Did you know that each common house fly can carry more than 1 million bacteria on its body? Yuck! The most common of these diseases transferred by flies are E. Coli, salmonella, and cholera. According to the ​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)​, even though houseflies are a species of non-biting flies, they can cause serious harm to your family and pets in your home. Flies can carry these bacteria from one location to another on the body hairs and deposit it on the food you eat.

KEEP FLIES AWAY

Here are six ways to lower the fly population in and around your home.

1.  Keep Home Clean – Good sanitation is key when trying to avoid flies in your home. Keep food put away and covered, as to not entice the flies with a meal. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are favorites for flies. By keeping these items covered or in the fridge, you can prevent flies from making a meal out of your food and leaving behind diseases. Try washing out trash bins often and keeping lids closed tightly to avoid a breeding area for flies.
2. Try To Close Doors – It may sound like a simple task, but closing doors behind you, especially in warmer months, can prevent flies gaining entry into your home. Having screens placed over windows is an additional step to prevent flies from coming inside your home. Additionally, you may want to inspect your home for small holes or cracks that flies and other small insects could enter your home and fill them with caulk or screen.
3. Pick Up After Your Pet- We all love our furry friends, but their feces can be a breeding ground for flies and other pests. To keep flies away from your yard and out of your house, always remember to pick up pet waste and dispose in a garbage can with a tight fitting lid.
4. Keep It Natural – Flies do not like the smell of lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. Try planting these plants in small pots around your home entrances like porches or decks to discourage flies and other pest from your home. If you do not have the time or space for plants, the essential oils from these plants can also be used a great substitute.
5. Remove Standing Water – Stagnant water can be a host for all sorts of pests. Flies are attracted to moisture and standing water. Keep bird baths clean in your yard and remove all containers where water could potentially collect.

With our family having over 88 years in the pest control business, 24/7 Local Pest Control will keep flies from your yard and home. Contact us for tailor-made pest control options, all with the 24/7 Local Pest Control promise of customer satisfaction.