Tips to Get Rid of House Flies

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

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Summer is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and opening up your windows to let in fresh air. But that’s also when flies make their way inside. Flies buzzing around the house can be annoying and distracting. While fly spray is effective, it’s not always ideal to fill your home with chemicals. Thankfully, there are plenty of natural remedies to help keep those pesky flies away.

Use Plastic Water Bags

Flies have complex eyes, each containing thousands of tiny lenses that let them see light changes. This unique vision makes them easy to confuse. To take advantage of this, fill a plastic bag two-thirds full with water, tie it securely with string, and hang it outside your windows and doors. As sunlight hits the water, it reflects light in multiple directions, disorienting the flies and driving them away.

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Grow Strong-Scented Plants and Herbs

Did you know flies have an incredible sense of smell thanks to their two “noses”? While this helps them detect food from far away, certain herbs and plants are too strong for them. Growing basil, mint, bay leaves, wormwood, or tansy near your windows or in your kitchen can help keep flies at bay. These aromatic plants act as natural repellents, making your home less appealing to flies.

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Lemon Peel for a Fresh Approach

Citrus scents are a natural deterrent for flies, which is why many bug repellents include citrus as an ingredient. Place fresh lemon peels on windowsills and near doorways to help keep flies away. Remember to rub the peel regularly to release more of its natural oils. Not only will this method repel flies, but it will also leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

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Make a Wine Trap

Flies are drawn to fermented items, and wine is one of their favorites. To make a fly trap, pour a small amount of wine into a jar and add a bit of dish detergent. The soap will act as a trap when flies try to drink the wine. Place a funnel at the jar’s opening (or create a cone from paper and snip off the tip). Once the flies go in, they can’t escape.

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Essential Oils for Repelling Flies

Essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus have long been used as natural insect repellents. Place a few drops of these oils in small bowls around your home or use an oil burner for a continuous effect. For a homemade spray, mix 20 drops of essential oil with half a cup of hot water in a spray bottle. This creates an effective, chemical-free fly repellent.

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DIY Fly Strips

Store-bought fly strips work well, but making your own is simple and effective. Cut paper or cardboard into strips and punch a hole at one end. Thread string through the hole. Create a sticky mix of golden syrup and sugar, then paint it onto the strips. Once they’re dry, hang them around your home. Flies are attracted to the sweet mixture and will get stuck.

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Orange and Cloves

Flies may not like citrus, but they absolutely hate the combination of citrus and cloves. To make a natural repellent, poke a dozen cloves into an orange or cut the orange in half for a stronger scent. Place or hang these clove-studded oranges around your house as a natural warning for flies to stay away.

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Try Carnivorous Plants

One of the most natural ways to get rid of flies is by using carnivorous plants. The Venus flytrap, sundew, and Sarracenia are excellent at catching flies. While they may not eliminate all the flies, they are pretty to look at and fascinating to watch as they trap their prey.

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Homemade Fly Spray

If waiting for flies to wander into a trap is too slow, consider making a homemade fly spray. Combine 10 drops of dish detergent with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle, shake well, and you’re set. This natural spray is free from harsh chemicals and can be used to target flies directly.

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Vodka-Based Fly Repellent

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