The Best Method to Get Rid of Flies

Controlling fly populations is important because flies can spread diseases such as food poisoning and dysentery. Flies will feed on items such as garbage and leftover food, and can even contaminate counters and surfaces with their feces. The best method of getting rid of flies includes simple traps combined with eliminating materials that are drawing flies into a home.

Things You'll Need

  • Ultraviolet light fly trap
  • Sticky fly traps
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Caulk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase an ultraviolet light flytrap. They can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. Flies will be attracted to the light and killed once they touch the trap. Place the trap in an area where it cannot be seen from outside and in an area that is less than 5 feet off the ground. Also keep ultraviolet light flytraps away from competing light sources and away from food preparation areas for effectiveness and sanitary reasons.

    • 2

      Supplement your ultraviolet light flytraps with traditional sticky traps. Sticky fly paper traps are available at most general stores and can be placed in areas where an ultraviolet light would not work. Simply hang sticky traps in corners or areas where flies are gathering and watch them become trapped. Remove and replace sticky traps as needed.

    • 3

      Eliminate breeding sites and materials that are attracting flies into a home. Dispose of trash and uneaten food products properly. This means waste items need to be stored in garbage bags and trash cans with lids. Make sure trash cans and dumpsters are cleaned and keep them away from your home if possible. Clean up animal and pet waste from your yard as soon as possible to keep flies away.

    • 4

      Seal entry points that allow flies to get into your home. Use caulk to seal cracks in windows and doors. Replace broken screens in doors and windows that create easy access into homes for bugs. Do not keep doors or windows open without screens to prevent flies from flying into your home.