9 Proven Tips on How to Get Rid of House Flies for a Pest-Free Home

Tired of those pesky house flies ruining your day? I was too! That’s why I decided to find out how to get rid of house flies once and for all. After doing my research and trying different methods, I found a bunch of amazing tips that really work. So, let’s dive in and explore these fantastic solutions together!

Dealing with house flies is a common nuisance that many of us face. Not only are they annoying, but they can also carry diseases, making it essential to eliminate them from our living spaces. In this article, I’ll share with you my journey to a fly-free home and the effective techniques I discovered along the way.

By following the advice and recommendations in this article, you too can learn how to get rid of house flies and keep your home a clean, comfortable, and pest-free environment. So let’s get started with the top tips that will help you say goodbye to house flies for good!

How to Get Rid of House Flies

1. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools to Get Rid of House Flies

The first step in learning how to get rid of house flies is to gather the right tools for the job. Here are some of the most effective ones, along with top brands and recommendations:

• Fly swatters: A classic choice, available in various materials and designs. The Smart Swatter is a popular option, known for its sturdy design and efficiency. The PIC Fly Swatter is another reliable choice with its flexible plastic and longer handle for better reach.
• Flypaper: Sticky traps that can be hung in fly-infested areas. Catchmaster Bug & Fly Clear Window Fly Traps are transparent and discreet, making them great for use around the home. Another well-known brand is Black Flag Fly Paper, which has a long-lasting adhesive and a proven track record of catching flies.
• Bug zappers: Electric devices that zap flies on contact. Flowtron Electronic Insect Killer is a highly rated outdoor bug zapper that can cover large areas, while the Aspectek Indoor Insect Killer is an effective solution for indoor use.
• Fly vacuums: Specially designed vacuums for sucking up flies. BugZooka Bug Catcher Vacuum is a lightweight, handheld vacuum that captures flies without killing them, making it a more humane option.

When choosing tools to help you get rid of house flies, consider your specific needs and preferences. The best tools will be effective, easy to use, and suitable for your living environment. By investing in the right tools and learning how to use them properly, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your house fly problem and enjoy a pest-free home.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Sanitized

Maintaining a clean and sanitized home is crucial in deterring house flies. A well-kept environment leaves fewer places for flies to breed and find food. Here are some of the most effective and time-saving tips and tools to keep your home clean:

• Establish a cleaning routine: Set up a daily and weekly cleaning schedule to tackle different areas of your home. This will help you stay organized and ensure that no part of your home is neglected.
• Use multipurpose cleaners: Save time and money by using multipurpose cleaning products that can be used on various surfaces. Brands like Mr. Clean and Lysol offer effective multipurpose cleaning solutions.
• Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner: A good vacuum cleaner can make cleaning your floors and carpets much easier. Look for features such as strong suction power, HEPA filtration, and easy maneuverability. Highly recommended brands include Dyson, Shark, and Miele.
• Utilize microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths can effectively clean surfaces and trap dust without the need for harsh chemicals. They’re also reusable and can be washed, making them an eco-friendly option.
• Use a trash can with a lid: A covered trash can will help prevent house flies from accessing food waste. Opt for a trash can with a foot pedal for easy, hands-free opening and closing.
• Take advantage of cleaning tools and gadgets: There are many tools available that can make cleaning tasks easier and more efficient. For example, a Swiffer Sweeper can quickly pick up dust and dirt from your floors, while a scrub brush with a built-in soap dispenser can make washing dishes a breeze.
• Focus on high-risk areas: Pay special attention to areas where house flies are most likely to breed, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and garbage storage areas. Regular cleaning and sanitation of these spaces will significantly reduce the chances of attracting house flies.

3. Use Natural Fly Repellents

Natural fly repellents are a safe and eco-friendly way to deter house flies without using harsh chemicals. Here’s a list of various natural repellents and how to use them effectively:

• Herbs and plants: Basil, lavender, and mint are known to repel house flies. Plant these herbs in pots and place them near windows, doors, or other entry points to keep flies at bay. Alternatively, you can also use dried herbs by placing them in small sachets and hanging them around your home.
• Essential oils: Eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint oil are effective natural fly repellents. To use them, mix a few drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist areas where flies are a problem. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser for continuous coverage. Remember to keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and never apply them directly to your skin without diluting them first.
• Vinegar traps: To make a vinegar trap, fill a jar or container with apple cider vinegar, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover the container with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap for flies to enter. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the dish soap reduces the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown. Place these traps in areas where you notice a high concentration of flies.
• Citrus peels: The scent of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can repel house flies. Scatter citrus peels around entry points or near areas where flies congregate. Replace the peels once they become dry and lose their scent.
• Cloves: Cloves are another natural repellent that can help keep flies away. Place whole cloves in a small bowl or sachet and set them in areas where flies are problematic. You can also create a clove-studded citrus by inserting whole cloves into a citrus fruit and placing it in the affected area.
• Camphor: Camphor, available in tablet or oil form, has a strong scent that repels house flies. Place a few camphor tablets in a dish or use a diffuser to spread the scent of camphor oil throughout your home.

4. Seal Up Your Home

Sealing up your home is an essential step in preventing house flies from entering and establishing a foothold. By eliminating entry points, you’ll make it more difficult for them to invade your living space. Here are some methods, materials, and tips for sealing your home, whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professionals:

• Install door and window screens: Installing screens on doors and windows will allow you to let in fresh air while keeping house flies out. Look for tightly woven mesh screens that can effectively block small insects. If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, you can purchase screen kits and install them yourself. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to ensure proper installation.
• Seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows: Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps and cracks where house flies could enter. Use caulk or expanding foam to fill any openings you find. Weatherstripping tape or door sweeps can also be used to seal gaps under doors. These materials are readily available at hardware stores and can be applied by most homeowners with basic DIY skills.
• Check vents and utility entrances: Inspect vents, utility entrances, and other openings in your home’s exterior to ensure they are properly sealed. You may need to install vent covers or use wire mesh to cover these openings and prevent house flies from entering.
• Repair damaged siding or roofing: Damaged siding, roofing, or other structural issues can create openings for house flies to enter your home. Repair any damage promptly to keep your home sealed and protected.
• Consider professional assistance: If you’re unsure about the best way to seal up your home or don’t feel comfortable taking on the task yourself, consider hiring a professional. Pest control experts or home repair specialists can assess your home’s unique needs and provide tailored solutions to ensure it’s properly sealed against house flies and other pests.

5. Utilize Professional Pest Control Services

If you’re facing a severe or persistent house fly infestation, professional pest control services can provide the expertise and resources necessary for a successful resolution. Here’s a list of some popular services, cost information, and what they can do for you:

• Orkin: A well-established national company with a reputation for reliable pest control solutions. Orkin offers customized treatment plans for house fly infestations and provides ongoing support.
• Terminix: Another reputable national company, Terminix specializes in pest control services for various pests, including house flies. They also offer tailored treatment plans and follow-up services to ensure your home remains fly-free.
• Rentokil (Ehrlich Pest Control): A global pest control company with local branches across the United States. Rentokil offers integrated pest management solutions that focus on the prevention and long-term control of house fly infestations.
• Local providers: In addition to national companies, many local pest control providers have a deep understanding of your region’s specific pest challenges. They may offer specialized services and personalized attention to address your house fly problem.

Cost information: The cost of professional pest control services can vary based on factors such as the severity of the infestation, your home’s size, and the treatment methods employed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. Most companies provide free consultations and estimates, so it’s a good idea to contact several providers for quotes.

What can they do: Pest control technicians use specialized tools, techniques, and products to address house fly infestations effectively. They can conduct thorough inspections of your home, pinpoint the cause of the infestation, and implement targeted treatments to eradicate house flies. Additionally, professionals can offer expert advice on preventing future infestations and provide follow-up services to ensure long-term control.

6. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategies

Effectively dealing with house fly infestations requires ongoing monitoring and adjusting your strategies as needed. Keeping a watchful eye on the situation and being proactive in adapting your approach will help ensure long-term success in maintaining a fly-free home. Here are some tips on monitoring and adjusting your strategies:

• Regular inspections: Conduct periodic inspections of your home to check for signs of house fly infestations, such as larvae, adult flies, or fecal matter. Pay special attention to areas where you’ve experienced problems in the past, and ensure that preventive measures remain in place.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your methods: Keep track of the success of the fly control methods you’ve implemented. If you find that certain techniques aren’t producing the desired results, consider trying alternative approaches or adjusting the intensity or frequency of treatments.
• Stay informed about new developments: Stay up-to-date on the latest pest control methods, products, and research. New solutions and techniques may become available that could help you better manage house fly infestations.
• Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure about the best way to tackle your house fly problem or if your current strategies aren’t working, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional pest control expert. They can offer tailored advice and guidance based on your specific situation.
• Be prepared to change tactics: House flies can develop resistance to certain treatments over time. If you notice that a previously effective method is no longer working, be prepared to switch to an alternative solution to maintain control over the infestation.
• Maintain a clean and well-sealed home: Consistently keeping your home clean and well-sealed is crucial for preventing house fly infestations. Regularly review your cleaning routines and home maintenance tasks to ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep flies at bay.

Monitoring and adjusting your strategies is an essential part of effectively managing house fly infestations. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can maintain a comfortable, fly-free home for you and your family.

7. Set Up Fly Traps

Setting up fly traps is a practical and often effective method for controlling house fly populations in your home. There are various types of fly traps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a list of some popular fly traps, how to use them, and tips on choosing the most effective options:

• Sticky fly strips: These are long, adhesive-coated strips that can be hung in areas where house flies congregate. Flies are attracted to the strips and become stuck upon contact. Replace the strips as they fill up with flies.
• UV light traps: These traps use ultraviolet light to attract house flies, which are then either trapped on a sticky surface or electrocuted on an electrified grid. UV light traps are typically most effective when used indoors and in areas with low natural light.
• Fly bait stations: These traps use a combination of attractants (such as food-based lures) and insecticides to draw in house flies and eliminate them. Place the bait stations in areas where you’ve observed significant fly activity.
• DIY fly traps: Homemade fly traps can be made using everyday household items. For example, a simple trap can be created by filling a jar or bottle with a sweet liquid (such as sugar water or fruit juice), adding a drop of dish soap, and creating a funnel with paper or plastic to allow flies to enter but not escape.

To choose the most effective fly traps for your situation, consider factors such as the severity of the infestation, the locations where flies are most active, and any safety concerns related to pets or children. You may find that using a combination of different traps yields the best results.

8. Maintain Your Yard and Garden

Maintaining a well-kept yard and garden is an important aspect of house fly prevention and control. A clean and orderly outdoor space can help reduce the likelihood of flies entering your home and minimize their breeding grounds. Here’s why it’s essential to maintain your yard and garden and some factors that may attract flies:

• Reduce breeding sites: House flies lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, such as piles of leaves, grass clippings, and compost heaps. Regularly removing these potential breeding sites from your yard and garden will help keep fly populations under control.
• Proper waste management: Flies are attracted to garbage and animal waste. Ensure that trash cans are securely covered and cleaned regularly, and promptly pick up after your pets to minimize fly-attracting odors and breeding opportunities.
• Standing water: Standing water in your yard, such as puddles or containers filled with rainwater, can become breeding grounds for various flying insects, including mosquitoes. Regularly empty containers and address any drainage issues to prevent standing water from accumulating.
• Overripe fruit: Overripe or rotting fruit, whether on trees or fallen to the ground, can attract house flies and serve as a food source. Regularly harvest ripe fruit and promptly remove any fallen or rotting fruit from your yard.
• Bird feeders and pet food: House flies can be drawn to outdoor bird feeders and pet food dishes. Keep these areas clean and consider using feeders designed to minimize spillage. Store pet food in sealed containers and only provide enough food for your pets to consume within a short time.
• Landscaping and vegetation: Dense vegetation and overgrown plants can provide shelter and breeding sites for house flies. Regularly trim and maintain your garden, mow the lawn, and prune bushes and trees to create a less hospitable environment for flies.

This proactive approach, combined with other preventive measures and fly control methods, will help you maintain a comfortable, fly-free home and outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy.

9. Educate Yourself on House Fly Biology and Behavior

Understanding the biology and behavior of house flies can help you implement more effective strategies for controlling and preventing infestations. Gaining basic knowledge about their life cycle, feeding habits, and preferences will enable you to target your efforts more efficiently. Here are some essential facts about house fly biology and behavior:

• Life cycle: House flies go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, can be completed in as little as 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. This rapid reproduction rate allows house fly populations to increase quickly.
• Breeding sites: Female house flies lay their eggs in moist, decaying organic matter such as rotting food, garbage, and animal feces. These materials provide a food source for developing larvae. Removing or properly managing these breeding sites is crucial for controlling house fly populations.
• Feeding habits: Adult house flies primarily feed on liquids, using their sponge-like mouthparts to soak up food. They can also consume solid foods by regurgitating saliva onto the food, which then dissolves it, allowing them to ingest the liquid. House flies are attracted to a wide range of food sources, including human and animal waste, garbage, and decaying organic matter.
• Disease transmission: House flies are known to carry over 100 pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They can transmit these diseases mechanically by picking up pathogens on their legs and mouthparts when feeding on contaminated materials and then depositing them on human food or surfaces.
• Flight and movement: House flies are relatively weak fliers, with a typical flight range of up to 1-2 miles. However, they can be transported much greater distances by hitching rides on vehicles, people, or animals. Understanding their movement patterns can help you identify potential entry points and breeding sites in your home and yard.

This knowledge will help you identify and address factors that contribute to house fly problems, allowing you to create a more comfortable, fly-free living environment for you and your family.

In conclusion, effectively dealing with house flies and learning how to get rid of house flies requires a multifaceted approach. By equipping yourself with the right tools, maintaining a clean and sanitized home, utilizing natural repellents, sealing up your home, setting up fly traps, maintaining your yard and garden, and educating yourself on house fly biology and behavior, you can effectively reduce and prevent house fly infestations.

It’s essential to monitor and adjust your strategies as needed to ensure long-term success. With persistence and adaptability, you can create a comfortable, fly-free living environment for you and your family to enjoy. So, take charge and put these tips on how to get rid of house flies into action to reclaim your home from these unwelcome invaders.

Pro Tips

• Regularly clean drains and garbage disposal areas to eliminate potential breeding sites.
• Invest in a high-quality air curtain for frequently used doors to keep flies out.
• Keep doors and windows closed when not in use.
• Replace outdoor lighting with yellow “bug lights” to reduce fly attraction.

FAQs

Q: What attracts house flies to my home?

A: House flies are attracted to various food sources, including garbage, human and animal waste, and decaying organic matter. They are also drawn to moist, warm environments that provide suitable breeding sites.

Q: How do houseflies transmit diseases?

A: House flies can transmit diseases mechanically by picking up pathogens on their legs and mouthparts when feeding on contaminated materials and then depositing them on human food or surfaces.

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

A: To prevent house flies from entering your home, seal up potential entry points, such as gaps around doors and windows, and maintain window screens in good condition. Regularly clean and sanitize your home and manage waste properly to minimize fly-attracting odors.

Q: How long does it take for house flies to reproduce?

A: The entire life cycle of a house fly, from egg to adult, can be completed in as little as 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions. This rapid reproduction rate allows house fly populations to increase quickly.

Q: Are some fly traps more effective than others?

A: The effectiveness of fly traps can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the infestation, the locations where flies are most active, and any safety concerns related to pets or children. Experiment with different types of traps and combinations to find the most effective solution for your situation.

Q: How much does professional pest control for house flies cost?

A: The cost of professional pest control services for house flies can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on factors such as the severity of the infestation, your home’s size, and the treatment methods employed. Most companies offer free consultations and estimates, so it’s a good idea to contact several providers for quotes.

Q: How can I keep house flies out of my yard and garden?

A: To keep house flies out of your yard and garden, regularly remove potential breeding sites such as piles of leaves, grass clippings, and compost heaps. Properly manage waste, maintain landscaping and vegetation, and promptly harvest ripe fruit and remove any fallen or rotting fruit from your yard.