If you are looking for a way to create a fly-free environment without the use of sprays (even so-called natural ones), fly swats (what a mess) and fly strips (yuck!), then you have come to right place. I have discovered that the best method for controlling flies is to simply make your home less inviting to them and it consists of 3 easy steps.
1. Remove bad smells
Flies really do like smelly things, so make it your first priority to locate anything that may be attracting them and clean it, remove it, or reduce its impact.
Some obvious places to look are:
Rubbish and Compost
It helps if you can empty these bins once or even twice a day during summer as things go off so quickly. If you have really smelly items, consider taking them straight outside to your main rubbish or compost bin rather than leaving in your kitchen bins. It also helps to have your kitchen bins well sealed.
Cat Litter Boxes
Keep these clean and if possible outside during the day. Even better, consider installing a cat door and encouraging your cat to go outside – it’s where they prefer to toilet anyway.
Dirty dishes and Plates, Unwiped Benches etc
Keep on top of your dishes. If you haven’t got time to deal with them immediately then at least fill the sink with soapy water and let them soak. It will make them easier to clean later, and keep them from becoming a fly magnet.
Some less obvious places to look are:
Shoes
Keep these outside and away from the door, we keep ours in a large chest beside the front door.
Unwashed clothing
Socks and underwear are particularly attractive to flies as is clothing with food spilled on it.
Kitchen floors
These often have small food spills that go unnoticed by us – but not by flies – keep them as clean as you can, with regular sweeping and moping.
Carpets
Your carpets are taking a hammering every day, especially if you have children. They too could probably do with a proper clean – like a steam clean. In the meantime, give them a good vacuum, you can also freshen them up by sprinkling baking soda over them first and letting it sit to soak up any odour before you vacuum.
Teatowels and dishcloths
Do yours remain in use just a hint too long? If so, they will soon start to add to those fly inviting vibes, so replace them sooner rather than later.
Cushions and Rugs and Throws
Believe it or not, your cushions, rugs and throws may also be contributing to the problem. Give them all the sniff test, and if they don’t pass muster, give them a wash too, it all helps!
2. Create Good Smells
Herbs and Spices ~ Flies have an aversion to the smell of many herbs, spices and essential oils.
Lavender, mint and basil are examples of fly deterring herbs which can be grown outside and inside your home to keep flies at bay.
A pot pourri which includes cloves and cinnamon sticks will help to freshen your home as well as fend of flies.
Lavender, eucalyptus. lemongrass or peppermint essential oils in a diffuser or room spray will also help to send flies fleeing from your home.
3. Block the Path of Least Resistance
The cheapest and most effective way to keep flies out your home is to keep your doors shut, but that can be easier said than done. Of course you could also install fly screens, but a free and fast fix is to just pull a curtain over your open door or window. Flies like to take the path of least resistance and you will find that far fewer of them will make it past a flapping curtain, keeping your house freer from flies while still allowing fresh air to flow.
Flies like to come indoors not just because they find food but also because they find shelter. Notice where flies are gathering outside your house, it’s usually in a warm, sheltered position. Avoid opening doors and windows in those areas and instead open up on the side where less of them are congregating. Because flies don’t like moving air, you can usually open a door or window on the windy side of your house and still be fly free inside.
That’s it!
Do you have any tricks for keeping your home fly-free? Leave a comment below if you do.
Namaste
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