Flies Be Gone: Natural and Chemical Elimination Methods

Although a fly only has two eyes, each of them has between 3,000 and 6,000 lenses. This gives them a mosaic view of the world, allowing them to detect minute changes in light patterns. Using their eyes against them provides an effective fly repellent.

Take a plastic bag and fill it 2/3 full of water. Securely tie the top with a string and hang the bag outside your open windows and doors. As the sun hits the bag, light is reflected in all directions. Flies become confused and disoriented and will soon buzz off.

Did you know that flies have two noses? This allows them to smell rotting meat and feces from miles away. But this great sense of smell means that some herbs are too aromatic for flies. Basil, mint, bay leaf, wormwood, and tansy are great natural repellents. Try growing some in pots on the window ledge to keep the flies at bay.

Citrus fruit is a natural ingredient found in many bug repellents. It’s also a cheap method of keeping the flies out of your house. Place the lemon peel on window sills and beside doors. This method will only work by using fresh lemons. Be sure to rub the skins regularly to release more of their natural oils. Not only will the flies stay away, but your home will also smell fresh too.

Just like humans, flies are partial to wine. And they are not fussy if it’s red or white. Flies love anything fermented, and you can use that to your advantage.

Pour a small amount of wine into an empty jar. Add some dish detergent. This will act as a poison when the flies drink the wine. Place a funnel into the jar. If you do not have a funnel, roll a piece of paper into a cone shape, snip off the tip and place it into the top of the jar. The flies will fly in and be unable to get out.

Like strong-scented herbs, essential oils are also too much for flies to deal with and can help get rid of them. Oils made from lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus have been used for years as insect deterrents.

Place some of these scents in small bowls around the house, or use an essential oil burner or diffuser. Alternatively, place 20 drops of oil into half a cup of hot water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle, and you have your very own chemical-free fly repellent.

Fly strips are available to buy in many stores. However, they are also quick and easy to make yourself. Cut some paper or card into strips and punch a hole in one end. Thread through a piece of string. Make up a mixture of golden syrup and sugar (you want an extra sweet treat for the flies).

Paint the mix onto the strips and, once they are dry, hang them around your home. These sticky strips are irresistible to flies and will be covered with infuriating insects in no time at all.

We have already seen how flies dislike citrus fruit. Fragrant cloves are also one of their pet hates. Combining the two makes a great fly repellent. Take an orange and stick a dozen cloves into the skin. You can also cut the fruit in half to increase the smell of citrus. Hang or place them around the house as a warning that flies should stay away.

Possibly the most natural way to get rid of flies is with carnivorous plants. The Venus Fly Trap, Sarracenia or Sundew will all do a reliable job of trapping, attacking and digesting flies. These plants may not be the most efficient killing machines. They only need a few flies every month to survive. But they are very pretty and it’s fascinating to watch a Venus Fly Trap at work.

Although flies love wine, vodka is definitely not for them. They are put off by the smell. This means that you can use vodka to make a repellent to keep the flies away. Simply mix the following ingredients together:

• 1 cup of vodka
• 1 tsp eucalyptus oil
• 2 tsp aloe vera oil
• 1/2 tsp essential oil blend

Apply the mixture directly onto your skin or spray any fly-infested areas. If you have allergies to any of the ingredients, this is not the method for you. However, if you are happy covering yourself in vodka, there will be no flies around you!

If waiting for flies to be lured into a trap is taking too long, consider making up some homemade fly spray. Place 10 drops of dish detergent and two cups of warm water into an empty spray bottle. Replace the lid and give it a good shake. You have an effective fly spray free of harmful chemicals. Spray directly onto a fly, and it will perish instantly.

Consider installing screens and nets on your windows and doors. These act as a physical barrier, keeping flies at bay while allowing you to enjoy fresh air and natural light. Available in various sizes and styles, these screens seamlessly integrate with your house decor. They're easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fly repellants.

For those looking for a modern, non-invasive solution, ultrasonic fly repellers may be the answer. These devices operate by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but significantly disruptive to flies, effectively repelling them from the area. To get the most out of these repellers, place them near common fly entry points or high-activity areas, and ensure they are not obstructed for maximum sound wave dispersion.

Encouraging the presence of natural predators like birds and bats can be an effective, organic approach to managing fly populations. By installing birdhouses or bat boxes in your backyard or garden, you create attractive habitats for these beneficial creatures. In addition to helping control flies, this method promotes local biodiversity, turning your garden into a micro-ecosystem where nature takes care of pest control.

Strategically using fans can create a simple and energy-efficient fly deterrent. Position fans near windows and doors, creating a gusty air barrier that flies find difficult to navigate through. Besides the fly deterrent benefit, fans aid in improving indoor air circulation, providing cooling effects during the warm season. This method is especially useful in areas with high fly activity, such as kitchens or dining rooms.

Maintaining a high level of hygiene and sanitation is key to preventing flies from making your home theirs. Regularly clean surfaces, particularly in the kitchen, and avoid leaving food uncovered. This practice removes potential breeding and feeding grounds for flies. Keeping your house clean not only makes it less attractive to flies but also promotes a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Proper garbage management is crucial in keeping flies away. Ensure to dispose of your trash regularly and keep garbage bins sealed when not in use. The odors from rotting food waste are a potent magnet for flies, providing them with a rich source of food and a perfect breeding ground. By maintaining a clean and well-managed waste disposal system, you deprive flies of these attractions, effectively reducing their presence.

DIY vinegar traps can be a simple and cost-effective method to tackle a fly problem. Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar, adding a drop of dish soap. The potent aroma of the vinegar attracts flies, while the soap breaks the water's surface tension, causing the flies to sink once they land. Set these traps near high-fly-activity zones for optimal results. This method offers a natural, non-toxic solution to your fly problem.

Camphor and mothballs serve as excellent fly deterrents due to their strong, pungent smell, which is highly disliked by flies. Strategically place them near entry points or in areas prone to fly activity to discourage their presence. However, both substances can be harmful if ingested, so ensure they are placed safely away from children and pets. This method offers an affordable, easy-to-implement solution to your fly problem.

In the vast world of fly elimination, store-bought fly traps stand out for their convenience and efficacy. These traps, meticulously designed with potent attractants, effortlessly lure flies, ensuring they remain trapped. They're a hassle-free solution, perfect for those who prefer immediate results without the DIY fuss. Simply place them in strategic locations, and let them work their magic. If you're seeking a blend of convenience and effectiveness, this might be your go-to solution.

Nature offers a plethora of solutions, and natural sprays are a testament to that. Crafted from a harmonious blend of essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree, these sprays not only deter flies but also infuse your space with a refreshing aroma. Their dual action—repelling pests and scenting homes—makes them a favorite. Spritz generously around fly-prone zones, and enjoy a fly-free, fragrant home. It's nature's way of ensuring peace and tranquility.

The fiery potency of cayenne pepper isn't just for your dishes. When mixed with water, it becomes a formidable adversary for flies. This spicy concoction, with its intense aroma, is abhorred by these pesky intruders. A few strategic sprays around your living space can drastically reduce fly activity. However, a word of caution: its potency is not to be underestimated. Ensure it doesn't come into contact with sensitive areas, especially the eyes. Let the power of spice safeguard your home.

Nature's brilliance shines again with pyrethrin, a potent insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. This natural compound swiftly targets the nervous system of flies, ensuring rapid elimination. It's the perfect solution for those overwhelming infestations that demand immediate action. While it's a natural derivative, always prioritize safety. Use in well-ventilated spaces and ensure it remains inaccessible to children and pets. When flies become relentless, let pyrethrin be your natural defense.

When natural deterrents fall short, it's time to bring out the big guns—insecticides. These powerful chemicals are engineered to combat and decimate fly populations effectively. Their potency ensures that flies, once exposed, have little chance of survival. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Always adhere to the label instructions, prioritize safety, and be mindful of the environment. In the battle against flies, insecticides are the heavy artillery, ensuring victory and peace of mind.