What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
In many cases, flies won't do any harm. However, they can carry viruses and bacteria that can spread when they bite, such as cholera, E. coli, dysentery, and a tropical infection called yaws.
Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray around the house to deter flies from coming in. Just be careful you don't get any in your eyes!
Another scent flies hate comes from the citronella plant. Using citronella candles can help to keep flies away, especially in your outdoor space.
Avoid using rat poison to kill rodents, because the carcasses can attract flies. Instead, use a snap trap.
Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Country Living) (Healthline)
See also: Disturbing things that happen if you stop cleaning your home
Basil is another plant with a scent flies can't stand. You can use it in various areas throughout your home, such as near your food or your garbage cans.
Drains are a magnet for flies, as they're filled with rotten organic material. Make sure to clean them every week with a disinfectant.
Swatters are an excellent tool to quickly get rid of flies in your home. Flies fly right in between the mesh and are struck by a high voltage spark, which kills them instantly.
Dirty dishes and glasses are a haven for flies, so make sure not to leave them out for long.
Flies are most attracted to moist or rotten foods. Therefore, whenever you spill food, clean it up immediately.
Many essential oils have strong odors that chase flies away. Some good ones are clove oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and cinnamon oil.
Before you purchase a can of pesticide, try to get rid of flies naturally. There are various methods.
Lavender is an excellent way to repel flies. Its smell wards them away, simply because they can't stand the scent.
You can try planting herbs and flowers such as basil or marigolds (pictured) around the house. You can also use sticky traps outside.
When flies try to get to the light, they’ll either be killed with an electric zap or trapped, depending on what kind of light trap you get.
In addition to natural ways to get rid of flies, you can use insecticides and traps to kill or remove them.
You can also use foods or drinks that are attractive to flies in order to trick them into a trap.
Sticky traps aren't so effective as other traps, but can be added to help control infestations.
If you do need to use insecticide, pyrethrin-based insecticides are most common for indoor fly infestations. Make sure it's for indoor use, and ventilate the area well.
The best way to deal with a fly infestation is to prevent it in the first place. This can be done in a number of ways.
Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that eat insects, including flies. They will break down the insect over five to 12 days, and then spit out the exoskeleton.
Mix apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap in a tall glass. Cover the glass with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band and poke small holes in the top. This will trap those small, annoying fruit flies.
Houseflies are mainly attracted by items in which they can lay eggs, such as food waste and animal feces.
When the warmer months come around, flies come too. Whether you live in a big city, the suburbs, or in the countryside, flies are everywhere. And although flies may not seem dangerous, they tend to carry diseases and filth with them, which can cause problems for your living environment, and the health of both you and your loved ones (including your pets).
Therefore, it's time that you learn how to get rid of the flies in your home. Browse through this gallery to discover how.
How to keep your home fly-free
Fight those irritating little invaders with these easy tricks
LIFESTYLE Insects
When the warmer months come around, flies come too. Whether you live in a big city, the suburbs, or in the countryside, flies are everywhere. And although flies may not seem dangerous, they tend to carry diseases and filth with them, which can cause problems for your living environment, and the health of both you and your loved ones (including your pets).
Therefore, it's time that you learn how to get rid of the flies in your home. Browse through this gallery to discover how.