House flies are a common nuisance, especially when the weather warms up. One minute you’re enjoying a fly-free home, the next you’re wondering, “Why do I have so many house flies all of a sudden?!”
Seeing a few flies is one thing, but a full-blown infestation can be frustrating and even a little unsettling. If you’re dealing with an influx of these buzzing pests, you’re probably wondering what’s attracting them and how to get rid of them.
This article will break down the common causes of fly infestations and offer practical tips for preventing and controlling them, so you can reclaim your home.
Understanding fly behavior and life cycle
Before you can banish the flies from your home, it helps to understand what attracts them and how they reproduce.
What attracts flies?
Flies are drawn to decaying organic matter, including rotting food, garbage, animal waste, and even dead insects. When temperatures rise, the rate of decay increases, making these sources even more appealing to flies.
Flies also seek out moisture and warmth, so leaky pipes, standing water, and humid environments can attract them. They tend to thrive in temperatures of 75°F and warmer.
Rapid reproduction
Flies have a short life cycle and reproduce quickly. The average lifespan of most flies is 15 to 30 days, but female houseflies can lay up to 500 eggs during that time.
The fly life cycle, from egg to adult, can be completed in as little as 7 to 10 days. This rapid reproduction rate can quickly lead to a full-blown infestation.
What’s causing so many flies inside your home?
If you’re seeing more flies than usual, chances are they’re breeding somewhere inside your home or finding their way in from the outside.
Indoor breeding grounds
Flies are attracted to filth and unsanitary conditions.
- Dirty dishes, food spills, and overflowing garbage cans are prime breeding territory for flies.
- Pet waste and improperly stored food may also be encouraging flies to multiply in your home.
Flies are also attracted to drains and garbage disposals, where organic matter tends to accumulate.
Regularly cleaning these areas is crucial if you want to cut down on the number of flies in your home.
Entry points
Flies can also find their way into your home through open doors and windows, especially during the warmer months.
- Flies may be entering through damaged screens or cracks in your walls.
- They can also hitchhike inside on groceries, plants, or even your pets.
Inspecting these items before you bring them inside can sometimes help prevent an infestation.
What kind of fly is it?
Different kinds of flies like different things. Figuring out what kind of fly you’re dealing with can help you figure out where they’re coming from.
Here’s a quick guide:
- House flies: These flies are attracted to just about any kind of decaying organic matter.
- Fruit flies: Fruit flies are drawn to fermenting fruits and vegetables.
- Drain flies: As the name suggests, drain flies thrive on the gunk in your drains.
- Blow flies: These flies are attracted to decaying meat.
Once you know what kind of fly you’re dealing with, you can start looking for the source.
Practical steps to control and prevent fly infestations
Once you’ve identified the kind of fly you’re dealing with and you’ve tracked down where they’re breeding, you can start taking steps to get rid of them and prevent more from coming.
Eliminating breeding grounds
Flies need moist organic material to lay their eggs in, so your first step is to remove those breeding sites.
- Thorough cleaning: Clean and sanitize your home, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. Vacuum, sweep, and mop the floors to get rid of food debris and spills. You can often clean sink drains by pouring in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Proper waste management: Dispose of garbage regularly in tightly sealed containers. Clean your trash cans frequently to prevent odors and fly breeding. Compost food scraps away from the house and in a well-managed compost bin.
Preventing entry
Once you’ve gotten rid of their breeding grounds, you can make it harder for flies to get into your house in the first place.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Seal any cracks and gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. Repair or replace damaged window and door screens. Use weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Proper food storage: Store food in sealed containers and refrigerate perishable items quickly. Don’t leave food out on counters or tables for long periods. Clean up spills right away to keep from attracting flies.
DIY Remedies and Traps
If you’re dealing with a few flies, these remedies may help:
- Apple cider vinegar trap: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap. Flies will be attracted to the vinegar and then get trapped by the soap.
- Flypaper and fly swatters: Good old-fashioned flypaper and swatters can take care of individual flies.
- Essential oils: Some essential oils, like peppermint and eucalyptus, can keep flies away.
When to Seek Professional Pest Control
If you’ve tried everything and still have flies, you may need to call a professional.
Here’s why:
- Hidden breeding grounds: Experts can locate and eliminate hidden breeding sites you might miss.
- DIY failure: If your traps and sprays aren’t working, it’s time for stronger measures.
- Safe and effective treatment: Professionals use targeted treatments that eliminate flies without harming your family or pets.
Final Thoughts
House flies love warm, moist places with decaying matter, and they reproduce quickly. That’s why it’s important to prevent them from getting into your house.
To keep house flies away, keep your home clean, get rid of anything that might attract them, and prevent them from entering in the first place. By taking these steps, you can often avoid a full-blown infestation.
If you already have a fly problem, act quickly to get rid of them. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to enjoy a fly-free home.