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Flies reproduce quickly, are extremely difficult to catch, and can be a nuisance
Flies reproduce quickly, are extremely difficult to catch, and can be a nuisance and vectors for diseases. Controlling flies can be very challenging. There are multiple ways to get rid of flies using commercial products and natural home remedies that are nontoxic and safe for the home and environment. Flies are naturally attracted to garbage, cut fruits, and other foods. Therefore, it is important to keep the home clean to get rid of flies and prevent fly infection.
Certain scents that can repel and keep flies away but are nontoxic and safe to be used indoors. These include:
- Basil
- Cloves
- Mint, lavender, and marigold
- Cinnamon
- Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass essential oils
- Apple cider vinegar
The aforementioned scents can be used in the house by planting plants and using air fresheners, candles, essential oils, or diffusers.
Ways to get rid of flies
Some ways to get rid of flies are as follows:
- Homemade fly repellent spray: A mixture of dish soap, water, baking soda, and vinegar can be filled into a spray bottle. The mixture should contain a few drops of dish soap and a tablespoon each of vinegar and baking soda per cup of water. A few sprays of this mixture can be an effective fly repellent. They may be sprayed in areas where gnats are commonly seen, such as around plants and in bathrooms.
- Homemade fly killer spray: A mixture of half a cup of water, half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, and a teaspoon of dish liquid can be filled in a spray bottle. This mixture can be sprayed on the flies directly to kill them.
- Apple cider vinegar fly trap: A few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of sugar can be mixed in a bowl and placed in an area where flies are commonly seen such as the kitchen, bathroom, or indoor garden. Sugar and apple cider vinegar attract gnats; the dish soap traps the flies and causes them to drown.
- A fly fruit trap: A rotting fruit may be placed in a jar covered with a perforated plastic wrap. Flies get attracted to the rotten fruit, enter the jar, get stuck inside, and are unable to escape.
- Diluted bleach down the drains: If flies are commonly seen around the kitchen sink or bathtub, a cup of diluted bleach may be poured down the drains to kill them.
- A candle trap: A candle should be placed in a candle stand, and the stand should then be partially filled with water. The candle should be lit, and the lights should be turned off. Flies get attracted to the flame, get burned, or fall into the water and drown.
- Carnivorous plants: A carnivorous plant such as Venus flytrap uses its sweet-smelling sap to lure insects into its mouth. The plant traps and digests the flies. Carnivorous plants can catch only few bugs at a time and remain closed till they completely digest the bugs, which can take up to 5 days. Hence, they may not be effective enough to trap enough flies to get rid of or prevent fly infestation.
- Commercial repellents and killers: There are several commercial products available in stores that are effective in repelling and killing flies and other pests.
- Fly traps: Fly traps can help control flies with little effort. There are different types of fly traps. Depending on the type of fly traps, they may be installed, hung, or plugged in. Once the fly trap is set up, there is no effort required from your side, unlike having to spray insect repellents or using a flyswatter. Fly traps usually use sticky pads, electronic zappers, or traditional, old-fashioned funnels to trap and remove flies. Some fly traps may be reusable, whereas others may be disposable; they may be used indoors or outdoors. There are ready-to-use fly traps available in the market, or it is also possible to make homemade fly traps. There is no single best fly trap. There are different types, and the choice of fly traps depends on the concentration of flies, whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use, cost, and your preference.
- Professional pest control: If home remedies and commercial products fail and there is a serious fly infestation in the house, a professional pest control company can help address the problem by creating a customized treatment plan for the home.