5 Ways to Keep Houseflies Out of Your Kitchen

Flies Out of Your Kitchen houseflies Keep Houseflies Out Flies linked to several diseases

By Mavic Thompson , Parent Herald Jun 25, 10:09 am

While everyone looks forward to basking in the sun this summer, there is a pesky visitor at home that we do not want to have as the weather gets warmer: the houseflies.

Warmer temperatures make kitchens a breeding ground for flies. House flies are quite a nuisance to have at home. These insects are easily attracted to sewers, dumps, and garbage heaps. It feeds on feces, discharges from wounds and sores, sputum, and decaying matters like spoiled meat, fish, and eggs.

Also, it lands on food, making people who eat it vulnerable to at least 65 diseases, according to a study done by researchers from Penn State University Extension. The study cited that houseflies are linked to typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, and poliomyelitis. It is also associated with tularemia, anthrax, yaws, tuberculosis, and leprosy. These insects regurgitate and excrete in areas where they rest and transmit disease organisms.

Cleaning experts recommend these natural tips to keep the flies away:

1. Repel flies by not attracting them.

According to Insightpest, getting rid of things that attract flies is the best way to keep these pesky insects from your homes. Clean experts recommend cleaning cans thoroughly and frequently. Wet garbage bins are the ideal breeding place for flies at home as it is where they lay their eggs and hatch their maggots.

So it is best to empty and clean the bins often and sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the bin before putting in the garbage bag to absorb any smells and leakages attractive to flies.

Feces are the perfect breeding place for flies. Clean up after your pets. Make sure to get rid of your pet's waste by burying it.

2. Avoid leaving dirty dishes by the sink.

During hot weather, it is essential to clear your sink and avoid leaving dishes encrusted with leftovers. Flies can easily contaminate them with bacteria and lay eggs on the plate surface. Clean up food and water spills the soonest.

3. Deny the fly's access.

Leftovers should not be left uncovered, even if you are trying to let them cool down. It is best to keep portions in a sealable bag or tub so flies cannot touch them. Close windows and doors or install a fly screen at home to deny their access.

4. Set up non-chemical measures to catch flies.

Cleaning experts suggest using devices like ultraviolet light traps, sticky fly traps, fly swatters, and baited fly traps to eliminate many flies from inside a home. A fly swatter is an economical control method for the occasional fly. Also, remove dead flies as they can be a food source for other pests.

5. Make your all-natural fly spray.

Flies hate essential oils like mint, lemongrass, and lavender. Mix drops of this oil with water in a spray bottle for your own all-natural fly deterrent spray. Publicnewstime suggests spraying the concoction in the kitchen and dining area throughout the day. The lavender spray will also keep your home fresh throughout the day.