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Flies Be Gone: Natural and Chemical Elimination Methods

By Staff Writer
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Summer arrives, and with it comes warm weather. It's the season for fun picnics and barbeques. It's time to throw open the windows to let in some air. And that's when they sneak in. Flies. Flies get everywhere, buzzing around the house as though it were their own.

Flies are not just a nuisance; they can also carry viruses and bacteria, spreading diseases like food poisoning, cholera, E. coli, typhoid fever, dysentery, tuberculosis, eye infections, and a tropical infection called yaws. Before you bring out the big chemical guns, try some of these natural home remedies to get rid of pesky flies and maintain a healthy, fly-free environment.

01

Grow pungent herbs

Share to PinterestFresh herbs on the window sill: bay leaf, basil, mint, rosemary...

Flies have a strong sense of smell, which can be used against them. Some herbs are too aromatic for flies to handle. Try growing basil, mint, bay leaf, wormwood, tansy, marigold, and catnip in pots on your window ledges or in your garden. Not only will these herbs repel flies, but they can also be used in your cooking.

 

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02

Use lemon peel

Share to Pinterestplant branches and slices of orange, lemon in a ceramic pot on the building window

Citrus is a natural ingredient found in many bug repellents. Use fresh lemon peel on window sills and beside doors. Be sure to rub the skins regularly to release more of their natural oils. This method will keep the flies away and make your home smell fresh.

 

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03

Hang plastic water bags

Share to Pinteresthanged plastic bag filled with water
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A fly's eyes can detect minute changes in light patterns. Using this against them can be an effective fly repellent. Take a plastic bag, fill it 2/3 full of water, and securely tie the top with a string. Hang the bag outside your open windows and doors. As the sun hits the bag, light is reflected in all directions, confusing and disorienting flies, causing them to buzz off.

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04

Use essential oils

Share to Pinteresta vase of flowers on a table
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Essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are too much for flies to deal with. Place some of these scents in small bowls around the house, or use an essential oil burner or diffuser. Alternatively, mix 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.

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05

Try homemade fly strips

Share to PinterestSticky insect tapes with dead flies on blurred background

Fly strips are easy to make at home. Cut some paper or card stock into strips, punch a hole in one end, and thread through a piece of string. Make a mixture of golden syrup and sugar (you want an extra sweet treat for the flies), paint the mix onto the strips, and hang them around your home. These sticky strips are irresistible to flies and will soon be covered with them.

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06

Set a trap using wine

Share to PinterestFruit and small flies trap made out of jar, paper funnel, lemon and sugar inside

Flies love anything fermented, making wine an excellent bait. Pour a small amount of wine into an empty jar, add some dish detergent (to act as a poison), and place a funnel into the jar. If you don't have a funnel, roll a piece of paper into a cone shape, snip off the tip, and place it into the jar. The flies will fly in and be unable to get out.

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07

Vodka-based fly repellent

Share to Pinterestwoman holding a homemade insect repellant spray

Flies are put off by the smell of vodka. Mix the following ingredients to make a repellent:

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

Apply the mixture directly to your skin or spray any fly-infested areas.

FYI

This method is not recommended if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

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08

Utilize orange and cloves

Share to PinterestGirl putting cloves into an orange

Combining citrus and cloves 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.

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09

Get some carnivorous plants

Share to Pinterestgray potted green plant
Photo by Gabriel on Unsplash

Carnivorous plants like the Venus Fly Trap, Sarracenia, or Sundew will do a reliable job of trapping, attacking, and digesting flies. They are very pretty and fascinating to watch at work, though they only need a few flies every month to survive.

 

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10

Homemade fly spray

Share to Pinterestspraying screens with a liquid repellant in a bottle

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.

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11

DIY vinegar traps

Share to PinterestPouring Rice Wine Vinegar in a Bowl
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Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and add a drop of dish soap. The vinegar's aroma attracts flies, while the soap breaks the water's surface tension, causing the flies to sink. For optimal results, set these traps near high-fly-activity zones.

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12

Cayenne pepper and water spray

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The fiery potency of cayenne pepper isn't just for your dishes. Mix cayenne pepper with water to make a repellent. Spray this mixture around the house to deter flies from entering. A word of caution: its potency is not to be underestimated. Ensure it doesn't come into contact with sensitive areas, especially the eyes.

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13

Physical barriers: installing screens and nets

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Consider installing screens and nets on your windows and doors to keep flies at bay while allowing you to enjoy fresh air and natural light. They're easy to install and maintain, making them a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fly repellents.

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14

Ultrasonic fly repellers

Share to PinterestUltrasonic, solar-powered mole repellent or repeller device in the soil in a vegetable bed with small green pea sprouts in bacground
Kristine Radkovska / Getty Images

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but disruptive to flies, effectively repelling them from the area. Place them near common fly entry points or high-activity areas for maximum sound wave dispersion.

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15

Natural predators: encouraging birds and bats

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Encourage natural predators like birds and bats by installing birdhouses or bat boxes in your backyard or garden. This method promotes local biodiversity and helps control fly populations naturally.

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16

Using fans for air circulation

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Use fans to create a gusty air barrier near windows and doors, making it difficult for flies to navigate. This method also improves indoor air circulation, providing cooling effects during the warm season.

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17

Hygiene and sanitation: keeping your house clean

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Clean surfaces regularly, especially in the kitchen, and avoid leaving food uncovered. This practice removes potential breeding and feeding grounds for flies, promoting a healthier living environment.

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18

Regular garbage disposal

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Proper garbage management is crucial in keeping flies away. Dispose of your trash regularly and seal garbage bins 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.

Maintaining a clean and well-managed waste disposal system deprives flies of these attractions, effectively reducing their presence.

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19

Camphor or mothballs as fly deterrents

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Camphor and mothballs have strong, pungent smells that flies dislike. To discourage their presence, place them near entry points or in areas prone to fly activity. However, both substances can be harmful if ingested, so ensure they are placed safely away from children and pets.

 

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20

Using a store-bought fly trap

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Store-bought fly traps are convenient and effective. They are designed with potent attractants to lure flies. These traps provide a hassle-free solution and are perfect for those who prefer immediate results without the DIY fuss. Place them in strategic locations, and let them work their magic.

 

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21

Using natural sprays

Share to Pinteresttea tree spray

Natural sprays made from essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree 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 for a fly-free, fragrant home.

 

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22

Pyrethrin-based insecticide

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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 it in well-ventilated spaces and ensure it remains inaccessible to children and pets. When flies become relentless, let pyrethrin be your natural defense.

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23

Insecticides

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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.

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24

Flowers for fly repellent

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Garden warriors, unite! Herbs like basil and lavender add a dash of culinary magic and double as fly-fighting heroes right at your window. Plant these aromatic sentinels in pots or garden beds near entry points, and watch as flies turn away, deterred by the scents they can't stand. It's nature's own repellent, adding both beauty and functionality to your green spaces.

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25

Light traps

Share to PinterestSummer concept : Electric pest insect killer with blue UV lamp Electric mosquito trap / bug zapper / Blue insect light on white ceiling.

Let there be light in the battle against flies—but with a twist. Light traps attract flies with illumination only to capture or zap them, providing a clean and efficient method of control. Perfect for darker corners or areas where flies congregate, these traps work silently to keep your spaces serene and fly-free. Place them strategically, and enjoy the glow of victory.

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26

Prevention Tips

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Keeping flies at bay involves more than just immediate solutions. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fly infestation:

  • Seal Windows, Doors, and Vents: Ensure your windows, doors, and house vents are properly sealed and free from holes or other damage to prevent flies from entering your home.
  • Use Tight-Fitting Garbage Can Lids: Utilize garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to keep flies from accessing food waste and breeding grounds.
  • Store Food in Airtight Containers: Properly store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting flies.
  • Clean Dishes and Glasses Promptly: Don't leave dirty dishes or glasses out on the counter, as they can attract flies. Remove Grass Clippings and Leaves: Avoid leaving grass clippings or leaves to decay near your house, which can attract flies.
  • Turn Off Outdoor Lights at Night: Flies are attracted to light, so turn off outdoor lights when not in use.
  • Avoid Using Rat Poison: Using rat poison can result in carcasses that attract flies, so opt for alternative pest control methods.
  • Clean Up Animal Feces Immediately: Promptly clean up animal feces, such as in a cat's litter box, to prevent flies from being attracted to your home.

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27

Wrapping it up

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Maintaining a fly-free home is not only about comfort but also about health. By using these natural remedies and preventive measures, you can effectively manage and reduce fly populations without relying on harmful chemicals. Embrace these eco-friendly solutions to ensure a clean, safe, and pleasant living space for you and your family.

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