How to Get Rid of Flies? 4 Highly Effective Flies Control Methods
Flies in the house are a long-time problem which begins in spring, only to become a nightmare in summer. A plague of these insects can anger even the calmest person in the world. Lots of flies in the house are not only a matter of annoyance, but also hygiene. The flying insects sit on food and transmit dangerous bacteria. Check how to get rid of flies in the house quickly and effectively. Win the battle with the insects!
Fly – what kind of animal is it?
The fly, more precisely the housefly (Musca domestica) is one of the most common insects living among humans. It’s a pest thriving in home environments. That’s where it can find food such as scraps, organic materials and various types of trash. Wherever humans live, flies will easily find something to eat.
The housefly is a very characteristic and easy to recognize insect. Its size depends on its age and particular type. Smaller flies are usually 5 mm long, while larger grow up to 8 mm. On rare occasions, one might encounter larger specimens. The fly has a grey or black body. Its wings are transparent. But the sticky feet are the most characteristic trait. Flies use them to hold onto various surfaces in different positions.
Are houseflies dangerous?
Many people ignore flies, thinking they’re harmless insects. In fact, a bite from certain fly species causes no more than a slight itch in most cases. People allergic to various insects – not only flies, but also mosquitoes are more vulnerable. If a fly bites them, their skin might develop redness and swelling.
But houseflies are, in fact, much more dangerous than it seems. Note that they don’t pose a threat per se, but rather because they can spread pathogens. By sitting on your food, they can infect it with Salmonella or E. coli bacteria. Food poisoning symptoms are incredibly distressing, and sometimes lead to hospitalization.
In addition to the mentioned bacteria, flies also spread many dangerous diseases. Here are the ones posing the biggest threat to humans:
- tuberculosis,
- cholera,
- leprosy,
- typhoid,
- dysentery,
- anthrax.
For this reason, we don’t recommend tolerating flies in the house. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to quickly get rid of them from home interiors.
Flypaper – the simplest way to deal with flies in the house
Do you need a quick way to get rid of flies, something you can use immediately? There’s nothing simpler than the well known flypaper. It works great especially in utility rooms, but in fact, they can be used basically anywhere.
Modern flypapers contain special glue formulas. Thanks to this, the substance attracts the insects, and then immobilizes them. Is this solution effective? For sure. But some people find it inhumane and unaesthetic. It’s hard to imagine flypapers full of flies stuck on them, dangling in the kitchen or in the middle of the living room. But one must admit this method is very cheap, and at the same time highly effective.
Many manufacturers offer special modified versions of flypapers. They are e.g., special tapes stuck to windows or furniture. They are invisible, and combat the insects effectively.
Bug spray – a temporary solution for flies in the house
Various bug sprays are popular remedies for flies. Such products contain substances that get rid of flies instantly. They can be eliminated in a few seconds. The spray is spread in a particular area, and the active ingredient (usually permethrin) kills the flies.
Does this method have any disadvantages? Plenty! First, no one should be in the room while the substance is sprayed. A person who performs spraying should cover their air passages. The interior has to be ventilated for a long time after the whole procedure. It’s not the ideal method if small children or animals live in the house. The product’s remains can sit on various elements, which creates a certain danger.
Is it a good alternative for other methods if you’re dealing with lots of flies that appeared suddenly in the house? Sure, but use it in moderation and with a big dose of wariness.
Electric diffuser – learn how to get rid of flies in the house in a few hours
An electric diffuser is one of the most effective ways to get rid of flies in the house. It’s a special plug in device. The market currently offers variants with liquid containers and models with discs.
The device uses heat to release its active ingredients that eliminate flies in the house and prevents the next ones from coming in. Interestingly enough, electric diffusers are effective not only against flies, but also mosquitoes. It’s important especially in summer, when there are tons of them flying in the air.
Up until recently manufacturers recommended not to use electric diffusers in children’s rooms. But nowadays, the market offers special products with milder and safer ingredients. Some of them can be used nearby few year old children. What’s important, such equipment cannot be used if there are children younger than 1 year old in the room.
UV lamps for flies in the house
UV lamps are relatively new on the market, when it comes to using them against flies in the house. Many people were quite skeptical about them. But now, these devices became quite popular. Are you wondering how they work? The lamp emits UV lighting. It’s not accidental – its rays have a certain length. After getting closer to the lamp, flies become paralyzed and aren’t a problem anymore.
The market offers many models of such lamps. They differ by their size, shape, and number of bulbs. Thanks to this, you can use them in large and small interiors. What’s more, some people use them on their patios, where flies can be an annoyance as well.
📍 Are flies in the house dangerous?
Flies aren't dangerous as they typically don't bite. But one has to be aware that they spread pathogens and diseases. If flies in the house get to food, they might leave Salmonella or E. coli bacteria in it – and these are a serious threat to humans, as they might result in hospitalization.
📍 Can you get rid of flies in the house effectively?
There are some effective remedies for flies in the house. Just pick the right method to your and your family's expectations. Various flypapers and sprays are the most popular products. If you're not a fan of them, perhaps an electric diffuser or a UV lamp is a better option. The latter are perfect for flies indoors and outdoors, e.g., on the patio.
📍 How to repel flies in the house?
In addition to effective mechanical and chemical fly repellents, you can also try home remedies for flies. A vinegar trap is the most popular solution. You can also try certain plants that repel flies with their scent.
Featured articles