What are Home Remedies to Get Rid of Flies?

A simple apple cider vinegar and dish soap trap is a highly effective home remedy to eliminate flies. Here are several other home remedies you can use to get rid of flies:

Effective Fly Traps and Repellents

Here's a breakdown of easy-to-make and use home remedies to combat fly infestations:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Trap

• How it works: Flies are attracted to the sweet smell of apple cider vinegar, but the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing them to drown.
• Instructions:
  1. Pour about 1 inch of apple cider vinegar into a tall glass or jar.
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap (any kind will do).
  3. Cover the glass with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
  4. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap.
  5. Place the trap in areas where you see flies.

2. Wine Bottle Trap

• How it works: Flies are drawn to the residual wine and become trapped in the bottle.
• Instructions: Leave a small amount of wine (about an inch) in an empty wine bottle. Leave the bottle uncorked in an area where you see flies.

3. Sugar and Black Pepper Trap

• How it works: The sugar attracts the flies, and the pepper is toxic to them.
• Instructions: Mix equal parts sugar and black pepper in a shallow dish. Add a small amount of water to create a paste. Place the dish where flies congregate.

4. Essential Oil Repellent

• How it works: Certain essential oils have repellent properties that deter flies.
• Instructions:
  1. Mix a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or clove) with water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray around doorways, windowsills, and other areas where flies enter.
  3. Alternatively, soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them in small dishes around your home.

5. Natural Sprays

• How it works: Combinations of natural ingredients create a repellent effect.
• Instructions:
  • Cayenne Pepper Spray: Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray around entry points.
  • Vinegar Spray: Spray white vinegar around your home, especially in areas where flies are common.

6. Keep a Clean Home

• How it works: Eliminating food sources and breeding grounds reduces fly populations.
• Instructions:
  • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
  • Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and empty them regularly.
  • Wash dishes promptly.
  • Clean pet food bowls after each feeding.

7. Basil Plants

• How it works: Basil is a natural fly repellent.
• Instructions: Place basil plants near doorways and windows.

By implementing these home remedies, you can effectively reduce and eliminate flies from your home. Remember that consistency is key for long-term fly control.