Get Rid Of Flies Naturally

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of flies naturally, you’ve come to the right place.

After all, is there anything more annoying than the buzz of a housefly droning in your ear? 

Not only that, but houseflies have the potential to spread a ton of diseases.

They are truly unpleasant to deal with, yet once a housefly infestation sets in, it can be next to impossible to control. 

Here are some ways you can prevent a housefly infestation from occurring - and how to get rid of these nuisances if they do show up uninvited.

What Are Houseflies And Why Are They A Problem?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, there’s a good chance that you already know what houseflies are - and chances are even better that you find them incredibly aggravating.

This pest is just one type of fly in the insect order Diptera, all of which possess a single set of wings.

Also known as nuisance flies, houseflies are only about ¼ of an inch long and gray in color. 

Found just about everywhere people are, houseflies lay eggs on garbage, on animal feces, and even in rotting organic matter.

While a few houseflies here or there might not seem like a big deal, a housefly infestation can actually be quite destructive.

Houseflies can bite, and when they bite, they can spread a whole host of diseases - including the bacteria responsible for food poisoning along with cholera, E.coli, dysentery, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever. 

Signs Of A Housefly Infestation

Not sure if it’s houseflies giving you grief?

Chances are, if there are flies and they are inside your house, they are houseflies.

There are a few other signs you can look for though. 

For starters, you might see tiny dark spots in light areas around your home.

These spots are usually about the size of a pinhead but are difficult to get rid of.

You might also find maggots (which are flies in the larval stage and indicate a potential breeding ground). 

You’re more likely to see flies around your trash bins or food, but they can congregate anywhere in your home. 

How To Prevent Houseflies

Practice Good Hygiene

One of the most basic steps in preventing a housefly infestation is to keep things as neat and tidy as you can.

Make sure these opportunistic pests don’t have anywhere they can lay eggs or any food for them to feed upon.

Invest in a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid.

Take the bag out as soon as it is full.

Store all food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes or even crumbs out on the counter.

Keep Them Out of the House 

Practice good exclusionary methods by making sure all windows, vents, and doors are properly sealed.

Check your window screens to make sure there aren’t any holes either.

Often, by shoring up the outside of your house, you can keep houseflies from ever becoming a problem in the first place.

Turn Off Exterior Lights

When you head in for the night, make sure you shut off your outdoor lights.

Flies are attracted to light and will congregate to it, often coming inside as soon as you open the door.

Clean Up After Pets To Get Rid Of Flies Naturally

We love our pets, but unfortunately, they attract flies.

Animal feces, whether it’s outside on the lawn or in a litter box, offers a spot in which flies can lay their eggs.

Clean it up as soon as possible to prevent flies from congregating. 

Similarly, when you mow your lawn, don’t leave leaves or grass clippings out to decay.

These can attract flies which will then come inside your home.

How To Get Rid Of Flies Naturally

There are lots of plants that will encourage flies to stay away.

You can plant certain herbs and flowers, like marigolds, basil, bay leaves, catnip, and lavender, around the exterior or inside your home to banish flies for good. 

Enlist the Help of Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants like venus flytraps can be used to catch and kill flies - plus, they make a great talking point!

If you plant venus fly traps outside or keep a few indoors, they will naturally feed on the flies to lessen your infestation.

Make A Trap To Get Rid Of Flies Naturally

You can make a natural fly trap out of all kinds of ingredients, including vinegar, wine, sugar, meat, and fruit. 

One of the most popular traps to get rid of flies naturally contains a mixture of dish soap and vinegar.

All you need to do is combine an inch or so of apple cider vinegar with a couple of drops of dish soap in a tall glass.

Cover it with plastic wrap.

Tie a rubber band around the plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in the top.

The flies will be drawn to the vinegar in the trap and enter via the holes.

However, the dish soap will weigh them down and make it impossible for them to escape. 

Use Flypaper

Flypaper - also known as a sticky trap - isn’t something that’s going to be a major design feature in your home any time soon.

However, it can be extremely effective at controlling housefly populations.

Hang sticky traps around your house to catch these pests as they fly by - but remember to empty them often.

Use A Light Trap 

Light traps are boxes with lights in the back.

These traps attract flies - as soon as the flies get close, the fly will be killed with electricity or trapped.

YUNLIGHTS 40W Electronic Bug Zapper

Mount the traps away from the main entrance of your house, ideally, about five feet off the ground.

Get Rid Of Flies Naturally - Overall

If you have a bad housefly problem, it might seem like you hear the buzz of their wings even in your sleep.

Luckily, there are solutions to help rid you of your problem.

In order to get rid of flies naturally, you’re going to have to be patient and just a little bit creative.

With time though, you’ll likely find that you can send these pests packing......for good!