13 Best Ways to Get Rid of Pesky House Flies Immediately
There’s nothing more annoying than pesky flies buzzing around your home when you’re just trying to enjoy your day. We’ve never had issues with flies before moving into our current neighborhood, and for some reason, the backyard is filled with them every summer.
We’ve tried all kinds of home remedies these past 3 years, and these are the ones that have worked the best. Do you know of another remedy that we haven’t tried? Please share in the comments because we are all ears.
1. Clean Up Food Sources
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Flies are drawn to food residues and spills. To prevent infestations, make cleaning a priority. Immediately wipe down countertops, clean spills, and sweep or vacuum floors to remove food crumbs.
Make sure to store all food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage frequently. Regularly clean your trash cans and ensure they are covered tightly to avoid attracting flies.
2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Apple cider vinegar is a powerful attractant for flies. To make a trap, pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a shallow bowl or cup. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band. Poke several small holes in the wrap, large enough for flies to enter.
The vinegar’s scent will lure the flies in, where they’ll get trapped and drown. Refresh the trap every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
3. Set Out Fly Paper
Fly paper is a straightforward solution for catching flies. Hang strips of fly paper in high-traffic fly areas, such as near garbage cans or entryways. The sticky surface will capture flies as they land.
Replace the paper when it becomes covered with flies, and dispose of it properly. For best results, place fly paper away from food and dining areas to avoid contamination.
4. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a natural deterrent for flies. Mix a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture around problem areas such as countertops, window sills, and doorways.
You could also use essential oil diffusers to keep a constant repellent aroma in the air. Reapply the spray as needed, especially if the scent begins to fade.
5. Make a Homemade Fly Spray
A homemade fly spray is an easy and effective way to manage flies. Combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 10 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
Shake well to mix the ingredients. Spray the solution around areas where flies are commonly seen. The vinegar and soap work together to kill flies, while the essential oil provides an added repellent effect.
6. Place Basil Plants Around the House
Basil is known for its fly-repelling properties. Place small pots of basil on windowsills, kitchen counters, and other fly-prone areas.
You can also crush fresh basil leaves and scatter them in strategic locations to enhance the repellent effect. Regularly replace or refresh the basil to maintain its potency and keep flies at bay.
7. Use a Fly Vacuum
A fly vacuum is a specialized tool designed to capture flies quickly. These vacuums are often equipped with a light that attracts flies, making it easier to target and suck them up.
Use the fly vacuum in areas where flies are most active. Empty the vacuum’s collection container as needed and clean the filter to ensure efficient operation.
8. Employ a Fly Zapper
Fly zappers attract flies with ultraviolet light and then kill them with an electric grid. Position the fly zapper in areas where flies congregate, such as near trash cans or entryways.
Ensure the zapper is placed away from food to prevent contamination. Regularly clean the zapper’s collection tray to remove dead flies and maintain its effectiveness.
9. Utilize Citronella Candles
Citronella is a natural fly repellent. Light citronella candles in outdoor spaces or near doorways where flies are a problem.
The scent of citronella will help keep flies away and create a more pleasant atmosphere. For continuous protection, use multiple candles and replace them as they burn down.
10. Keep Drains Clean
Dirty drains can attract flies, particularly fruit flies. To clean your drains, pour a mixture of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This combination helps break down organic matter and eliminate odors that attract flies. Repeat this process regularly to keep drains fly-free.
11. Use Fly Bait Stations
Fly bait stations are designed to attract and kill flies. Place these stations in areas with high fly activity. The bait inside will lure flies, and the insecticides will eliminate them.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and replacement to ensure effectiveness. Keep bait stations out of reach of pets and children to prevent accidental contact.
12. Close Doors and Windows
Flies often enter homes through open doors and windows. To reduce their entry, keep doors and windows closed, or install screens with no tears or gaps.
If you need to keep doors open for ventilation, use fly screens or mesh barriers to prevent flies from getting inside. Regularly check and repair any damaged screens to maintain a barrier against flies.
13. Maintain a Clean Yard
Flies can be attracted to outdoor areas with standing water, compost, or pet waste. Keep your yard clean by regularly removing trash, emptying containers, and cleaning up after pets.
Ensure compost bins are sealed and manage their contents to prevent fly attraction. By maintaining a tidy outdoor space, you’ll reduce the likelihood of flies making their way into your home.
