When you're enjoying an outdoor party or relaxing on the porch, flies can disturb you and ruin your mood. These little creatures are annoying and unhygienic as they contaminate food and spread diseases. You should understand what attracts them to your space, then explore the solution. In this blog, we'll explain what attracts flies, why keeping them away is important, and simple, natural ways to get rid of them.
Features of Flies
Outdoor flies, also known as house flies, blow flies, green bottle flies, and blue bottle flies, are scavengers and feed on garbage, feces, and dead animals, and can spread disease. They also lay their eggs in the moist organic matter on which they feed. They do not bite or sting.
Size: ¼ to ⅝ inches long
Colour: They are mostly found in black, brown, gray, shiny blue, or green.
Wings: Yes
Why Keep the Flies Away?
Flies carry millions of microorganisms on their feet, so they contaminate the food and the surface where they sit. Consuming contaminated food or drinks can cause serious health risks to you and your family. Hence, keeping the flies away from your home is necessary.
9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Flies
1. Keep Pennies in a Glass of Water
All you need is a few pennies and many glasses of water. This simple trick is believed to work in keeping flies away:
- Fill the glasses with water and put a few pennies in each.
- Keep these glasses near your food plates and around the tables.
2. Pennies in Water Pouch
If you don't want to keep so many glasses around the table in case they break, using a water pouch can also be a good idea. All you need is a small pouch, water, pennies, and a mason jar. Here are the steps:
- Place the pouch inside the mason jar so it stays in place when you pour water into it.
- Fill this pouch with 75% water and place a few pennies inside.
- Spread the pennies inside the pouch, seal it tightly, and hang it where you sit and eat.
3. Lavender and Peppermint Oil
Lavender and peppermint oil mixed with water make a natural fly repellent. This natural repellent keeps flies away using a pleasant scent with the following steps:
- Put a few drops of this oil into water.
- Using a spray bottle, spray this mixture around the entry points.
4. Use Orange Peels
Flies do not like the scent of citrus fruits, and oranges are among them. You can either scatter the peels all around the infested areas or try this alternate method:
- In a muslin cloth bag, put some orange peels.
- Hang the bag in your kitchen or other areas in your home where it can be seen.
This hack works really well in keeping flies away.
5. DIY Cayenne Pepper Spray
Cayenne Pepper is known to repel flies. To make a DIY spray, follow these simple steps.
- Take two cups of hot water.
- Mix one tablespoon of cayenne pepper into the water.
- Let this mixture rest for about 20 minutes so that the pepper's scent infuses well.
That's all. Spray this solution around the areas where flies enter the house.
6. Try Sugar and Yeast Flytrap
Sugar and Yeast, when combined, make a great fly repellent. The yeast and sugar release carbon dioxide, which attracts flies and traps them.
- Cut a plastic bottle in half and turn the top upside down to create a funnel.
- In the bottom half, mix ½ cup of warm water, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of yeast.
- Now, using tape, join both halves together and place the trap outdoors, preferably near a door or window.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Sugar
This DIY method works by attracting flies to vinegar and sugar and trapping them.
- Add a tablespoon of sugar to a jar of apple cider vinegar.
- Use plastic wrap to cover the jar, then tie it with a rubber band.
- Make a few holes in the top so that flies can get into the jar in search of vinegar and sugar.
8. Use Citronella Candles
Citronella Candles work well in keeping flies away, especially during hot, humid days. Just make sure that you keep the candles away from flammable things. Also, keep the candles near the fan so the wind spreads the citronella fragrance, keeping flies away.
9. Place Venus Flytraps Outdoors
Venus Flytraps are carnivorous plants that attract and trap insects. Place your Venus flytrap plant in bright but indirect sunlight. Do not forget to water them once a week. These plants feed on flies, helping to minimize their population.
Other Solutions for Repelling Flies
- Use other essential oils, such as eucalyptus, to repel flies.
- Consider planting fly-repelling herbs, such as basil and mint, in your home.
- Maintain a clean environment by removing waste materials from your home.
- Turn on the fans to keep flies away with airflow.
When to Call a Professional?
If your DIY solutions are not effective enough to get rid of flies from your home or their infestation has become too massive, you may take professional help. Professionals identify the main cause of fly infestations and provide long-term solutions. Once they identify the root cause, they implement the appropriate plan to keep flies away.
Conclusion
Flies may not seem harmful, but they can pose health risks by contaminating food. To deal with their small infestations, you just need to take simple actions like using natural repellents. However, severe infestations are best handled by professionals. In addition, consider keeping your home clean and keeping waste and debris out, as they attract flies.