Flies can be a cause of nuisance, both indoors and outdoors in summers and when the weather is hot and humid. Especially house flies, because they are the most commonly found flies, but there are others as well. No matter which type of fly infestation you are dealing with, these 12 smart ways to get rid of flies will help you.
Use Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tapes are non-toxic, odorless, and cheap! Just unroll and hang strips of it at spots in the vicinity of flies. Soon flies will get attracted to the strips and get stuck to them. You can make the strips more potent by rubbing some honey or sugar water on them. Dispose of the strips once they serve the purpose. They might leave stains, so don’t stick them to surfaces you can’t clean up later.
Planting Basil or Other Herbs
Flies are usually attracted to the garden due to manure and decaying vegetation. Planting fly repellent plants like Basil and wormwood can be an option, too, as they have the aroma that flies detest. Lavender, Mint, Bay leaf, and Tansy are some other herbs that you can choose.
Orange Peels
Eating oranges is a healthy habit, but what if we told you can use the peel too! It’s not without a purpose that extracts of citrus fruits are used in various bug repellents. Citrus extracts, and orange peels, act as a bug repellent.
Leave fresh peels on the windowsills, nearby doors, or any other hotspot of flies. Frequently replace the dried-out peels with fresh ones to maintain the potency.
Fly Zapper
Flies and moths are attracted to a light source, and this is what makes fly zapper very effective. The light source lures the flies, and as soon as they come in contact with the electrical grid, they get electrocuted.
Install it at the height of 4-6 feet, away from doors and windows. For indoor use, get a zapper designed explicitly for that.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The strong sweet smell of apple cider vinegar is irresistible for flies. Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl and add a few drops of the dish detergent to it. Place this bowl in the vicinity of flies, and they’ll come flying happily towards their doom.
Lemon Juice
Use lemon juice to build a fruit fly trap that’s effective and inexpensive. You’ll need a small jar with a lid, a sharp knife, and a lemon. Slice the lemon into two and squeeze the juice out into the pot.
Drop the lemon slices into the jar and place the lid over it. Make a small hole in the top and place the jar in a flies-infested area.
Boiling Malt Vinegar
While apple cider is used to eliminate flies acting as bait, malt vinegar does the opposite. Flies can’t tolerate the fumes emitting from the boiled malt vinegar. Boil it in a pot and set it in the room with the fly infestation, and in no time, flies will be getting as far away from that place as possible!
Carnivorous Plants
Do not expect some dramatic effect if the fly infestation is severe, as carnivorous plants don’t do it at a high rate. Venus flytrap and Sundew plants are your best bet. If not anything, they’ll be the topic of talk among kids getting the flies population down!
Cayenne Pepper Spray
Cayenne pepper is something that flies can’t withstand. All you’ll need is a spray bottle, one tablespoon of powdered cayenne pepper, and water. Mix and spray this solution where you see the fly infestation.
Cloves in Citrus Fruits
Pests and insects hate citrus fruits and their smell. Do this easy trick by simply inserting 10-15 cloves into orange or any other citrus fruit, such as lemons or lime, and place it where you find the flies most. You can also hang them with rope or thread near windows or doors.
Note: There is no scientific evidence behind this claim.
Grow Marigold
Marigold is easy to grow and has beautiful flowers that carry a scent known to keep flies away from the house and garden outdoors.
Those who are aware of this fact and are known to deliberately plant this striking flower amongst other plants repel mosquitoes, flies, and other garden pests.
Half Filled Plastic Bags
This method is debatable for its effectiveness, but it does work. All you need to do is fill a plastic bag halfway with water. Now hang it near the areas with fly problems or on doorways and windows.