How to Get Rid of Flies: 4 ‘Effective Ways’ According to a Pest Control Expert
FLIES are a common sight during the summer months.
And this year’s unusually wet and warm meteorological spring means the UK could be in for a summer of unwanted pests.
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Flies thrive in humid and warm weather, which speeds up their metabolism, leading to faster development and higher reproductive rates.
The combination of increasing humidity in the UK over recent decades and the predicted heatwave this month is creating an ideal environment for these insects.
Fly infestations can be a nuisance and a risk to public health. In addition, some flies can spread diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli.
And they are also incredibly annoying when they buzz around your house.
Fabulous spoke exclusively to Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control about the best ways to get rid of flies – and when to call the professionals.
He said: “A female fly can produce up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, which can hatch in just eight to 24 hours and develop from egg to adult fly in just five to seven days.
“It is therefore crucial to prevent this common pest problem before it gets out of hand.”
1. Clean, clean, clean!
He added: “To prevent infestations, in indoor areas it is important to dispose of food scraps promptly, cover compost bins and keep kitchen doors and windows well screened or closed.
2. Install screens or doors
“Installing screens on doors and windows can also help keep flies out, limiting their access to indoor areas and reducing their contact with food preparation areas.
“Fly traps such as EcoCatch Fly from Rentokil Pest Control can help reduce the number of flies in the outdoor areas surrounding your home or business before they enter your property.
“Homemade fly traps with apple cider vinegar can also work well, but for persistent pests it is advisable to seek professional help.”
Paul says that with homemade fly traps and repellents it depends on the type of fly you are dealing with.
For example, apple cider vinegar and dish soap work well against fruit flies.
3. Make a DIY trap
“While Rentokil does not recommend any home remedy as 100 percent effective, homemade traps using apple cider vinegar and dishwashing liquid (washing up liquid) can help control fly infestations, especially in the case of fruit flies,” he said.
Fruit flies love sugary yeasts and feed on overripe fruit, spilled soda and alcohol.
“That said, the best method of controlling these flies is to ensure that thorough cleaning is carried out on a regular basis. This can reduce the chance of reproduction by removing potential areas for flies to lay their eggs, as they can reproduce very quickly.
“However, if there is already an infestation in your home, you can simply fill an old bottle or bowl with a small amount (1-2 cm) of apple cider vinegar (wine or honey will also work) and a few drops of dish soap.
If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap with holes punched in it.
Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of apple cider vinegar (wine or honey) and will remain suspended in the liquid when they land on it.
As for the question of whether there are scenes that flies hate – mint, rosemary, vanilla, lemon, etc.
4. Choose fragrant plants
Paul said: “According to folklore, there are several garden plants and herbs whose scent can repel and repel flies.
“Basil, lavender, bay leaves, marigolds and nasturtiums in pots, on windowsills or dried in muslin bags to hang at entrances and windows, are said to repel flies.
Why do flies like to fly/circle under lampshades?
Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, explains why large, black houseflies like to pester homeowners by flying in circles.
“Male small houseflies are generally attracted to lampshades.
“This fly species can be territorial by nature, being attracted to central objects such as lampshades and flying in a zigzag pattern around objects.
“During this flight pattern they will ‘attack’ or fend off other males that attempt to enter their territory, which can often be a source of annoyance to those present.”
“Traditionally, marigolds have been grown in greenhouses to repel aphids, and onions to mask attractive scents and discourage carrot flies.
“Modern solutions such as insect screens and adhering to daily cleaning practices are likely to be much more effective in keeping flies out in the long run.”
You can buy insect screens at various hardware stores and online retailers.
Amazon sells a magnetic screen door for just £7.98.
Rentokil also has solutions such as the EcoCatch Wasp, Mini Fruit Fly BoxAnd Lumnia LED Fly Control,
Rentokil Pest Control technicians have several options available to proactively control fly numbers.
