House flies can be a terrible nuisance, but using natural methods of controlling the house fly population in a home or office can reduce the need for toxic chemical sprays which can harm the environment and other living things. Environmentally friendly methods of controlling house flies can be as simple as keeping garbage cans covered, picking up pet waste in the yard, and emptying rodent traps of decaying carcasses. Not attracting flies into the yard will reduce the number that get into the home, which will make controlling house flies much easier. Use these natural methods of controlling house flies to avoid contaminating the environment with toxic insect sprays.
Organic Pyrethrins vs. Synthetic Pyrethroids
Pyrethrins are natural, organic compounds found in chrysanthemums that affect the nervous systems of flies. While some people or animals may be sensitive to pyrethrins (usually skin irritation or respiratory symptoms) these compounds do not build up to toxic levels in the body. They pose little threat to the environment because the organic compounds break down quickly in sunlight and degrade rapidly on top of the soil or in water. If a spray is preferred for its convenience, be sure to choose one that contains natural pyrethrins, and avoid those with synthetic pyrethroids or other toxic chemicals. Many common flowers and herbs produce fly-repellant compounds. Incorporating these plants into the landscape design or home decor can reduce the number of flies that hang around.
Flowers and Herbs that Repel House Flies
Citronella, the essential oil of a variety of cymbopogon plants, is traditionally used to deter mosquitoes, but it works for flies as well. Placing citronella candles or tiki torches filled with citronella oil around the yard will keep these insects from ruining outdoor activities like barbecues and picnics. Place several small candles or torches around the area for the best results. Other plants that flies find repulsive are marigolds, catnip, mint, eucalyptus and lemon balm. Incorporate them into the landscape to discourage flies. Indoors, put a small amount of eucalyptus oil on a piece of absorbent cloth and place it wherever flies are a problem. Another natural fly repellant method is to wrap cloves or crushed bay leaves in small pieces of muslin and hang them near doorways and windows to deter flies from entering the house.
One rather less known fly and overall insect repellent that is highly effective and has been used for hundreds of years is the use of Pennyroyal Mint. Read up on how this less common member of the mint family can truly help keep insect pests at bay.
Attract Bats to the Yard
Bats often get a bad rap because of their creepy appearance, but they are voracious consumers of flies and other insect pests. One bat can eat hundreds of insects in one hour, and providing a bat house will encourage them to hang around. Bats are clean animals and don’t go out of their way to bother humans. While it’s true that they may carry rabies, the danger is actually very slight when compared to other wildlife. For example, the cute squirrels running around the neighborhood are a bigger rabies risk than bats. Instructions for building a bat house are easily found online, and ready-made bat houses can be found at many home improvement stores. The bats will sleep all day and only come out at night to gobble up flies, mosquitoes and other insect pests.
Fly Strips and Fly Paper
Fly strips and fly paper are not attractive but can be quite effective at reducing the indoor fly population. They are an effective, environmentally-friendly option for barns, garages and other outbuildings. Flypapers and fly strips can be purchased in many grocery and department stores but it’s also quite simple to make fly strips at home from sweet, sticky foods and brown paper bags. Cut the bag into strips and soak them overnight in a mixture of ¼ cup pancake syrup, a tablespoon of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Lay the strips to dry on wax paper, and once dry, poke a hole in one end and hang them wherever flies are a problem.
Let’s not forget the old-fashioned fly swatter (or rolled up newspaper) as a method of natural house fly control. It can be a bit more challenging than traps or sprays but can be an effective way of getting rid of those last few flies who managed to make their way past the flowers and herbs and into the house. Using these environmentally friendly methods of pest control take a bit more effort than spraying toxic solutions, but are safer for people, pets and wildlife.
Want more knowledge on how to deal with common insect pests. Read more on how to win against stink bugs for other ideas!
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