They are annoying, loud and generally disgusting. We’re not talking about your friend’s unruly children; we’re talking about flies, aka houseflies, aka “pest” flies (how appropriate). Unfortunately, flies are not an uncommon pest: they live almost everywhere we live and multiply by laying their eggs on animal droppings or in your trash. They are also an iconic aspect of Australian summers, particularly if you live in a rural area and are used to hitching rides on people’s backs and landing on our Christmas lunches.

Although flies do not pose a danger in themselves, they can carry viruses and bacteria, such as food poisoning, E. Coliand tuberculosis, so it’s best to at least try to chase them away. So, from natural prevention methods to DIY traps, we’ve looked at how to get rid of flies.

How to get rid of flies naturally?

If you want to avoid chemicals and pesticides, you’ll be happy to know that there are several natural methods you can try to deter flies before breaking out the Mortein box.

1. Plant herbs and flowers outdoors

Better homes and gardens Garden editor Jenny Dillon says that while the obvious choice is to stock up on Venus fly traps, it’s not necessarily the most effective. fly repellent plant over there.

“Herbs and plants with naturally strong odors and oils make eliminating flies and other insects in your garden a breeze,” she writes. Jenny recommends pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium), most varieties of sweet basil and mint, and rosemary as the most effective.

If you are in an apartment, dried basil and mint or cloves can do the trick!

2. Apple cider vinegar and soap

Like fruit flies, house flies can be caught and killed by pouring apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar and adding a few drops of dish soap. If you want to take an extra precautionary measure, cover with cling film and poke a few holes. Flies are attracted to vinegar but will get stuck and sink with the addition of dish soap. Apple cider vinegar on the skin is also a safe and effective way to keep flies away when you’re out and about or sitting nearby. outdoor dining table.

You can also try mixing sugar and water in a jar and placing a paper cone over the opening so flies can enter but not exit.

3. Mix a spray

Some say you mix a combination of cayenne pepper and water, or vodka (you can find cheap ones – flies aren’t picky) and spray it all over your house.

4. Make a natural fly trap

Besides the apple cider vinegar and soap trick, you can make a DIY fly trap using strips of cardboard or paper bag, with a hole punched in one end for hanging, and heated honey and mixed with water and sugar. You can also add tacky glue to the mixture for extra tackiness, but the mixture should be sticky enough when dried. Then simply hang them around the house, especially near doors.

How to get rid of flies immediately?

While many prefer to opt for natural methods, especially if the problem is seasonal (i.e. throughout the summer), the quickest and most immediate solution to ridding your home of flies is to ‘use a good old chemical insecticide, like Mortein.

If the infestation is serious and becoming detrimental to your daily life and health, it may be time to call in a professional.

What attracts flies to your home?

Clutter and waste

Flies thrive in unclean conditions, so the simplest prevention is good cleaning. This extends to outdoor spaces, where you may have a buildup of organic matter, dirty municipal trash, compost or animal droppings.

You should also always put your waste in bags before throwing it in the outdoor trash can. And if you’re planning your stay outside, don’t delay cleaning until hours and hours later – the flies will thank you and you’ll regret it.

Light

Like butterflies and mosquitoesflies are attracted to light. So, while there’s nothing nicer than opening your windows when a cool change in the evening arrives, be sure to check your screens for holes first.

Weather conditions

This is unfortunately completely out of your control. Flies like warm weather, so we see an influx in the spring and summer. A mild winter will also make the situation worse, as flies will remain active and breed instead of becoming inactive and seeking shelter.

How to prevent a housefly infestation?

As with many pest infestations, prevention is key: if you don’t give them a chance to lay eggs, you’re much less likely to be invaded. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of fly infestation in your home:

• Make sure your doors and windows close properly and, if not, update the seals.
• Avoid using an open bin, choose one with a lid instead.
• Cleanliness is essential!
• Turn off or dim unnecessary outdoor lights at night – as with moths and mosquitoes, they can act as a magnet for flies.
• Don’t leave your dirty plates and glasses lying around after a meal.
• Move your organic gardening waste to the green bin as soon as you have finished the work.
• Stay on top of your cat’s litter box and all other animal waste.

Writer

Lucy Lindfield

Digital Editor

Lucy Lindfield has a long-standing love affair with houses, dating back to her childhood spent picking out the nicest house on every street from the back of her parents’ Subaru. Years later, after completing a diploma in interior design at Design Center Enmore and a bachelor’s degree in media at Macquarie University, she moved into public relations at a bespoke firm specializing in architecture, then spent two years as a social media and editorial producer at a Sydney agency before moving home to… houses. After a brief stint with Better homes and gardensLucy spent several years writing under Houses to love and manage the digital presence of its numerous brands. It is here that she can combine her great loves every day: design, architecture, lifestyle, home and, of course, words. In her spare time, she writes for directory and lifestyle publications, Shire Scoutconstantly finding their dream home on real estate sites and spending way too much time browsing Facebook Marketplace.