House flies are one of the most common pests homeowners face. They’re annoying, unsanitary, and surprisingly persistent. If you’re tired of dealing with flies in your house, understanding what attracts them and how to control them is the first step to maintaining a fly-free home.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to identify house flies, why they pose a risk, and provide prevention tips to keep them out. We’ll also explore the best control methods for managing an infestation.
How to Prevent Flies In Your House
What Are House Flies?
House flies (Musca domestica) are small, grayish-black insects with red compound eyes and transparent wings. Measuring about 4-7 millimeters in length, these flies are often found around food, garbage, and other organic material.
They’re known for their short lifespan. So, how long does a housefly live? A typical housefly lives about 15-30 days. During this time, they go through four life stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. Warm, moist environments serve as ideal fly breeding sites, allowing their populations to grow rapidly if left unchecked.
Why House Flies Pose a Risk
House flies aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a health hazard. They’re known to carry and spread harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including E. coli, salmonella, and cholera. Because they feed on decaying organic matter and animal waste, they can easily transfer these pathogens to your food and surfaces in your home.
Additionally, flies contaminate everything they land on. This behavior not only spreads germs but can also cause food spoilage.
How Do Flies Get Into Your House?
House flies usually enter homes through open doors and windows, torn screens, or other entry points like gaps around pipes and vents. They’re attracted to food scraps, sugary drinks, garbage, and even pet waste. Any area that serves as a potential fly breeding site can encourage their presence.
How to Get Rid of Flies in Your House
If you’re dealing with flies in your house, here are effective control methods to manage and eliminate them:
1. Clean and Sanitize
Flies are drawn to food and waste. To control flies, remove their food sources by:
- Regularly cleaning your kitchen counters and floors.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Emptying garbage bins daily and using trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Cleaning pet waste promptly from indoor and outdoor spaces.
2. Use Fly Traps
Fly traps, such as sticky strips, UV light traps, or baited traps, can help capture and reduce their numbers. These traps are effective for controlling flies in areas where they gather, such as kitchens or near trash bins.
3. Install Screens and Seal Entry Points
Keep flies out by installing mesh screens on doors and windows. Inspect your home for gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and vents, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to block their entry.
4. Eliminate Breeding Sites
Flies lay their eggs in moist, organic material. Identify and eliminate potential breeding sites, such as:
- Rotting food in garbage bins.
- Damp compost piles.
- Standing water in sinks or drains.
5. Professional Pest Control Services
If flies persist despite your efforts, consider contacting a pest control company. Professionals can identify hidden breeding sites, treat infestations, and provide long-term solutions tailored to your home. Consider pest control companies who offer green pest control options, providing you with an eco-friendly solution for your home.
How to Prevent Flies from Coming Back
Prevention is key to keeping flies out of your home. Follow these tips to maintain a fly-free environment:
- Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Use screens and avoid leaving doors open for extended periods. If you’re airing out your home, use fans to create a breeze, as flies struggle to navigate through strong air currents.
- Store Food Properly: Keep fruits, bread, and other food items covered or refrigerated to avoid attracting flies.
- Regularly Dispose of Trash: Clean and empty garbage bins frequently. Washing bins periodically can prevent odors that attract flies.
- Fix Leaks and Standing Water: Check for leaky pipes or areas where water collects, as these can attract flies and provide breeding grounds.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Keep outdoor garbage cans covered, remove decaying yard waste, and clean up after pets to discourage flies from hanging around.
Why Choose Professional Pest Control?
Sometimes, even the most thorough cleaning and prevention measures aren’t enough. In such cases, hiring a pest control company can save you time and frustration. Professionals have the expertise and tools to control flies effectively, targeting their breeding sites and ensuring long-term results.
By addressing both the root cause and the infestation itself, a pest control company can help you reclaim your home from these pests.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with flies in your house can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can eliminate them and keep them from returning. From cleaning and sealing entry points to contacting a professional pest control service, there are plenty of effective ways to tackle this common household problem.
If you’re struggling to control flies or other pests, contact your local pest control company today for expert assistance. Their professional solutions will ensure your home stays pest-free year-round.
