Flies are more than just a nuisance—they can contaminate food, spread bacteria, and multiply quickly if left unchecked. Whether you’re dealing with house flies, fruit flies, or drain flies, knowing what attracts them and how to eliminate them can help you maintain a fly-free home.
Flies belong to the order Diptera and are known for their ability to breed rapidly. The most common types of flies found in homes include:
✔ House Fly (Musca domestica) – Grayish in color, these flies are attracted to food, garbage, and organic waste.
✔ Fruit Fly (Drosophila spp.) – Tiny flies that hover around ripened fruits, vegetables, and fermented liquids.
✔ Drain Fly (Psychodidae) – Small, fuzzy flies that breed in damp, organic buildup inside drains.
✔ Blow Fly (Calliphoridae) – Metallic-colored flies that lay eggs on decaying meat or waste.
Flies are drawn to homes for three main reasons:
✔ Food Sources: Flies are attracted to exposed food, garbage, and spills.
✔ Moisture: Many fly species breed in damp environments, like clogged drains or leaky pipes.
✔ Warmth & Shelter: Flies seek refuge indoors when temperatures drop outside.
Although flies don’t bite, they can pose health risks by:
✔ Spreading Bacteria: Flies land on garbage, feces, and rotting food before contaminating surfaces.
✔ Causing Foodborne Illnesses: They can carry pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
✔ Multiplying Rapidly: A single house fly can lay hundreds of eggs, leading to a full-blown infestation in days.
If you have a fly problem, follow these steps to eliminate them and prevent future infestations:
✔ Store food properly: Keep fruits, vegetables, and leftovers sealed in airtight containers.
✔ Take out the trash frequently: Dispose of garbage in bins with tight-fitting lids.
✔ Clean up spills immediately: Wipe down counters and floors to remove sugary residues that attract flies.
✔ Fix leaks: Repair dripping faucets and pipes that create humid conditions for flies.
✔ Unclog drains: Use a drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove organic buildup.
✔ Dry wet areas: Keep sinks, dish racks, and bathroom surfaces dry to prevent fly breeding.
✔ Install screens: Make sure windows and doors have intact screens to block flies from entering.
✔ Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk or weather stripping around windows, doors, and vents.
✔ Close doors quickly: Avoid leaving doors open for long periods, especially in warmer months.
✔ Sticky traps: Hang fly paper or use adhesive strips in problem areas.
✔ DIY vinegar traps: Place a bowl with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap to attract and trap fruit flies.
✔ Natural repellents: Essential oils like citronella, lavender, and peppermint can help deter flies.
✔ Targeted insecticides: Use sprays labeled for flies in high-traffic areas while following safety instructions.
Once you’ve controlled the fly population, take these steps to keep them from returning:
✔ Keep trash bins clean and covered.
✔ Wash produce as soon as you bring it home.
✔ Run garbage disposals frequently to prevent organic buildup.
✔ Install outdoor bug lights or yellow bulbs to minimize attraction.
✔ Maintain your yard by trimming vegetation and removing decaying organic matter.
If flies continue to invade your home despite your efforts, it may be time for expert treatment. Mosquito Hunters provides professional fly control services to eliminate infestations and prevent future issues.
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Take control of your home—contact Mosquito Hunters today for a free estimate!
If you are not happy with your service, just call us in between treatments and we will re-treat your property free of charge. For any reason. Period. We guarantee it.
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Laura M.
Jim B.
