House Fly Control Tips

According to science, there are 120,000 species of flies, and each species or group of flies comprises millions and millions, of this staggering number house flies are among this group.  House flies are pests in both indoor and as well as outdoor environments.  These pests are known to spread disease because of their love for filth by feeding and breathing in garbage, rotting food, manure, etc…

House flies reproduce rapidly so it’s best to bring control once they are spotted,  the first step in house fly control is exclusion and sanitation. Ensure that doors and windows are closed at all times, window and door screens must be in good repair or should be in place if they are missing, and check for cracks around doors, windows, vents, and other entry points.

Avoid keeping food uncovered on the kitchen countertop and other open areas, and ensure that indoor and outdoor garbage containers are properly sealed. Keep outside sanitation areas raked and clean also.

House Fly Identification

House flies are medium-sized size 1/6 to 1/4 of an inch long, the adult has the fourth wing vein sharply angled and four length-wise dark strips are located on the thorax’s top. The face of the house fly possesses two velvety stripes. These stripes are silver above and gold below.

The female house fly has a wider space between their eyes compared to the male, The female lays 5-6 batches (75-100) of eggs, the eggs are small white, and oval-shaped. In warmer weather, the eggs hatch in 12 to 24 hours. The eggs of house flies are laid or deposited in almost any warm moist material that will furnish suitable food for the fly’s larvae, for example decaying vegetables, animal manure, garbage, human feces, and other organic materials.  The larvae are creamed-colored, these larvae grow and pupate in 4 to 7 days. The larvae once mature will begin to contract until their skin forms a case about 1/4 inch long. Inside the case the pupa forms.

Once fully developed the adult fly emerges from the pupa case, and after a few hours of emerging the fly is ready to mate. In the warmer season, two or more generations of house flies are completed within a month.

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

7 Ways to Fly Control

1.  Insecticide Dust

D-Fense Dust is effective against fly control, apply the dust to cracks and crevices, and as dust is applied it will move throughout void areas.

2. Metered Aerosols + Dispensers

For indoor use, use Metered aerosols with pyrethrin that have automatic dispensers. Facing the dispensers set it to the desired interval, using the two switches on the top right of the dispenser. Adjust time set spray for 7.5, 15, or 30-minute intervals. For 24-hour, day-only, or night-only periods.

3. Residual Insecticides Concentrates

Apply a residual spray where the flies are resting, a contact insecticide is also effective, once the flies rest on the surface and pick up enough insecticide will eliminate them.  Ensure when applying that the surface is sufficiently wet to be effective.

4. Pyrethrin Insecticide Aerosols

Pyrethrin insecticide aerosols will deliver a quick knockdown but do not have a lasting residual, these aerosols will reduce the fly population for a short time but must be applied again for a continual knockdown.

5. Fly Glue traps

Fly glue such as Musca- Stik Sticky Fly Trap, the Musca stik attracts flies with a sex pheromone called Muscalure. And orange color that visibly attracts flies,  This glue trap is odor-free. There is also a Flies-Be-Gone Flytrap which is non-toxic, this disposable trap can be used in outdoor areas for example trash areas, gardens, stables, farms, kennels, patios, campsites, compost piles, along a back fence, etc.. Revenge Window Fly Traps can be used on windows to control fly population,  some places to use Revenge Window Fly Traps are farmlands, boats, hospitals, RV’s, etc…

6. Fly Baits

Use insecticide granule fly baits outdoors for fly control, to be effective place baits along window sills, walls, and other areas where flies congregate, baits can be used in buildings as well. Maxforce Fly Spot Bait can be applied (sprayed) to surfaces. For fly baits to be effective ensure that the proper sanitation measures are in place, because garbage and other breathing sources will discourage them from baits. The baits should be their only food source, make sure that baits are kept out of the reach of children and pets.

7. Fly Light Traps

These electronic light traps are very effective and should only be used indoors, or in sheltered areas away from the wind and the rain. Fly light traps are popular in commercial buildings and restaurants. Fly lights with glue pads and fly zappers are also effective. A popular fly light trap that’s widely used is the Matrix II All Seasons Fly Trap.

Natural Methods to Control House Flies

Some natural ways to get rid of flies

• Mix cayenne pepper and water and then spray around your house to keep the flies away
• Mix about an inch of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish liquid soap in a tall glass, and cover the glass with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with a rubber band followed by poking small holes in the top of the plastic. The vinegar will attract the flies causing them to fly through the holes, the dish liquid soap will cause the flies to sink killing them.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What attracts house flies to my home in the first place?

House flies love the smell of food, garbage, pet waste, and even damp areas. If you’ve got leftovers on the counter, uncovered trash, or a dirty litter box, they’ll come buzzing in. Keeping things clean and sealed up is the first step to keeping them out!

2. Can house flies really carry diseases?

Yes, they absolutely can. House flies land on garbage, feces, and rotting food, picking up bacteria and viruses on their legs and mouths. Then they spread it to your kitchen surfaces and food. That’s why it’s important not to let them hang around your living spaces.

3. What’s the best way to keep house flies out of the house?

Start with prevention: seal doors and windows, use screens, and fix any gaps. Keep food stored, trash covered, and sinks clean. Flies can’t resist an easy meal—cutting off their buffet is half the battle!

4. Do natural remedies actually work for getting rid of house flies?

Absolutely! DIY options like apple cider vinegar traps, essential oils (like eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint), and even placing cloves in citrus peels can repel or trap flies. They may not work as fast as chemicals, but they’re safe and great for long-term control.

5. What kind of traps work best for indoor fly control?

Bait stations with vinegar and sugar, sticky fly strips and electric fly zappers are all very effective and will bring control. Many people have great results combining a couple of methods—like placing sticky traps near windows while using a baited jar trap in the kitchen.

6. Are chemical sprays safe to use around kids and pets?

Some sprays are labeled safe, but always read the label carefully. Better yet, choose low-toxicity sprays or natural options. You can also use fly traps or fly screens to minimize exposure to any chemicals in the home.

7. Why do I still have flies even after cleaning everything?

Sometimes it’s not about what’s inside your house—it’s about what’s just outside. House flies can breed in garbage bins, compost piles, or animal waste nearby. Check your outdoor trash cans and yard for hidden sources.

8. How can I prevent flies from coming back after I get rid of them?

Consistency is key! Keep your trash sealed, clean your drains regularly, don’t leave food out, and empty pet waste daily. Also, try adding fly-repelling plants like basil or mint near windows and doors for a natural defense that will keep flies away.

9. Do house flies bite humans?

House flies don’t bite—they don’t have the mouthparts to do so. But their buzzing cousins like horseflies or stable flies do. Still, house flies are just as annoying and dirty, spreading germs wherever they go.

10. When should I call a pest control professional for flies?

If you’ve tried traps, cleaning, and prevention—but the flies just keep coming back then it might be time to call in the professional. There could be a hidden breeding site or a larger infestation that needs professional-grade treatment.

Conclusion

Houseflies are nasty and carry disease, these house pests should not be ignored or tolerated but steps should be taken to not only reduce but to eradicate their population, these methods that were discussed are effective and will give you the results you’re looking for helping to create an environment that is free of flies. If you’re having fly issues contact us so we can help you to create a pest-free environment.