Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Flies

Fruit flies and gnats are very aggravating pests. Once they have invaded a home their elimination can be an exceptionally difficult task. Although such insects appear harmless, they have the potential to carry a variety of germs and bacteria. This causes many homeowners to wonder how to get rid of flies and how to prevent their return.

Preventative Measures

The presence of gnats and fruit flies is not uncommon in homes, restaurants or other buildings where food waste of any type is present. Prevention is the best way to avoid a major fruit fly problem. The most effective preventative measure is the disposal of vegetables and fruits before they become overly ripe and decay begins. For this reason, foods that have a tendency to rot or decay should be prepared in a timely manner or sealed in containers that feature air-tight lids so that their ripe scent is not present to attract the opportunistic flies.

Despite practicing appropriate prevention techniques, a person may find that gnats and fruit flies are still present in his or her home. The following are some effective strategies for permanently eliminating such pests:

Lemongrass Oil

Those who need to eliminate fruit flies but do not wish to saturate the counters and eating areas of their home with bug sprays or other chemicals can make a natural and eco-friendly fly repellent from lemongrass oil. This simple and effective remedy can be made in minutes by adding ten drops of lemongrass oil to two ounces of hot water. The mixture should then be placed in a bottle and sprayed over the areas where the fly problem is most prominent. The slight residue it leaves behind is non-toxic and easy to wipe away.

Making Fruit Fly Traps

A ripe banana can be used to create an effective fruit fly trap, as such insects are particularly drawn to bananas. To use this elimination method, one must simply place a very ripe banana inside a clear, resealable plastic bag in which tiny holes have been poked. When the banana is left in the bag overnight, most if not all of the fruit flies in the home will have made their way into the bag by morning, at which point they can be killed with bug spray and discarded.

A trap can also be made with a shallow dish of red wine. A few ounces should be placed in a small dish and covered with plastic wrap. After the plastic wrap has been fastened to the dish with a rubber band, several tiny holes should be pierced in its surface. The flies will be attracted to the wine and once they have crawled into the contraption they will be unable to escape.

Flies are a nuisance, and can carry germs or bacteria. For this reason, it is important for homeowners to learn how to get rid of flies. Following the aforementioned steps can help one eliminate the presence of these troublesome insects from his or her home and prevent their return.