Leslie Massey
Flies in the house are not only a nuisance but can also carry bacteria and be dangerous to humans. Australia is home to several types of flies, including the housefly, bushfly, and blowfly, with the latter two being particularly prevalent during the summer months. Keeping flies out of the house can be challenging, but there are several effective methods to try.
How to keep flies out of the house in Australia
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seal doors and windows | Keeping doors and windows shut is one of the most simple yet effective ways to keep flies out of the house. |
| Screens | Installing screens on every openable window can make a huge difference in the number of flies inside the house. |
| Cleanliness | Keeping the house and patio clean is a good idea, especially after a gathering or barbecue where any dropped food could be a source for flies to feed on. |
| Garbage | Keep garbage bins away from the house, clean and empty them regularly. |
| Repellents | Natural repellents include lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, basil, marigolds, and other herbs and flowers. |
| Traps | Sticky traps, light traps, and natural trap bait can be used to trap flies. |
| Lights | Lights, especially white bulb lights, act as mosquito and fly magnets. Using yellow bulbs or sodium vapour lights can help. |
| Fans | Placing fans throughout the house can help to keep flies away. |
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What You'll Learn
Seal doors and windows
Keeping doors and windows sealed is one of the most simple yet effective ways to keep flies out of your house. This ensures that any flies lurking outside do not enter your space. Installing mesh screens on windows and doors can act as a physical barrier and add an extra layer of protection. It is also important to repair or replace any damaged screens.
To further prevent flies from entering your home, you can treat indoor areas and surfaces with pest control barrier sprays. These can be applied to typical resting places, including door jams, curtain rods, and around ceiling-mounted fittings.
Additionally, keeping your home clean is essential. Flies are attracted to food and drink left out, trash cans, dirty drains, overripe produce, and animal droppings. Make sure to empty and clean trash cans regularly, and keep them away from the house. Compost bins should be sealed well and taken out frequently. Dirty diaper storage cans should also be emptied regularly.
Outside the house, clear away any grass clippings, leaves, or other vegetation that can decay and attract flies. Pick up animal faeces immediately and inspect your garden daily for any wildlife droppings.
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$9.99
Use natural repellents like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree
Natural repellents are a great way to keep flies out of your house. They are safe, natural alternatives to chemical repellents. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are particularly effective in deterring flies.
Lavender, with its strong, sweet, and floral scent, is a well-known natural repellent that can be used to keep flies away. You can use lavender in a variety of ways to repel flies. Dried lavender flowers can be placed in small bowls or bags and placed indoors to deter flies. You can also use lavender essential oil, which has soothing aroma that humans enjoy but is repulsive to flies.
Eucalyptus oil is another powerful essential oil for repelling flies. Its robust and camphor-like aroma is highly effective in keeping flies at bay. Eucalyptus oil can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create a repellent spray. For example, you can mix ten drops of eucalyptus oil, ten drops of lavender oil, and a cup of water in a spray bottle. This mixture can be used both indoors and outdoors to keep flies away.
Tea tree oil is also a strong deterrent against flies. Its antiseptic properties are well-known, but its strong smell is also off-putting to many insects, including flies. Tea tree oil can be used to create a natural repellent spray. A simple recipe is to mix a glass of vodka, two teaspoons of aloe vera juice, one teaspoon of tea tree oil, and half a teaspoon of any other essential oil of your choice. This mixture can then be poured into a spray bottle and used on your skin or anywhere flies are a problem.
These natural repellent methods are a great way to keep flies out of your house in Australia. They are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
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Hang sticky traps
Hanging sticky fly traps is an effective way to keep flies out of your house in Australia. These traps are made of sticky paper coated with a strong adhesive that captures and kills flies. They are particularly useful in areas where flies are prevalent, such as the kitchen, living room, or outdoor spaces.
When using sticky fly traps, it is important to consider the placement and preparation. Firstly, identify the areas in your home where flies are most active, such as near windows and doors or garbage cans. Prepare the sticky trap by cutting the sticky paper to the desired length and poking a hole in it with scissors. Then, tie a rope through the hole and hang the trap in the chosen location. Alternatively, you can nail the sticky paper directly to the wall. It is recommended to refrigerate the sticky paper before use, as this can make it easier to handle.
The effectiveness of sticky fly traps can be enhanced by placing them at the right height and in optimal conditions. Hang the traps at a height that is accessible to flies, typically around head height or slightly above. Avoid placing them too high, as this may reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, flies are attracted to light, so consider hanging the traps near a light source or using a trap with a built-in light feature. Some traps have a time setting option, allowing you to run them continuously or for specific intervals, such as 6 or 12 hours.
It is important to regularly maintain and replace sticky fly traps to ensure their effectiveness. Over time, the traps will accumulate captured flies, dust, or other debris, reducing their stickiness. To clean the traps, carefully remove them, taking care not to touch the sticky surface with your hands. You can use tools like gloves or tweezers to handle the traps. Once removed, dispose of the used traps and replace them with fresh ones. If the sticky residue gets on your hands, you can remove it with vegetable oil, alcohol, or a waterless hand cleaner.
Sticky fly traps are a useful tool for keeping flies out of your house in Australia. By following the instructions for placement, preparation, and maintenance, you can effectively capture and kill flies, creating a more comfortable and pest-free environment in your home.
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Keep your home clean and rubbish bins sealed
Keeping your home clean and rubbish bins sealed is a great way to prevent flies from entering your home. Flies are attracted to rotting organic matter, so it is important to keep your home clean and free of any food or drink that has been left out, uncovered, or in an uncovered trash can. Make sure to clean up after meals and store any leftover food in airtight containers. Keep your kitchen surfaces, floors, and benchtops clean and free of crumbs and spills.
It is also important to properly seal your rubbish bins and compost bins. Take out the trash regularly and keep the bins clean and odour-free. If you have a compost bin, make sure it is sealed well and take it out frequently. You can also consider purchasing or building an enclosed compost space to make fly access more difficult. Keep your trash and recycling bins away from the house to avoid drawing flies towards your home.
Animal faeces, such as pet waste or litter boxes, should be cleaned up immediately. In addition, inspect your garden daily for any faeces left by wildlife, such as dog poop, as certain flies are attracted to these areas. Clear away any unneeded remnants of your garden, such as lawn clippings and other discarded vegetation, in tightly closed bin bags.
To prevent flies from entering your home, keep your windows and doors sealed. Installing screens on every openable window and door can add an extra layer of protection and act as a barrier against flying bugs. If you have any gaps or holes in your screens, repair or replace them.
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Use insecticides and pesticides
Insecticides and pesticides are a surefire way to keep flies out of your house. There are a variety of products available on the market, each with its own unique advantages.
Seclira Pressurised Fly Bait
This is a safe and precise way to apply bait to areas where flies are a nuisance. It is safe for use around humans and other warm-blooded animals and food processing areas.
Deltforce Residual Insecticide
This is a great all-rounder that is effective on a wide range of household and commercial insect pests. It has low toxicity and is safe when used correctly.
Delta Pro Professional Insecticide
This is a highly concentrated product that is 2.5 times more potent than other deltamethrin formulations. It is manufactured by a 100% Australian-owned company.
Py-Bo Natural Pyrethrum Concentrate
This is an 80g/Litre pyrethrins concentrate that makes up to 20 times the strength of products available in garden centres. 1 litre of the product can be diluted to make a large volume of insecticide.
Yates Home Pest Long Term Control Barrier Spray
This spray can be used to treat indoor areas and surfaces that are typical resting places for flies, such as door jams, flyscreens, curtain rods, and ceiling-mounted fittings. It can also be sprayed outdoors on eaves, flyscreens, and awnings.
Sumitomo Samurai Systemic Insecticide
This product contains 500 g/L clothianidin and has a protective clause for the safety of bees.
Chaindrite Extra Strength Crawling Insect Spray
This spray has a powerful flushing action to reach insect pests in hard-to-reach places.
Protect-Us Insecticidal Dust
This product comes in a handy 500g puffer pack for home use and is effective on a wide range of common insect pests.
Physical barriers
If you are looking for a non-chemical method, physical barriers such as nets on prams and cots and mesh screens on windows and doors can be used to keep flies out.
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Frequently asked questions
Keeping doors and windows shut is one of the most simple yet effective ways to keep flies out of your house. Installing screens on every openable window can also make a huge difference.
You can try planting herbs and flowers such as basil, lavender, or marigolds around the house. You can also use natural trap bait such as a mixture of vinegar and dish soap to trap flies.
You can use insecticides or sticky traps to kill or trap flies. You can also use a commercial repellent like Mortein NaturGard Multi-Insect Automatic Spray Indoor & Outdoor.
