How to Kill Flies in House: Effective Methods and Prevention Tips

Flies in the house are more than a nuisance; they can also bring dirt, bacteria, and germs that cause diseases. Flies love to show up around food, moisture, and warmth, and once they’re inside, it can feel like they’re impossible to get rid of. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to kill flies in your house and prevent them from coming back.

Why Do Flies Come Into the House?

Before jumping to solutions, it’s helpful to understand why flies are in your house in the first place. Knowing their attractions can help you prevent future infestations.

1. Food: Flies are naturally drawn to food, especially sweets, rotting produce, and garbage.
2. Trash: Open trash bins or food waste bins are major fly magnets.
3. Moisture and Warmth: Flies thrive in damp, warm spaces, especially around sinks, drains, and leaky faucets.
4. Open Windows and Doors: Unscreened windows and open doors are easy entry points for flies.
5. Pet Food and Waste: Flies are attracted to pet food, litter boxes, and waste left uncovered.

Types of Flies in Homes

Understanding the types of flies you might encounter can make it easier to pick the best control method:

• House Flies: The most common, house flies are grey, larger, and drawn to garbage, food, and waste.
• Fruit Flies: Small and brownish, fruit flies are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables.
• Drain Flies: Also known as moth flies, these are fuzzy, tiny flies that love standing water and can often be found in drains.
• Blow Flies: Often shiny green or blue, these flies are larger and are usually found near decaying food or meat.

Dangers of Having Flies in Your House

While they may seem harmless, flies can carry pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria that can lead to illnesses like food poisoning. Flies pick up germs from garbage, feces, or other contaminated materials and transfer them to food and surfaces. This makes eliminating flies not only about comfort but also about safety.

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Effective Methods to Kill Flies in the House

Now, let’s discuss practical ways to kill flies in the house. A mix of DIY traps, natural remedies, and store-bought solutions works best.

1. Use Fly Traps

Fly traps are an easy and effective way to catch and kill flies:

• Sticky Fly Traps: These strips are coated with a sticky substance that traps flies when they land on it. Hang them near areas where flies gather, like near trash bins.
• Light Traps: Light traps work by attracting flies with a light source and trapping or zapping them.
• Bottle Traps: Make a simple homemade trap using a jar filled with a sweet bait like sugar water. Place a funnel or cut bottle top in the jar opening so flies get in but can’t get out.

2. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

A homemade vinegar trap is a quick and effective solution:

1. Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Place the bowl where flies are common. The vinegar attracts flies, and the dish soap breaks the liquid’s surface tension, causing flies to sink and drown.

3. Electric Fly Swatters and Zappers

For quick action, electric fly swatters and zappers work well. They instantly kill flies on contact, making them ideal for a quick response, but they won’t cover larger infestations.

4. Natural Remedies to Kill Flies

If you want chemical-free solutions, these natural remedies are effective:

• Essential Oils: Flies dislike essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray it around windows, doors, and garbage areas.
• Clove-Studded Citrus: Take an orange or lemon, slice it, and stick cloves into it. Place this around areas where flies gather; they dislike the smell and will avoid it.

5. Chemical Sprays and Solutions

Chemical options may be the best bet for larger infestations:

• Aerosol Fly Sprays: These sprays kill flies on contact and are useful for immediate relief but should be used sparingly.
• Fly Baits: Baits are highly effective but should be placed out of reach of children and pets.

6. DIY Essential Oil Spray

Make a natural fly spray by mixing essential oils and water. Here’s a quick recipe:

1. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil with one cup of water.
2. Pour into a spray bottle and spray it around your home, especially near doors, windows, and trash areas.

7. Use Plants to Repel Flies Naturally

Certain plants can help repel flies. Basil, mint, lavender, and marigolds can be placed near windows, doors, or on your porch to keep flies away.

Preventive Measures: Keeping Flies Out for Good

To keep flies from returning, it’s essential to make your home as unappealing to them as possible.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Flies are drawn to dirt, food waste, and spills, so cleanliness is crucial:

• Take Out Trash Daily: Don’t let trash pile up, as flies are drawn to food waste and rotting items.
• Clean Kitchen Surfaces: Wipe down counters and tables to remove crumbs and food residues.
• Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for food storage, especially for fruits and baked goods.

2. Fix Moisture Issues

Flies are attracted to moisture, so removing damp areas can deter them:

• Dry Sinks and Wipe Down Surfaces: Make it a habit to dry the kitchen sink after use.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: Leaky faucets or pipes can attract flies, so repair these as soon as possible.
• Clean Drains Regularly: Drain flies breed in stagnant water, so use a vinegar rinse to keep drains clean.

3. Seal Entry Points

Prevent flies from entering in the first place by securing common entry points:

• Install Screens on Windows and Doors: Mesh screens prevent flies from getting in while still allowing fresh air.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk to seal any openings around doors, windows, and foundation cracks.

4. Manage Pet Food and Waste Properly

Pet waste and food can attract flies, so proper handling is crucial:

• Store Pet Food in Airtight Containers: Keep pet food in sealed containers to reduce odors.
• Clean Litter Boxes Regularly: Flies can be attracted to litter boxes, so frequent cleaning is essential.
• Dispose of Pet Waste: Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste in your yard.

5. Regularly Check and Clean Garbage Bins

Garbage is a major attractant for flies, so handling it carefully is essential:

• Use a Lidded Trash Can: Trash with lids is less attractive to flies.
• Clean Garbage Bins Weekly: Use a disinfectant or vinegar solution to clean trash cans and remove any lingering food residues.

Conclusion

Dealing with flies can be frustrating, but with these tips, you can effectively kill flies in the house and keep them out. Start by understanding why they’re in your home, use traps and natural remedies to eliminate them, and take preventive steps to stop future infestations.

Keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, and using a mix of plants and natural deterrents can make a big difference. Whether you go with DIY solutions, traps, or repellents, the key is to stay consistent. By following these strategies, you’ll enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home without flies.

FAQs

Q: What attracts flies into my house?

A: Flies are usually attracted to food, garbage, moisture, and warmth. They’re drawn to open trash bins, ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and even pet waste.

Q: How can I prevent flies from entering my home?

A: To prevent flies, keep doors and windows closed or use screens, clean up food waste, seal trash bins, and address any moisture issues like leaky faucets or drains.

Q: Are there natural ways to repel flies?

A: Yes, you can use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender, which flies dislike. Plants like basil and lavender near doors and windows also help repel flies.

Q: What’s an effective homemade fly trap?

A: A vinegar and dish soap trap works well. Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar, add a few drops of dish soap, and place it where flies gather. The scent attracts flies, and they sink in the liquid.

Q: Are flies dangerous to humans?

A: Yes, flies can carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, transferring these to food and surfaces, which can lead to food poisoning or other illnesses.

Q: How often should I clean trash bins to avoid attracting flies?

A: Cleaning trash bins weekly with a disinfectant or vinegar solution helps remove odors and food residues that attract flies.

Q: What types of flies are commonly found indoors?

A: Common indoor flies include house flies, fruit flies, drain flies, and blow flies. Each type is attracted to different sources, like food, moisture, or decaying organic matter.

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