Houseflies are common household pests that are not only annoying but unhygienic as well. They are a carrier of various diseases and can pollute food, and surfaces and even spread pathogens to people. It is crucial to keep your home free of houseflies to maintain a healthy and clean living environment. While chemical methods are effective, they have harmful effects on humans and the environment. There are natural remedies that can be used to eliminate houseflies effectively and sustainably. In this guide, we will explore these remedies and methods to keep your home fly-free.
Common Signs of Houseflies Infestation
Fly infestation does not have any specific symptoms. The most common sign of fly infestation is the buzzing sound they create which can be disturbing to most people. You can notice dark spots on anything hanging on the walls. You can also discover maggots in the garbage area or waste food. These are flies in the larvae stageThe lifespan of flies is short but they are capable of quick reproduction. They feed on a wide variety of food, including human food, animal food, carcasses, garbage, and excrement.
Maintain Cleanliness
Houseflies are attracted to decaying food, garbage, and food residues. The first step to prevent houseflies from entering your home is maintaining cleanliness. Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and dining areas, and wipe the surfaces with disinfectants. Remove any crumbs, spills, or food particles scattered on countertops or floors. Store garbage in covered bins with tight lids. This will prevent flies from getting access to the garbage. Store food in air-tight containers. Do not keep leftover food in the open. Repair all plumbing issues like leaky taps and faucets and dispose of pet waste promptly.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils are known for their insect-repelling properties. Using these oils can help prevent flies from entering your home. Some of the effective essential oils are lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, and peppermint oil. Mix a few drops of oils with water and spray all over the house, especially near the windows and doors to keep flies away.
Orange Peels
Tie orange peels in a muslin cloth and hang them around your kitchen. It is an excellent home remedy to drive houseflies away.
Fly Traps
There are various fly traps available in the market but homemade traps are more environmentally safe and effective. Here are a few types of traps
Bottle Trap
Cut the top off a plastic bottle and invert it into the bottom half to make a funnel shape. Fill it with sugar syrup or fruit juice. Flies will get attracted to the syrup and get trapped inside. They won’t be able to escape.
Sticky Fly Paper
You can use sticky paper and hang it around the house where flies congregate. Flies will get stuck to it.
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Sugar and Fruit Trap
Take a container and place an overripe fruit like a banana or lemon inside it. Cover the box with a plastic sheet and prick holes in it. The fly will get attracted to it and get trapped inside.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
Fill a dish with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to it. The scent of the vinegar will attract flies and dish soap will drown them.
Fly Repellant Plants
Certain plants have natural properties that repel houseflies. Grow these plants in your garden or keep the potted ones inside your home or near the windows and the entry gates. This will prevent houseflies from invading your home. Some of these plants are basil, mint, lavender, and marigold.
Screens and Nets on Windows
Install screens and nets on windows and doors to deter flies. Screens will allow light and fresh air inside the house while preventing houseflies and other insects from entering your home. You can also fix nets on porches to create a fly-free zone.
Fly Zappers
Electric fly zappers or traps are effective tools to eliminate flies. Place them in areas where flies are more active, such as the kitchen and the dining areas. These traps have UV light that attracts flies and trap them.
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Introducing Natural Fly Predators
Introducing natural fly predators is an effective way to repel houseflies. Some of these predators are wasps, nematodes, and chickens. These are harmless to humans and pets and can be introduced in areas where flies come together.
Clean the Drains Regularly
Flies breed in drains, especially those that are clogged with organic matter. Regularly clean your drain with baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar and flush it with boiling water. This will open the clogged drains, eliminate breeding ground, and make your drains fly-free.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you are unable to get rid of flies using natural methods and there is a severe infestation, you can hire fly pest control in Chennai to remove them. They have the expertise with the right tools and chemicals to eliminate them safely from your property.
Vinegar and dish soap trap:
Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a bowl or jar. Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap and place the trap near areas where flies are active.The flies will be attracted to the vinegar and will fly through the holes, but they will not be able to escape the dish soap.
Houseflies are harmful in various ways as they carry germs and diseases. The common diseases caused by housefly infestation are:
- Food Poisoning
- Typhoid Fever
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Tuberculosis
- coli
- Eye Infections
Conclusion
Houseflies are a nuisance and a health hazard. However, with proper intervention and treatment, you can prevent and control flies without harming them. Maintaining cleanliness, using homemade fly traps, growing repellent plants, and installing window screens and environmentally friendly solutions will keep your home fly-free. By implementing these natural and eco-friendly solutions, you can achieve a healthy and safe living environment for you and your family.
