7 Effective Tips to Keep Flies Out of Your Home

7 Effective Tips to Keep Flies Out of Your Home

Summer is here, and while it brings warm weather and sunshine, it also brings an unwelcome guest: flies. These pesky insects can be more than just a nuisance—they can also pose health risks by spreading bacteria and contaminating food. But fear not! With a few simple strategies, you can keep your home fly-free and enjoy the season without the buzz. Here are seven effective tips to help you keep flies out of your home.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Flies are attracted to food residue and waste, so maintaining a clean home is your first line of defence. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean up spills immediately: Wipe down countertops and tables after meals.
• Take out the rubbish regularly: Use a bin with a tight-fitting lid and empty it often.
• Wash dishes promptly: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Sweep and mop floors regularly: Pay special attention to areas where food is prepared and consumed.

2. Seal Entry Points

Flies can easily enter your home through small cracks and gaps. To keep them out, make sure to:

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors: Ensure they fit tightly and have no holes.
• Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close off any entry points around doors and windows.
• Keep doors closed: Use self-closing hinges or door sweeps to minimize the time doors are left open.

3. Use Natural Fly Repellents

Natural repellents can be a safe and effective way to deter flies. Here are a few options:

• Essential oils: Flies dislike the scent of oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist around windows and doors.
• Herbs: Planting herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary near entrances can help keep flies at bay.
• Vinegar and dish soap trap: Fill a shallow dish with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.

4. Set Up Fly Traps

• Sticky traps: Place sticky strips in areas where flies are most active.
• Bottle traps: Cut the top off a plastic bottle, invert it, and place it back inside the bottle. Fill the bottom with a mixture of water, sugar, and vinegar to lure flies inside, where they can’t escape.

5. Proper Food Storage

Flies are drawn to food, so proper storage is crucial:

• Use airtight containers: Store food, especially sweet and strong-smelling items, in sealed containers.
• Refrigerate perishables: Keep fruits, vegetables, and leftovers in the fridge.
• Cover food: When dining outdoors, use mesh covers to protect food from flies.

6. Maintain Your Garden

A well-maintained garden can help reduce the number of flies around your home:

• Clean up pet waste: Flies are attracted to animal faeces, so pick up after your pets promptly.
• Compost properly: Keep compost bins covered and away from the house.
• Eliminate standing water: Check for and remove sources of standing water where flies can breed.

7. Use Fans

Flies are weak fliers, and a gentle breeze can keep them away:

• Ceiling fans: Install ceiling fans in living areas to create a fly-free zone.
• Portable fans: Use portable fans on patios or in rooms where flies are a problem.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the number of flies in your home and enjoy a more pleasant, fly-free environment. Remember, consistency is key. Keep up with these practices, and you'll be able to keep those pesky flies at bay all season long.

Happy summer, and happy fly-free living!