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Are flies harmful? -

In many cases, flies won't do any harm. However, they can carry viruses and bacteria that can spread when they bite, such as cholera, E. coli, dysentery, and a tropical infection called yaws.

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How to get rid of houseflies -

Before you purchase a can of pesticide, try to get rid of flies naturally. There are various methods.

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Lavender -

Lavender is an excellent way to repel flies. Its smell wards them away, simply because they can't stand the scent.

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Basil -

Basil is another plant with a scent flies can't stand. You can use it in various areas throughout your home, such as near your food or your garbage cans.

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Vinegar and dish soap -

Mix apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap in a tall glass. Cover the glass with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band and poke small holes in the top. This will trap those small, annoying fruit flies.

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Cayenne pepper and water -

Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray around the house to deter flies from coming in. Just be careful you don't get any in your eyes!

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Venus flytrap -

Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that eat insects, including flies. They will break down the insect over five to 12 days, and then spit out the exoskeleton.

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Natural trap bait -

You can also use foods or drinks that are attractive to flies in order to trick them into a trap.

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Essential oils -

Many essential oils have strong odors that chase flies away. Some good ones are clove oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and cinnamon oil.

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Insecticide and other repellents -

In addition to natural ways to get rid of flies, you can use insecticides and traps to kill or remove them.

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Pyrethrin-based insecticide -

If you do need to use insecticide, pyrethrin-based insecticides are most common for indoor fly infestations. Make sure it's for indoor use, and ventilate the area well.

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Light trap -

When flies try to get to the light, they’ll either be killed with an electric zap or trapped, depending on what kind of light trap you get.

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Citronella candle -

Another scent flies hate comes from the citronella plant. Using citronella candles can help to keep flies away, especially in your outdoor space.

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Sticky traps -

Sticky traps aren't so effective as other traps, but can be added to help control infestations.

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Electronic swatter -

Swatters are an excellent tool to quickly get rid of flies in your home. Flies fly right in between the mesh and are struck by a high voltage spark, which kills them instantly.

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How to repel flies from your outdoor space -

You can try planting herbs and flowers such as basil or marigolds (pictured) around the house. You can also use sticky traps outside.

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What attracts houseflies to your home? -

Houseflies are mainly attracted by items in which they can lay eggs, such as food waste and animal feces.

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Preventing a housefly infestation -

The best way to deal with a fly infestation is to prevent it in the first place. This can be done in a number of ways.

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Keep your home properly sealed - Make sure your windows, doors, and vents are properly sealed and free from holes or other damage.

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Get a proper garbage bin - Use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid, and take the bag out as soon as it’s full.

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Do your dishes -

Dirty dishes and glasses are a haven for flies, so make sure not to leave them out for long.

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Store food properly - Store food properly in airtight containers, especially if they're outside the fridge.

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Clean food spills immediately -

Flies are most attracted to moist or rotten foods. Therefore, whenever you spill food, clean it up immediately.

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Clean around your house - Don’t leave grass clippings or leaves out to decay near your home.

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Clear the drain -

Drains are a magnet for flies, as they're filled with rotten organic material. Make sure to clean them every week with a disinfectant.

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Turn off outdoor lights - Turn off outdoor lights at night when possible. Flies are attracted to light.

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Clean up your pets feces - Clean up animal feces, such as those in a cat’s litter box, right away.

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Avoid using rat poison -

Avoid using rat poison to kill rodents, because the carcasses can attract flies. Instead, use a snap trap.

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Country Living) (Healthline) 

See also: Disturbing things that happen if you stop cleaning your home

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