Bruno Pugh
Summer’s here, and with it, those pesky house flies. These little pests are not only a nuisance but also a health hazard, buzzing around and landing on everything from your food to your furniture. If you’ve battled these relentless invaders before, you know how stubborn they can be. But don’t despair! We’ve compiled 15 ways to tackle these winged intruders head-on.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Have you ever wondered why house flies are so attracted to your kitchen? It’s because they can’t resist the scent of fermenting fruit. Create an easy trap by pouring apple cider vinegar into a bowl, sealing it with plastic wrap, and then poking a few holes. The bugs get in, but they can’t get out. You can set this up easily using items that are at home.
Fly Paper Strips
Sometimes, the old-school methods are the best. Fly paper strips are sticky and easy to hang up where flies tend to gather. Once they land on the paper, they’re stuck for good, ensuring they can’t bother you anymore. It’s a quick and potent solution, especially when these pests are particularly troublesome. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance option that works over a long time.
Homemade Spray
If you’re looking for a DIY solution, shake up water and dish soap in a bottle, and you’re all set. This concoction can be sprayed around your kitchen or wherever winged pests are a nuisance. The dish soap reduces the water’s surface tension, which makes it deadly for bugs when they come into contact with it. Another bonus point is that the mixture not only repels flies but also kills them on contact.
Essential Oils
Certain scents are natural fly repellents, and essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint work wonders. Grab a cotton ball, add a few drops, and place it where flies are bugging you. Alternatively, mix the oils with water in a spray bottle for a fragrant and strong fly repellent. These oils keep bugs away, and bonus point: They leave your home smelling fresh.
Basil Plants
Basil plants not only make your home smell fantastic but also deter pests with their sweet, earthy scent. Place pots of basil in your kitchen or near entry points to keep bugs at bay. The strong smell is absolutely repelling to flies and other irritating vermins.
Lemon and Cloves
Here’s a quick trick: Cut a lemon in half and stud it with cloves. Place it in a bowl or on a plate where flies frequently visit. The smell will keep them away while serving as a stunning centerpiece for your table. It’s a great option for adding a fresh, citrusy scent to your home.
UV Light Traps
For a more high-tech solution, UV light traps are excellent. Flies are attracted to the light, and once they get close, they’re zapped. Such traps are great for larger infestations and work quietly in the background. They are instrumental in areas where flying insects are very persistent, and they work for a long period.
Cucumber Slices
Flies despise the smell of cucumbers, so placing slices around your kitchen and near entry points is a smart move. These natural, non-toxic slices are great for homes with pets and children. Plus, you can put them near food preparation areas without any worry about harmful effects.
Clean Up
Flies are drawn to food scraps and garbage, so regularly empty the trash and wipe down surfaces to remove potential attractants. A clean kitchen is less attractive to these pests and will naturally reduce their numbers. Always keep food stored safely and never leave it open on any account.
Fans
These pesky insects aren’t strong fliers, so creating a breeze can help halt their movement. Place fans in areas where flies congregate to prevent them from landing. The airflow disrupts their flight patterns. Ideal for larger rooms or during the summer, this approach helps drive house bugs out or keeps them from coming in.
Garlic Spray
House flies hate the smell of garlic just as much as most people do. Blend a few cloves with water and strain the mixture. Spray it around your home and focus on areas where flying insects are most active. A practical and easy remedy can always be made with ingredients in your pantry.
Camphor
This natural insect repellent can be found in solid or oil form, and its strong scent will immediately keep flies and other insects away. Simply put a piece of camphor in bowls and position them in each corner of the room. For a heavy fly problem, light the camphor and let the fumes disperse throughout the space.
Fly Swatters
When all else fails, a good old-fashioned fly swatter can do the trick. It’s a bit more hands-on, but it’s very adequate. Swatting flies require quick reflexes but can provide immediate results. Plus, there’s something satisfying about swatting a fly mid-air. If you go ahead and get the electric kind, these bugs can be zapped on contact; all you just have to do is aim right.
Cayenne Pepper and Water
Have you ever thought about using spices to repel flies? Cayenne pepper is a fantastic natural deterrent. Add water into a spray bottle and put a teaspoon of cayenne pepper before giving it a good shake. Spritz this spicy solution around doorways, windowsills, and other areas where flies tend to gather.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
If apple cider vinegar isn’t your thing, white vinegar works just as well by combining it with a bit of dish soap in a shallow dish. The soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar, trapping flies as they try to land. It’s a simple and effective solution that utilizes common ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
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