The summertime brings with it lots of great things, but flies are definitely not one of them. Here's how to keep them out of your home.
This might sound a little melodramatic, but flies are really affecting my happiness levels this summer. Everywhere I look there is a fly living in my home rent-free.
As soon as I get one out another one flies in and I am quite literally afraid of opening the compost food bin because I know for certain that several mini flies will storm out of it. It’s fruit-eating weather but my trusty fruit bowl is overrun by teeny tiny critters.
While we eat dinner as a family, we look like a family of ninja warriors constantly whooshing a fly away from our plate. Enough is enough. I can’t stand the buzzing, but the biggest fear is the risk of infection. Flies can carry all kinds of bacteria.
We’ve done some research and here are the best ways to keep flies out of your home this summer:
- Never leave food uncovered because this is exactly what flies enter your house in search of. Clean up after dinner immediately, cover any unused food in Tupperware containers and leave fruit in the fridge where possible.
- Remember that flies cannot differentiate between human and animal food. They will be drawn to your pet’s food in the very same way. When feeding your pet, consider offering the food little and often to avoid food being left in their container.
- Give your bin some TLC. Ensure that all bins have tightly closed lids and are washed and disinfected regularly. Store the bins in an area that is not exposed to sunlight as this can help to reduce the smells that attract flies.
- Regularly vacuum, dust and use disinfectant on countertops to remove fly eggs (shudder).
- Make a DIY fly trapper using a jar, some apple cider vinegar, an elastic band and some cling film. Fill the jar with the vinegar (they are attracted to this smell) and cover with the cling film. Make a couple of small holes in it so that the flies can enter but not exit.
- Essential oils work well as a natural repellent for flies. Peppermint and Lemongrass are particularly effective. Use a diffuser or a spray bottle to treat the areas that flies tend to congregate.
- Consider net curtains or fly screens so that windows and doors can be left open without the fear of flies entering the home.
- Many people fill a plastic bag with water and hang it from windows and doors to deter flies from entering the home. It is surprisingly effective.
