Lyla Lindsey
Flies in your lawn can be a nuisance, especially when they start to invade your home. There are about 10,000 species of flies in Australia, but only a small number are considered pests, such as the Biting Midge, House Fly, and Fruit Fly. Flies are attracted to different things depending on their species, with House Flies liking dairy, poultry, and animal waste, and Blow Flies being drawn to decaying meat. They are also attracted to heat, light, and low wind, and can breed in compost, manure, and grass clippings. To reduce fly populations, it is important to remove their breeding sites, such as by keeping a tight lid on your rubbish bin and clearing lawn clippings. Natural deterrents like sweet basil, mint, and rosemary can also be effective, as can fly traps.
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What You'll Learn
Common fly types in Australia
Australia is home to more than 10,000 species of flies, but only a small percentage of these are considered harmful or pests. The most common flies in Australia include house flies, fruit flies, bush flies, blow flies, and fungus gnats.
House flies (Musca domestica) are major carriers of disease and can infest all types of premises. They are attracted to all types of food, including human food, pet food, animal feed, food waste, and even faeces. House flies are about 5-7mm long with reddish eyes, a greyish body with four black stripes on the thorax, and a yellowish underside. They breed in moist decaying vegetable matter, such as uncovered garbage or pet food, and their eggs can hatch in as little as 8-72 hours.
Fruit flies are commonly found infesting fruit or hovering around fermenting residues in pubs, fruit orchards, vegetable plots, and breweries. Adult fruit flies are 5-8mm long with a grey thorax, four narrow stripes, and a buff or yellow abdomen. They have small hairs that serve as taste organs, and their eyes are made up of thousands of lenses, giving them a wide field of vision.
Bush flies (Musca vetustissima) are tiny flies that are a nuisance during the summer, often getting into people's eyes. They breed in animal dung and are present all year round in northern Australia, but their populations may decline during the wet season, especially in coastal areas. Adult bush flies are similar in appearance to house flies but are slightly smaller, at 4-6mm long, with two black stripes on the thorax that split into four, resembling two parallel 'Y's.
Blow flies (Calliphora) are large, bristly, and hairy flies that are drawn to kitchens or BBQs when meat is cooking. They breed in carrion, and females can lay live young. Adult blow flies are also attracted to flowers, where they feed on nectar, and are considered beneficial insects due to their role in pollination and breaking down animal carcasses.
Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) are blood-sucking flies that bite people and domestic animals. They are associated with livestock and were introduced to Australia in the late 19th century. They are similar in size to house flies but have a chequerboard pattern on their abdomen.
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Fly breeding grounds
Flies breed in manure, rotting food (such as meat, fruit or vegetables), damp rubbish, and even grass clippings. They feed on garbage, old food, animal remains, and faeces in your yard, and these are also the places where they lay their eggs. Therefore, keeping your surroundings clean is a good way to reduce the number of flies. Take out the trash regularly and don't let old bags sit for weeks. Do not let plates with old food sit around, and clean up any animal waste you find on the ground.
Bush flies breed in animal dung, and large populations can build up around intensive livestock operations. Blow flies breed in carrion, and females can lay live young. Adult blow flies are attracted to flowers where they feed on nectar, and because they are hairy, they are very efficient pollinators.
To prevent flies from breeding in your compost heap, turn it regularly to help it heat up and kill any fly larvae and pupae.
You can also use fly traps to reduce the number of flies in your backyard. Traps can be liquid, electrical, or use a food source as bait.
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Natural fly deterrents
Flies are naturally attracted to garbage, cut fruits, and other foods, so keeping your home clean is an important step in preventing a fly infestation. In Australia, there are about 10,000 species of flies, but only a small number are considered pests. The most common "nuisance flies" are Muscidae (e.g. House Flies and Bush Flies) and Calliphoridae (Blow Flies). House Flies have been associated with human activity for a long time and are now found in almost every country in the world. Bush Flies are present all year round in northern Australia and are largely responsible for the "Great Aussie Salute". Blow Flies are large, bristly, buzzing flies that are drawn to kitchen windows or BBQs when meat is cooking.
- Herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary produce a strong scent that flies dislike. Place these herbs in pots in sunny spots, such as your kitchen windowsill, or hang them around your outdoor entertainment area to create a natural barrier.
- Flies also detest the smell of cloves. Place a bowl of dried cloves in each room where you are experiencing problems with flies.
- Apple cider vinegar can be used to create a homemade fly trap. Mix it with a natural liquid soap or sugar and dish soap in a bowl. The flies will be attracted to the aroma but will become trapped by the surface tension created by the soap in the liquid solution.
- Carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap, use their sweet-smelling sap to lure and trap flies. However, they may not be effective enough to prevent a fly infestation as they can only catch a few bugs at a time.
- A candle trap can be created by placing a candle in a candle stand and filling the stand partially with water. The candle is then lit, and the flies will be attracted to the flame, either burning their wings or falling into the water and drowning.
- A fan on your porch or seating area can help keep flies away, as they are not strong flyers and will avoid the breeze.
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Fly traps
Flies are attracted to manure, rotting food, and damp rubbish, where they breed. To reduce the number of flies, you can make it difficult for them to breed by keeping your outdoor space clean and tidy. However, if you're looking for a more direct method, there are a variety of fly traps available in Australia.
The EnviroSafe Fly Trap System
The EnviroSafe Fly Trap is Australia's #1 fly trap system, designed to attract and catch a wide range of flies. It uses a unique EnviroSafe Eco-Bait, a highly effective and irresistible bait that lures flies into the trap, where they remain trapped. The traps are reusable, durable, and UV-stabilised, making them suitable for the Australian summer. They are also non-toxic and safe for children and pets.
The Aussie Gardener Bio Fly Trap
The Bio Fly Trap from Aussie Gardener is a bottle trap that can be hung in areas with a fly problem. It is safe and effective, trapping hundreds of flies. Reusable satchels are also available for purchase, allowing you to reuse the trap.
Natural Fly Traps
You can also create natural fly traps using herbs such as sweet basil, mint, and rosemary. These herbs have strong scents that flies find repulsive. Place them in sunny spots or hang them around your outdoor space to create a natural barrier against flies. By picking and crushing a few leaves as you walk by, you can enhance their scent.
In addition to traps, you can also try insecticides specifically designed for controlling flies, such as Yates' Nature's Way Fruit Fly Control. However, these may require mixing and the use of appropriate protective equipment, so always read the instructions carefully.
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Fly control on lawns
Flies can be a common nuisance in Australian lawns, with over 10,000 species in the country, including the well-known Bush Fly and House Fly. While some flies are beneficial insects, such as the Hover Fly, others can be pests that affect the health of your lawn. Here are some detailed tips on fly control specifically for lawns:
Identification
Firstly, it's important to identify the type of fly you're dealing with, as different species have different behaviours and preferences. For example, House Flies are attracted to dairy, animal waste, and garbage, while Blow Flies are drawn to decaying meat. Soldier flies are considered beneficial as they recycle manure and other organic materials, and predate on other insects. Another pest to look out for is the Couch Tip Maggot, which is the larval stage of the fly Delia urbana. These maggots feed on the growing tips of couch grass, causing the grass to thin and weaken, and eventually die off.
Prevention
The best way to control flies is to make it difficult for them to breed. Flies breed in manure, rotting food, damp rubbish, and even grass clippings. Keep your lawn clean and tidy, removing any potential breeding sites. If you have pets, clean up after them regularly. Ensure your rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids, and clear any piles of lawn clippings or other garden waste promptly. If you have a compost heap, use an enclosed tumbler or bin with a sealed lid to prevent fly access. Avoid over-fertilising your lawn, as too much new growth can attract adult flies.
Natural Repellents
Certain plants have scents that naturally deter flies. Herbs such as sweet basil, mint, and rosemary produce strong scents that flies dislike. Pot these herbs in sunny spots around your outdoor areas to create a natural barrier.
Traps
Use fly traps to catch large numbers of flies before they enter your home. Hang traps away from barbecue areas and entry points to divert flies away from living spaces.
Insecticides
If you choose to use insecticides, it's important to first correctly identify the type of fly or insect you're dealing with. Only apply pesticides or insecticides when you are certain that the issue is due to an overabundance of a particular pest. Always follow instructions, wear appropriate protective equipment, and be cautious when using chemicals around children and pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Flies are attracted to different things depending on their species. House flies like dairy, poultry, animal waste, and garbage, whereas blow flies are attracted to decaying meat. Flies are also attracted to compost and manure. To reduce the number of flies, keep compost bins covered and sealed, and avoid using raw manure on the garden, especially during the warmer fly-breeding seasons.
The appearance of the fly depends on its species. House flies are about 5-7mm long with reddish eyes, are greyish on top with four black stripes on the thorax, and are yellowish underneath. Bush flies are similar in appearance to house flies but are smaller, about 4-6mm long, and have two black stripes on the thorax that split into four, resembling two parallel 'Y's. Blow flies are large, bristly, and buzzing.
Many plants have scents that deter flies, such as sweet basil, mint, and rosemary. Pot these herbs in a sunny spot or hang them around your outdoor area to act as a natural barrier. You can also try fitting fly screens to your windows and installing screen doors to let air in without inviting flies into your home.
Fly traps can be hung away from your barbecue and entry points to attract flies away from your living areas. You can also try insecticides, but be sure to identify the type of fly you are targeting and follow instructions and safety precautions.
Yes, besides flies, there are other bugs that can be harmful to your lawn. Red spider mites live on the underside of grass leaves and harm the grass's ability to photosynthesize. Mole crickets nest deep in the soil and are difficult to kill with insecticides. Army worms spread in large numbers, so quick action is required.
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