How to Get Rid of Flies in the House: A Complete Removal and Prevention Plan

TL;DR: To effectively get rid of flies in your house, start by eliminating their attractants. Securely bag and remove all garbage, clean up food spills and crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Use traps like sticky fly paper or a DIY solution of apple cider vinegar and dish soap for fruit flies. To stop them from entering, inspect and repair any holes in window and door screens. Finally, clean your drains with a bio-enzymatic cleaner to remove the sludge where drain flies breed.

Flies are more than just a minor nuisance; they are potent carriers of disease. A single house fly can transport over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria responsible for salmonella, E. coli, and cholera. Their presence in a home often signals an underlying issue with sanitation or a structural vulnerability they have exploited. The most common indoor culprits are the house fly, attracted to general filth; the fruit fly, drawn to fermenting sugars; and the drain fly, which thrives in the organic film inside plumbing. Each type requires a slightly different approach for effective control.

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Successfully clearing your home of a fly problem involves a two-part strategy: first, you must deal with the adult flies currently buzzing around, and second, you must identify and eliminate their breeding grounds to stop the life cycle. Understanding what attracts them and where they lay their eggs is the foundation of a long-term solution. This process transforms your home from a welcoming habitat into an environment where flies simply cannot thrive, giving you lasting peace and a healthier living space.

First Things First: Identifying the Fly and Its Source

Before you can launch an effective counterattack, you need to know your enemy. Different types of flies have distinct behaviors, food preferences, and breeding habits. Misidentifying the pest can lead to using the wrong methods, resulting in continued frustration. A proper identification allows you to target the source of the problem directly, which is the most critical step in any pest control plan. By observing where you see the flies most often and what they land on, you can gather the clues needed to pinpoint the species and its origin point.

The Common House Fly (Musca domestica)

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The house fly is the most recognizable indoor pest, typically gray with four dark stripes on its thorax. These flies are filth breeders, meaning they are drawn to decaying organic material. Their primary food sources and breeding grounds include uncovered garbage cans, pet waste, rotting food scraps, and compost piles. A female house fly can lay up to 150 eggs in a single batch, and these can hatch into maggots in less than a day in warm conditions. If you see these larger gray flies buzzing around your kitchen trash or near pet areas, a sanitation issue is almost certainly the cause.

The Tiny Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)

Fruit flies are much smaller than house flies, often tan-colored with distinctive red eyes. As their name suggests, they are attracted to the yeast found in fermenting fruits and vegetables. They are also drawn to spills of soda, juice, alcohol, and even the residue in unrinsed recycling bins. A single forgotten banana on the counter or a small puddle of spilled juice under the refrigerator can support a thriving population. You will typically find them hovering around fruit bowls, garbage disposals, and trash cans. Their life cycle is incredibly fast, going from egg to adult in just over a week.

The Fuzzy Drain Fly (Psychodidae)

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Drain flies, also known as moth flies, have a unique, fuzzy appearance with dark, rounded wings that make them look like tiny moths. They are weak fliers and are usually found near their breeding sites. They don’t seek out your food but instead thrive in the gelatinous sludge that builds up inside drains, garbage disposals, and seldom-used toilets. This organic film provides the perfect environment for them to lay eggs. If you see these small, dark insects on the walls of your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, especially near sinks or showers, your plumbing is the prime suspect.

Immediate Action: Eliminating Flies You Can See

Once you have identified the source, you still have to deal with the adult flies currently in your home. Eliminating the active population reduces the immediate annoyance and prevents them from laying more eggs. A combination of manual methods and strategic trapping can quickly decrease their numbers while you work on the long-term prevention strategies. These methods provide instant relief and are a crucial part of a comprehensive fly control plan.

The Classic Fly Swatter

For a small number of house flies, a simple fly swatter remains a surprisingly effective tool. The key to using it successfully is understanding how a fly sees the world. Their compound eyes are excellent at detecting motion, so a slow, steady approach is better than a fast, aggressive swing. Aim slightly behind where the fly is resting, as they tend to take off backward. While this method is satisfying, it is not a solution for a larger infestation and is best used for the occasional intruder.

Fly Traps: Commercial and DIY Solutions

Traps are an excellent way to passively catch and kill flies around the clock. The best type of trap depends on the fly you are targeting.

• Sticky Traps and Fly Paper: These are classic, non-toxic solutions. Fly paper is a ribbon coated in a fragrant, sticky substance that attracts and traps house flies. Hang them in areas with high fly activity, such as near windows or garbage cans, but avoid placing them directly over food preparation surfaces.
• UV Light Traps: These devices use ultraviolet light to attract flies to either a high-voltage grid that electrocutes them or a sticky board that traps them. They are highly effective for house flies and other night-flying insects. For best results, place them away from windows and other light sources so the UV light is the most attractive option in the room.
• DIY Vinegar Trap for Fruit Flies: This is a simple and highly effective trap for fruit flies. To make one, fill a small jar or bowl with an inch of apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap and stir gently. The vinegar’s fermented scent attracts the fruit flies, and the dish soap breaks the liquid’s surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown when they land. You can cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes in it to make it even more effective.

Natural Sprays and Repellents

While not as potent as commercial insecticides, certain essential oils can act as repellents. A spray made from water, a splash of witch hazel, and a few drops of peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil can help deter flies from landing on surfaces. Spray this mixture around windows, doorways, and on countertops. This method is more of a temporary deterrent than a permanent solution but can be a pleasant-smelling addition to your defense strategy.

The Core Strategy: Cutting Off Their Food Supply

The most important part of any fly control program is sanitation. Flies are in your home for one reason: they have found a reliable source of food. By removing their access to food, you make your home an inhospitable place for them to live and breed. This requires a diligent and consistent approach to cleaning, especially in the kitchen, where food sources are most abundant. A clean home is the best defense against a fly infestation.

Kitchen Sanitation and Food Storage

The kitchen is ground zero for fly activity. Even small crumbs and spills can sustain a population.

• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Clean up all crumbs, spills, and food residue from countertops, floors, and tables as soon as they happen.
• Store Food Properly: Keep all food, including pet food, in airtight containers. Store ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator instead of leaving them on the counter.
• Clean Under Appliances: Regularly pull out your refrigerator, stove, and microwave to clean underneath and behind them. Food particles and grease can accumulate in these hidden spots, creating a buffet for pests.
• Manage the Sink: Wash dishes promptly instead of leaving them in the sink. Run your garbage disposal regularly with cold water to clear out any food debris.

Garbage and Recycling Management

Your trash can is a primary attractant for house flies and fruit flies. Proper management is essential to keep them at bay.

• Use Lidded Cans: Always use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, both indoors and outdoors.
• Take Out Trash Frequently: Do not let garbage sit in the house for long periods, especially bags containing meat scraps, spoiled produce, or other wet organic matter.
• Rinse Recyclables: Thoroughly rinse all cans, bottles, and containers before placing them in the recycling bin. The sugary residue in a soda can is enough to attract a swarm of fruit flies.
• Clean Your Bins: Regularly wash and disinfect your indoor and outdoor trash and recycling bins to remove any residue or odors that might attract flies.

How to Get Rid of Flies in the House by Eliminating Breeding Grounds

While cutting off the food supply will starve adult flies, you also need to destroy their nurseries. Flies lay eggs in specific locations where their larvae (maggots) will have an immediate food source upon hatching. Eliminating these breeding sites is the only way to break the life cycle and prevent a new generation of flies from emerging. This means looking beyond the kitchen counters and addressing drains, pet areas, and even indoor plants.

Conquering Drain Flies

If you have identified drain flies, the problem lies within your pipes. The solution is not to pour bleach down the drain, as this will flow past the organic film too quickly to be effective. Instead, you need to physically remove the sludge.

1. Mechanical Cleaning: Start by using a stiff, long-handled pipe brush to scrub the inside of the pipe as far down as you can reach. This will break up the thickest parts of the sludge.
2. Boiling Water: Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help loosen and flush away some of the grime.
3. Enzymatic Cleaners: The most effective solution is a bio-enzymatic drain cleaner. These products contain bacteria and enzymes that digest the organic matter, completely eliminating the drain flies’ food source and breeding ground. Follow the product instructions, which usually involve letting it sit in the pipes overnight.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar: For a DIY alternative, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and work for 15-20 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat this process daily for a week.

Addressing Pet-Related Issues

Pets can inadvertently create ideal conditions for flies. Diligence in managing their food and waste is crucial.

• Litter Boxes: Scoop cat litter boxes at least once a day and change the litter completely on a regular basis. House flies will readily lay eggs in soiled litter.
• Yard Waste: If you have a dog, pick up pet waste from your yard daily. Feces are a primary breeding site for house flies, and a single pile can produce hundreds of new flies.
• Food Bowls: Wash pet food and water bowls daily. Do not leave wet pet food sitting out for extended periods, as it will attract flies. Store dry pet food in a sealed container.

Indoor Plants and Moisture Control

Overwatered indoor plants can lead to fungus gnats, which are often mistaken for fruit flies. These tiny black insects breed in damp soil. To control them, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. You can also place yellow sticky traps in the pots to catch the adults. Additionally, fix any leaky faucets or pipes in your home. Excess moisture creates a damp environment that is attractive to many pests, including flies. Schedule your maid services and experience the pristine difference for home

Fortifying Your Home: Sealing Entry Points

Even with a perfectly clean home, flies can still get inside if you give them an open invitation. The next line of defense is exclusion, which means physically blocking them from entering. A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior and a few simple repairs can make a significant difference. This proactive approach stops the problem before it even begins, saving you the trouble of dealing with an indoor infestation.

Inspecting and Repairing Screens

Window and door screens are your primary defense against flying insects. However, they are only effective if they are fully intact.

• Conduct a Thorough Inspection: Carefully check every screen on your windows and doors. Look for even the smallest rips, tears, or holes. Also, check the frame to ensure the screen is seated properly and there are no gaps along the edges.
• Perform Simple Repairs: For small holes, you can use a screen patch kit, which is an adhesive patch that can be applied directly over the damage. For larger tears or damaged frames, it may be necessary to replace the entire screen. This is a relatively simple DIY project or a quick job for a local handyman.

Sealing Cracks and Gaps

Flies can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Sealing these hidden entry points is a crucial step in fortifying your home.

• Check Around Doors and Windows: Use a good quality caulk to seal any cracks or gaps you find between the window or door frames and the siding of your house.
• Install Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around doors to create a tight seal when they are closed. A door sweep can be installed at the bottom of exterior doors to block the gap there.
• Inspect Utility Lines: Look for gaps where pipes, vents, and utility lines enter your home. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam insulation to block access for pests.

Strategic Door and Window Use

Simple habits can also help reduce the number of flies that get inside. Be mindful of keeping exterior doors closed as much as possible. If you are hosting an outdoor gathering, consider using a fan pointing outward near the doorway. The strong air current can make it difficult for flies to fly inside.

Outdoor Management: Creating a No-Fly Zone Around Your Property

What happens just outside your home directly impacts what happens inside. By making the area around your property less attractive to flies, you can significantly reduce the number that find their way to your doors and windows. This involves managing waste, maintaining your yard, and even using plants to your advantage. An uninviting exterior creates a buffer zone that protects your indoor living space.

Yard and Garden Maintenance

A well-kept yard offers fewer resources for flies to breed and feed.

• Lawn Care: Keep your grass mowed and remove piles of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris where flies might gather.
• Compost Piles: If you have a compost pile, keep it as far away from your house as possible. A properly managed compost pile should be hot enough to deter flies, but a poorly maintained one can become a major breeding ground.
• Remove Fallen Fruit: If you have fruit trees, be sure to clean up any fruit that falls to the ground before it begins to rot and ferment.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Tip over any containers that collect rainwater, as standing water can attract a variety of pests.

Strategic Planting

Certain plants have natural properties that repel flies. Planting them strategically around your home can create a natural barrier.

• Repellent Herbs: Plants like basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender are known to deter flies. Consider planting them in pots near doorways, on patios, or in window boxes.
• Marigolds: These cheerful flowers contain a compound called pyrethrin, which is a common ingredient in many commercial insecticides. Planting them around the foundation of your home can help keep flies away.

Outdoor Trash Can Placement and Cleaning

Your outdoor garbage cans can be a major fly magnet if not managed correctly.

• Location: Store your outdoor trash and recycling bins as far from your home’s entrances as you can.
• Lids: Always ensure the lids are closed tightly to prevent flies from getting inside to feed and lay eggs.
• Regular Cleaning: Periodically wash out your bins with a high-pressure hose and a disinfectant cleaner to remove any spilled residue and lingering odors. A clean can is much less attractive to pests.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

While most minor fly issues can be resolved with diligent cleaning and DIY methods, some situations require professional intervention. A persistent or large-scale infestation can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem that a professional is better equipped to handle. Knowing when to call for help can save you time, money, and continued frustration.

Signs of a Severe Infestation

It’s time to contact a professional if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent High Numbers: If you continue to see a large number of flies every day despite your best efforts at cleaning and trapping, there may be a hidden breeding source you cannot find.
• Finding Maggots: Discovering maggots in your home, especially in multiple locations, indicates a well-established breeding cycle that can be difficult to break on your own.
• Cluster Flies: If you see large groups of slow-moving flies gathering on sunny walls or around windows in the fall and winter, you likely have cluster flies. These flies overwinter in wall voids and attics and often require professional treatment to eliminate.

What to Expect from a Professional

A licensed pest control technician will take a systematic approach to solving your fly problem.

• Thorough Inspection: They will conduct a detailed inspection of your property to accurately identify the fly species and locate all potential breeding sites, including hidden areas like wall voids or crawl spaces.
• Professional-Grade Treatments: Professionals have access to a wider range of more potent insecticides, insect growth regulators (which disrupt the fly life cycle), and specialized equipment.
• Long-Term Prevention: A good pest control company will not only eliminate the current infestation but also provide you with a long-term management plan, including recommendations for structural repairs and sanitation improvements.

Conclusion

Regaining control of your home from a fly infestation is achieved through a consistent, multi-faceted strategy. The solution is not found in a single spray or trap but in a combination of diligent sanitation, strategic exclusion, and direct elimination. By removing the food sources that attract flies, destroying the breeding grounds where they reproduce, and sealing the entry points they use to get inside, you create an environment where they simply cannot survive. This integrated approach is the only way to achieve lasting results.

Start today by focusing on the core of the problem: sanitation in your kitchen and proper management of your garbage. These actions will have the most immediate and significant impact. Be methodical in your approach, moving from cleaning to trapping and then to sealing your home. By patiently and persistently breaking every stage of the fly life cycle, you can restore comfort and health to your living space and ensure these unwelcome guests do not return. Contact us and Get a Free Quote Today