Have you ever been enjoying a nice meal or relaxing at home when suddenly a pesky house fly lands on your food or buzzes in your ear? House flies are not only a nuisance but can also transmit diseases, leaving us exposed to potential health risks. In this article, we will discuss various methods to get rid of house flies and prevent them from coming back.
Identifying House Flies
House flies are small, flying insects that are dark grey or black in color and have two wings. They are about 6 mm to 7.5 mm in length. These flies lay their eggs in damp, decaying organic matter such as garbage, animal droppings, or leftover food. They are attracted to anything that has a strong odor or is sweet, including fruits, vegetables, and sugary drinks.
Preventive Measures
Before diving into the methods to get rid of house flies, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure they don’t come into your home in the first place. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Seal All Entrances:
Seal all entrances such as gaps in windows and doors to prevent these pests from coming in. Repair damaged screens and add weather-stripping where necessary.
Keep Your Home Clean:
Cleaning your home regularly is key to preventing the buildup of organic matter that attracts house flies. Seal garbage cans properly and dispose of them regularly.
Use a Fan:
House flies are weak fliers, so setting up a fan will keep them away from your immediate vicinity. It’s an excellent way to keep them off your food and out of your face.
Methods to Get Rid of House Flies
The Water Bag Trick:
This method involves filling a clear plastic bag with water and hanging it outside your home’s entrance. The reflection of the water in the bag confuses the flies, causing them to fly away.
Use Flypaper:
Flypaper is an inexpensive and effective way to trap flies. Hang several strands of flypaper in areas where flies are usually present, and let it do its job.
Citrus and Cloves:
Flies are repelled by the smell of citrus and cloves. Slice a lemon in half and insert several cloves into the flesh. Place it in a small bowl and put it on your table to keep flies at bay.
Electric Flyswatter:
Using an electronic flyswatter is an effective way to eliminate adult flies. It is easy to use, and all you need to do is aim at the fly, press the button, and watch it die.
Concluding Thoughts on Getting Rid of House Flies
Getting rid of house flies may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Start by taking preventative measures such as sealing all entrances and keeping your home clean. Then, try out these methods to get rid of house flies and find what works best for you.
Remember, persistence is key. It may take a combination of different methods to get the job done. Keep in mind that natural remedies such as citrus and cloves may work, but they may not be as effective as commercial products. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to stay consistent in your efforts to keep these pesky pests out.
FAQs About Getting Rid of House Flies
Q. Can house flies make you sick?
A. Yes, house flies can transmit diseases such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigellosis, among others.
Q. Do electronic flyswatters work?
A. Yes, electronic flyswatters are effective in eliminating adult flies.
Q. Can I use essential oils to repel house flies?
A. Yes, essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are effective in repelling house flies.
Q. How long do house flies live?
A. House flies typically live for about 30 days.
Q. How many eggs can a house fly lay?
A. A female house fly can lay up to 150 eggs at a time, and they can lay up to five or six batches of eggs throughout their lifetime.
In conclusion, house flies can be a nuisance and a health risk. To keep your home fly-free, try out these methods to get rid of house flies. Remember to take preventative measures, stay consistent with your efforts, and keep your home clean to ensure that these pesky pests stay away.
