Blog Post

How to Get Rid of Flies

Nick Siebert • Sep 23, 2023

Stop flies and other pests from entering your home. 

Have you noticed an influx of flies in or around your home? They may be attracted to your garbage, especially if meat is part of its contents. Pet waste and spilled sugary drinks also attract flies to your home. 


Does this mean you can't sit outside and enjoy a nice meal for fear of attracting flies? Absolutely not. It's just important that you clean up after yourself before heading indoors.


You also ned to clean up pet waste immediately and cover your trash cans. When possible, store them in a garage or shed. However, you may still have more flies buzzing around than you’d like. The best course of action is professional pest removal services, but you can try bug prevention yourself. 


Since flies can contaminate food sources and carry a variety of diseases, it’s important to take a fly infestation seriously. If you’re wondering how to get rid of flies, there are some things you can try. It’s also important to understand the root of the problem so you can work to keep flies out of your home in the first place. 


How Are Flies Getting Inside?


Depending on the flies inside your home, there are a variety of ways they’re entering. For starters, if you have any holes in screens, flies can enter this way. You should always repair any rips or tears in window or door screens to prevent these pests from entering. Also, any cracks or gaps in your foundation leave an entrance for flies and other bugs to come into your home. 


To keep flies out of your house, inspect your foundation. If you’re not sure what to look for,
a professional pest removal service can check your home. They have the equipment and expertise to seal off any entry points for pests. 


Get Rid of Flies Naturally


Aside from closing all gaps in window screens and your home’s foundation, you can try planting certain herbs to repel flies. The following may deter house flies:


  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Tansy
  • Bay Leaf


Keep in mind that bay leaf is toxic
to dogs and cats. Certain varieties of mint are also toxic to people and pets, such as Pennyroyal, and should be avoided. 


Flies also hate several scents. These include the following:


  • Citrus
  • Lemongrass
  • Lavender
  • Cinnamon
  • Vinegar


As always, keep pets away from certain plants, as they can be toxic if ingested. This includes lemongrass and lavender.
Essential oils can be toxic to infants, children, and pets, so always exercise caution. 


Are Flies Dangerous?


Flies carry different diseases
. These diseases can cause food poisoning or even cause dysentery. Additionally, fly bites can be painful for people and animals. Flies also carry typhoid fever, cholera, anthrax, leprosy, and tuberculosis. 


Additionally, flies can contaminate food sources
. For example, they can transmit bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli. 


How to Get Rid of Flies


Although you can try DIY measures to keep flies out, you may still find yourself Googling “How to get rid of flies.” If this is the case, you need a professional pest removal service in Sparta, NJ. Flies can transmit a myriad of diseases, so it’s best to stop them before they multiply. 


Luckily,
Serene Property Services has the knowledge and experience to remove flies in the house, along with other types of bug prevention measures. Contact us today for an evaluation. We’ll create a custom pest-prevention plan that best suits your needs. We service all of Sussex County, NJ, and Warwick, NY. 


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