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Tips For Getting Rid Of Flies In Your Home

Flies are annoying and tricky to get rid of if you don't know what you're doing. Here's how you can solve a fly problem in no time.

Summer brings warmer weather which is great for people, but unfortunately it's great for insects too. There's a lot of going in and out to enjoy your outdoor spaces, let the dog out, or send the kids outside to play. And those open doors and windows can let in the most annoying of insects — flies. Use these tips to get rid of flies in your home and help keep them out.

Common types of flies

Knowing what kind of flies you have makes it a little easier to get rid of them and keep them away.

  • Fruit flies – They're about 1/8 of an inch and usually have red eyes. You're likely to find them around fruit or other food and drains.
  • Drain flies – Usually slightly larger than fruit flies, they're dark grey and flat with a fuzzy appearance. You'll find them in or around drains.
  • House flies – Large flies that come in through open doors and windows and are especially fond of trash bins and animal droppings.
  • Blow flies – They have a metallic green appearance and are specifically attracted to decaying animals. If you spot an infestation of these flies in your house, you've likely had some wildlife get in, so you'll want to address that problem in addition to getting rid of the flies.

Getting rid of flies

There are several methods you can use to get rid of the flies and keep them from coming back. If you only have an occasional fly coming in from outside, a fly swatter or a flypaper strip above the trash can may work just fine. Insecticide sprays often aren't very effective because flies reproduce so quickly, they're tough to control without finding where they're breeding. Eliminating their breeding spots will solve the problem much quicker.

  • Fruit flies. You can catch them where they're swarming with either a purchased or DIY fruit fly trap. Use a bottle or jar with apple cider vinegar and a couple drops of dish soap. Put a paper funnel on the top so the flies can get in. You can also use the same solution with a bowl and plastic wrap stretched over the top with small holes poked in it. The flies can get in but not out. Keep them controlled by storing produce in the refrigerator, cleaning out trash cans and anywhere else there might be rotting food, and eliminating damp breeding places like dirty mops and sponges or indoor plants with overly moist soil. If the flies are coming from the drain, clean inside it with bleach or another household cleaner and a brush and flush with hot water.
  • Drain flies. Clean inside the drain with a brush and bleach or another household cleaner. Use an enzyme treatment as maintenance to keep the film where they live from building up in the first place.
  • House flies. Make sure your trash cans are cleaned out on a regular basis with household cleaner. Also keep the litter box clean and attend to pet accidents right away. Compost bins should be properly closed and maintained.
  • Blow flies. These flies are attracted specifically to dead animals. It's not always possible but try to find the offending animal, get rid of it, and clean the area. Seal up any places where wildlife is gaining access to your home to prevent future problems.

Flies can be a real pain, and most homeowners will have to deal with them eventually. The good news is once you identify them, they are easier to get rid of and you can go back to enjoying your home.

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The Abby Nelson Team
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