The return of warm weather is an open invitation that attracts irritating bugs and insects to your home. To keep your home free from infestation, you will need to know how to get rid of flies. While a wide variety of chemical based products are manufactured for this purpose, there are also natural solutions homeowners can use to get rid of flies.
Fly Attractions
Flies are strongly attracted to the aroma of cooked or cooking meat. Flies will gather on door or window screens while meat is being prepared, and they will invade the area when the door is opened. Meat that has been left on the counter to defrost is also attractive to them. The best way to deter these flying pests is to keep screen doors and windows closed. Ripening fruit is also an appetizing attraction for flies.
Natural Solutions
Burning lavender scented candles is a widely used natural solution for getting rid of flies. Large, three-wick candles with a high content of scented oils will bring the best results. Lavender candles can be used in the kitchen, dining room, deck, or patio. For a pesticide free fly spray, add two tablespoons of liquid dish detergent with water and mix thoroughly. This mixture can be applied as often as necessary, and it is safe to use around children and pets.
Controlling Infestation
Fly traps are viable options that effectively control infestation. To create a standing trap for flies, combine an inch of water with an inch of fruit scented liquid dish detergent. A trap filled with liquid dish soap that has the scent of green apples is irresistible to flies. Tall grass, lots of brush, and an unkempt yard can be a haven for infestation. Trimmed brush and a manicured lawn will eliminate flies and their breeding ground. Flies are also drawn to standing water in ponds or bird baths, to help control infestation, water sources should be drained on a regular basis.
Preventive Solutions
There are several preventive solutions that will keep flies away from your home. Start with a full inspection for leaks or moisture. Screens for doors and windows must be sized appropriately for a snug fit. Broken screens will need to be repaired or replaced. Caulking and weather stripping should be applied to all windows, and the entryway to the air conditioner should be sealed as well.
Some other solutions for eliminating flies include regularly removing dog waste, sealed lids for outdoor trash cans, and using a cloth muslin bag to store fruit. There are also plants that will keep flies away from your yard or garden. Mint, elderberry, false indigo, and basil are some fragrant low maintenance plants that work to repel flies.
