How to Get Rid of Flies Indoors

How to Get Rid of Flies Indoors

Summertime is wonderful, and that means plenty of time outdoors, trips to swimming holes, and cookouts with friends. With summer, it always seems like there are more flies out and about, trying to find their way inside of your home. Not only are flies annoying, but in some cases can spread disease. 

Flies are found pretty much anywhere that humans can live. In fact, the only places you cannot find them are at the polar ice caps. While they are around year-round, flies prefer warmer temperatures, especially in summer to early fall. 

Flies and fruit flies can be found in swarming trash cans, rotten food, and other sources and carry parasites and diseases to everything from surfaces that we come in contact with and possibly our food. Some of the pathogens that they can cause are typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and more. 

 

Because of their quick lifecycle, flies can wax and wane over time, but when they produce, they produce in a big way. In just a handful of weeks, one pair of flies may create more than 1 million children through the offsprings’ offspring.

With the nuisance that flies can be, there are several effective ways to nearly eliminate flies from your indoor space. 

DIY Methods to Eliminate Flies Indoors

There are a variety of do-it-yourself methods to rid your house of flies, each with varying levels of effectiveness. By doing it yourself, it may seem like you are saving money, but in the long run, the cost differences are negligible considering the effectiveness of the solution. However, if you go the do-it-yourself route, here are a few easy solutions to getting rid of flies indoors.

1. Insecticides

Insecticides may be useful in the short term because they work quickly, killing populations of flies with chemicals. Over time, flies can develop resistance to insecticides, making them ineffective as a long-term solution.

Make sure to follow directions and ventilate the area well. Also, it is important that you use insecticides specifically for indoor use. Many household insecticides use pyrethrins which are chemicals that are isolated from the chrysanthemum flowers and are generally not harmful as long as it is not breathed in.

2. Light Traps

We have all seen light traps in use. They are fairly effective but also annoying and unsightly. They emit a bright light that attracts flies and kills them by an electric zap.

3. Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are the least effective at getting rid of flies but are some of the most often used. Sticky traps do exactly what they sound like they do. Trap flies in strips of sticky paper that are hung or laid down throughout the house. 

4. Natural Methods

When it comes to natural methods to repel flies, there are quite a few plants that can be planted to keep them out. Some of the most useful ways are:

  • Basil
  • Bay Leaf
  • Lavender
  • Nasturtiums
  • Mint

In addition to these plants, you can fill mason jars with apple cider vinegar. Cover the mason jar with plastic wrap or use a paper funnel. The idea is to attract the flies or fruit flies and trap them in the mason jar, leaving them to die. 

5. Prevention

Simple preventative methods are best for repelling flies. Keep doors and windows closed and restrict access to your home as much as you can to deter flies. Adding screens to windows, doors, and vents is another option. Garbage cans should be kept tidy and shut tightly. 

Maintaining clean surfaces can discourage flies from visiting your house.  For the best outcomes, reach out to a pest control professional. To learn more about how you are attracting pests such as flies and other creatures, check out our blog “10 Ways You’re Attracting Pests Into Your House.”

Hiring Professional Pest Control Companies

While DIY solutions are a great option, sometimes it is best to hire a professional to do more than just kill a few flies. Professional pest control companies use a variety of different methods to rid homes of fly infestations. They can also use their experience to target breeding sights and come up with an integrated pest management program tailored specifically to your home. 

That is where we come in. 

With more than 50 years of combined expertise, Rid-A-Bug Exterminating knows how to handle even the most difficult insect issues. When you are dealing with an infestation, we are available to provide you with quick, effective assistance as well as the answers you require to get rid of these unwelcome guests.

Rid-A-Bug Exterminating provides weekend and nighttime services in addition to same-day or 24-hour service. If you are tired of fruit flies and other flies buzzing around and endangering your health and the health of your family, don't hesitate to call us. To learn more or schedule an inspection, contact Rid-A-Bug today!