How to Prevent Houseflies
Do you hate houseflies? These flying pests aren’t very popular, and for good reason. It’s annoying to see them buzzing around indoors. Worse, they can reproduce quickly, and large populations can develop inside homes. If that wasn’t bad enough, these pests can also spread more than 100 different pathogens. Apex, the pest professionals, want to help homeowners control houseflies. Here are some tips for getting rid of flies in your home.
Trap and Kill Flies
If you have a lot of flies inside your house, you can trap and kill them. An easy strategy is to hang strips of fly paper in areas with heavy fly activity. Fly paper is covered in an adhesive. When flies land on the paper, they get stuck and die.
Light traps are another option. Some of these traps lure flies into an inverted cone, while others kill them with electricity. These traps work best when the lights in the room are off.
Use Insecticides
Insecticides are another way to control houseflies. Some products can be sprayed directly on the flies. Other products are residual and can be sprayed on areas where flies congregate, like walls. If you choose to use insecticides, carefully read the product labels and follow the directions carefully.
Try Natural Fly Repellents
If you don’t like using insecticides, you could try some natural fly repellents. Some types of essential oils may help keeps flies away. In one study, high concentrations of lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender essential oils killed houseflies. Low concentrations may be able to repel these annoying pests. Try putting a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser to deter flies.
Some types of herbs can be used to repel flies, too. Basil, rosemary, and bay leaf are some examples. Try growing these fly-repelling herbs in your kitchen to keep flies away.
Clean Your Home Regularly
To get rid of flies—and prevent them from coming back—focus on keeping your home clean. Good sanitation is a key part of fly control. Make sure your garbage can has a tight-fitting lid to keep flies out. Clean the can regularly to get rid of garbage residue. This helps eliminate the flies’ breeding areas.
Keep Flies Outdoors
To prevent more flies from coming inside, eliminate their entry points. If your window screens are torn or missing, then fix or replace them. Keep your doors closed or install screen doors.
Houseflies are a major nuisance, but with these tips, homeowners can prevent them from causing problems. If you need help with fly control, call the Tampa pest control professionals at Apex.
Apex Pest Control is one of the most trusted Tampa pest control companies in the state. We’re proud of the work we do to help keep the homes, landscape, and businesses in our community free from harmful plants, insects, and animals, while also striving to maintain a balance with the ecosystem as a whole. Check out our blog or contact us today to learn more!