How to Get Rid of House Flies
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House flies are common, buzzing pests that can enter the home through tiny cracks and crevices, open windows or doors, or any small opening in a structure. One fly is a pest, while many can be dangerous: Flies are known to carry almost a hundred different diseases, due to the fact that they feed on feces and items found in the garbage.
There are a number of ways to get rid of house flies, including natural home remedies, store-bought traps and chemicals, and professional extermination. As you consider these options, it is important to ask yourself about the severity of the housefly infestation: You can most likely easily handle a few flies on your own, but flies are known for breeding quickly, and if larvae or eggs are present, the infestation may require professional intervention.
For a few flies, a home remedy may be the right solution. Several popular remedies include:
- 1. Making a fly trap. Place sugar water in a jar, and place a paper funnel inside the jar, open at the top. Once inside, flies are trapped and will eventually pass away. This method is harmless to children and pets, but will only work for small numbers of flies.
- 2. Mixing white wine with dish soap and placing it near the flies. They will eventually ingest the liquid and die of poisoning. The downside to this method is flies may leave the area before dying, leaving you with a mess to clean up.
- 3. Using natural scents to drive flies away. Flies are driven away by the smell of cinnamon, lavender, or peppermint. This solution may work well as a preventative, but is not likely to rid you of a full-blown infestation.
There are also a number of methods available for purchase. These include traps, fly papers, or chemical sprays. Traps and fly papers work the same way as many home remedies: They either poison the flies, or cause them to become stuck to something, where they will eventually die. These methods may work well for smaller infestations, but do have the drawback of needing to be cleaned up and reset. There is also the possibility of pets or children playing with traps, which can be harmful to them.
Chemical sprays are an option for those who want to tackle their larger pest problem themselves. They allow you to spray the perimeter of doors and windows, and to take care of existing problems under cabinets and other small spaces. However, most chemicals are not completely safe for use around food, pets, or children, and can take time to work. They also may not tackle larvae or eggs, particularly if you are not sure where pests are breeding. For those who have located the source of the infestation and are willing to take the risk, this may be a good idea, but for others who are unsure or have young children or pets, this may not be the best solution.
If house flies have overwhelmed your home and the above methods cannot eliminate the infestation, it may be best to consider hiring a professional exterminator. They can find and eliminate the source of the problem, including eggs and larvae, and help you identify and treat the areas where flies are entering your home. If you think this may be the best option for you, consider getting a free quote from an exterminator in your area today, so you can get your home back to normal as soon as possible.