t need too much maintenance.

A trusted store you can buy this from is Amazon. Here is the link.

13. Use a Fly Vacuum

A kind of a vacuum-cleaner, but way smaller, this tool is very powerful.

It works with batteries and it is very easy to use. Even a child can play with it (though, keep this toy only for you…). The best time to hunt the flies is in late evening or early in the morning, as that are the moments when they sleep. After using it, you have to clean the vacuum, because the flies don’t die inside it.

14. Ultrasonic Fly Repellent

This works best if you simultaneously keep trapping the flies. It makes the flies dizzy and this is how they can end up in your traps.

15. How to Get Rid of Flies Fast

This is your last chance to get rid of the disgusting insects that fly all around your house. If the population is too large to handle with natural products, there is only this option left.

So, here is a list of some great products you can purchase on Amazon:

  • TERRO T3400 Home Insect Killer
  • Lynwood Laboratories SC152 Shoo-fly Screen And Surface Insect Spray
  • Absorbine UltraShield EX Insectiside and Repellent

Prevention

  • Periodically use disinfectant to clean your house and especially the kitchen.
  • Pover or hide any foood source.
  • Grow aromatical plants in pots: mint, basil, lavender.
  • Use window screens to prevent flies and mosquitoes entering your home.
  • Let the spiders do their job; don’t kill them, as they eat flies.
  • Wash the dishes just after each meal.
  • Disinfect your garbage bin frequently.

Conclusion

If you still cannot deal alone with this issue, there are professionals who can help you at anytime. Call an exterminator and you can sleep tight. Of course, this may be an expensive option sometimes, but you know your priorities.

These were some pieces of advice to get rid of flies. Don’t neglect this issue as flies carry plenty of dangerous diseases! Now that you found out all this information, you have to act. Ready? Steady? Kill’em!

3 Best Ways to Kill Flies

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.

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