Tips

11 Surefire Tips to Get Rid of Flies in Your House

"Get rid of those pesky flies with these handy tips and tricks! From using citronella essential oils to crafting clever traps, learn the most effective and simple ways to banish flies from your home for good. Discover the secrets to a pest-free environment with this insightful guide."

Administrator

13 July, 2024

If you’re tired of flies buzzing around your home, try out these 11 simple fly-repelling methods that are both effective and safe for children.

1. Make a Fly Trap with a Plastic Bottle

The most popular and effective method is to make a fly trap at home, so you don’t have to spend money on toxic fly stickers.

Ingredients:

1 plastic bottle of any size of your choice
Sugar
Water

Start by boiling a mixture of sugar and water, being careful to use low heat to avoid burning the sugar. Next, cut the bottle according to the image and flip the top part so that it faces downward, attaching it to the body of the bottle. Finally, pour the sugar water into the bottle, making sure the water level is about an inch below the mouth of the bottle.

You’ll be amazed at the results after just one night. The flies will be attracted to the sweet scent of the sugar water and won’t be able to escape the bottle. This method works not only for flies but also for mosquitoes.

2. Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is a natural repellent for flies and mosquitoes. Simply add about 10 drops of the oil to warm water, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it in areas where flies are commonly found. The scent of the essential oil will deter flies from entering your space.

3. Utilize Orange and Lemon Peels

Orange and lemon peels contain essential oils similar to lemongrass, so instead of throwing them away after use, dry them and place them in areas where flies are a problem. The flies will detect the citrusy scent and stay away.

This method is best suited for small, enclosed spaces, as it may not be as effective in larger areas.

4. Combine Detergent and Chili Powder

Flies are easily attracted to solutions with fruity scents, so you can mix water with detergent (in a 1:1 ratio) and then add fruity flavors like lemon or orange.

Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a spray bottle and add a bit of chili powder for an extra kick. Spray it on surfaces where flies tend to land or gather, such as doors and corners of your home. The flies will be attracted to the scent and perish after ingesting the soapy solution.

5. Hang a Water-Filled Plastic Bag

The compound eyes of flies are unique, allowing them to change their viewing angle continuously and from multiple directions. When light passes through the water-filled bag, it causes light refraction, confusing the flies and bending their flight path away from the direction of the light.

Simply hang a plastic bag filled with water where flies tend to gather, and they will stay away from that area.

6. Trap Flies with Ripe Bananas

Peel and slice a ripe banana into several pieces, place them in a bowl, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, use a toothpick or a small nail to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap to allow the scent of the banana to escape and attract flies. The flies will enter the bowl but won’t be able to escape.

Reference:

Trap Flies with Ripe Bananas

7. Use Black Pepper

Black pepper has a strong, pungent aroma that acts as a natural repellent for flies. Simply mix black pepper with honey, egg yolk, and place it in areas where flies are a nuisance.

Use Black Pepper to Repel Flies

8. Honey and Soap

Honey, combined with soap, creates a sticky trap that lures flies in and prevents their escape. Simply mix a little water with soap, add honey to the mixture, and place the bowl in an area frequented by flies.

Use Honey to Trap Flies

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Flies are attracted to the scent of apple cider vinegar, so it’s an excellent choice for luring and trapping them.

Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl, add a bit of dish soap to create a slippery surface, and watch as the flies are drawn to the vinegar’s aroma and become trapped in the soapy solution.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Trap Flies

10. Garlic

Garlic has a strong, distinctive aroma similar to black pepper, making it an effective natural fly repellent.

Take a few large garlic cloves, crush them slightly, and place them in a bowl of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool, and then strain it through a sieve to obtain garlic-infused water. Use this solution to spray areas frequented by flies, causing them to become disoriented and fly away.

Use Garlic to Repel Flies

11. Basil

You can grow a basil plant in your kitchen, near the sink or trash can, as these are areas that insects tend to gather around. The basil will help keep flies at bay.

Use Basil to Repel Flies

Flies are nuisance insects that carry various diseases, and every household wants to get rid of them. If you’re concerned about using chemicals, don’t hesitate to try one of these 11 effective fly-repelling methods using readily available ingredients from your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective methods to naturally and quickly get rid of flies in your house. First, identify and remove their breeding sources, such as garbage bins, overripe fruits, or drains. Keep your house clean and hygienic, especially the kitchen and dining areas. Use natural repellents like lemon, cloves, and basil, or make a DIY fly trap with apple cider vinegar and dish soap. You can also use sticky fly traps or electric fly swatters for immediate results.

Effective natural fly repellents include lemon, cloves, and basil. You can place lemon slices with cloves on them near windowsills or doors to deter flies from entering. Fresh basil leaves emit a strong scent that flies find unpleasant, so placing basil plants near entry points can help keep flies away. Additionally, you can use essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint to create a natural fly repellent spray.

To prevent flies from entering your home, maintain proper sanitation and hygiene. Keep your garbage bins clean and covered, and regularly dispose of trash. Ensure that your drains are clear and flowing properly to avoid stagnant water, which can attract flies. Seal any cracks or openings in windows and doors, as flies can enter through tiny crevices. You can also install fly screens on windows and doors to allow ventilation while keeping flies out.

To get rid of drain flies, a common issue in kitchen and bathroom drains, you can pour boiling water down the drain to kill the larvae and flush out the pipes. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, to clear the drain of any organic matter that might be attracting the flies. Maintaining clean drains and regularly cleaning them with natural disinfectants can help prevent drain fly infestations.

To make a DIY fly trap with apple cider vinegar, get a shallow dish or bowl and pour in about half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap, which breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink. Stir the mixture gently, and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band. Poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap, just large enough for the flies to enter. Place the trap near the source of the flies, and they will be attracted to the vinegar, drowning in the soapy mixture.