How to Deal with a Housefly Infestation!
Houseflies are one type of fly in the insect order Diptera, all of which have one set of wings. They are also known as “nuisance” flies. House flies are about ¼-inch long and gray.
Houseflies are found almost everywhere people live. They lay their eggs on animal faces, garbage, and rotten organic material.
A housefly infestation may not be a major concern, but it can also spread diseases. There are many safe and easy ways to prevent infestations or get rid of them when they happen.
Are houseflies harmful?
In many cases, housefly infestations are often just a nuisance. However, houseflies can also carry viruses and bacteria that can spread when they bite. Diseases house flies might carry include:
- food poisoning
- cholera
- E. coli
- typhoid fever
- dysentery
- tuberculosis
- eye infections
- a tropical infection called yaws
How to get rid of houseflies naturally
It’s possible, and often even preferable, to get rid of houseflies naturally, without pesticides. Potential methods include:
- Herbs and flowers
Herbs and flowers can be planted both in your garden and outside to keep flies away from your house. Herbs and flowers that can repel flies include:
- basil
- marigold
- lavender
- bay leaves
- catnip
As a bonus, some can be used for cooking as well.
- Vinegar and dish soap
A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies. To use this method, mix about an inch of 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.
Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes. However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.
- Cayenne pepper and water
Cayenne pepper can help repel houseflies. Mix it with water and spray around the house to deter flies from coming in.
- Venus flytrap
Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that eat insects. If you plant them outside, they’ll naturally eat flies. Inside, you might need to feed the plant flies.
When a fly gets in the plant’s trap, it closes around the fly. It then secretes digestive fluid to dissolve the insect’s soft insides. It breaks down the insect over 5 to 12 days, then spits out the exoskeleton.
- Natural trap bait
You can also use foods or drinks to which flies are attracted in order to entice them into traps. These include:
- sugar (honey or molasses)
- wine
- fruit
- meat
- Insecticide and other repellents
In addition to natural ways to get rid of houseflies, you can use insecticides and traps to kill or remove the flies.
What attracts houseflies to your home?
Houseflies are mainly attracted by material in which they can lay their eggs. This incudes:
- rotting material, including food waste and other garbage
- animal feces
- manure
Bright lights at night can also attract flies.
Preventing a housefly infestation
The best way to deal with a housefly infestation is to prevent it in the first place. Make sure they don’t have areas to lay eggs and remove things that can attract the flies.
- Make sure your windows, doors, and house vents are sealed properly and free from holes or other damage.
- Use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid, and take the bag out as soon as it’s full.
- Store food properly in airtight containers.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes or glasses out on the counter.
- Don’t leave grass clippings or leaves out to decay near your house.
- Turn off outdoor lights at night when possible. Flies are attracted to light.
- Clean up animal feces, such as in a cat’s litter box, right away.
Takeaway
Housefly infestations aren’t just a nuisance.
They can also be hazardous to your health. By keeping your house clean — especially free from food waste — you can help prevent a housefly infestation.
If an infestation does occur, there are many ways to get rid of them and have a peaceful and happy home and the environment! Yes, you care about your home and environment and JOPAG HEP-IMRI care for her as well!
