Fly nuisance occurs both indoors and outdoors. The cause can often be found in, among other things, waste, pets or livestock in or around the home. Flies are the cause of problems that occur in especially warm temperatures. It is important to control flies. This can easily be done yourself by means of a fly trap or other methods.
- Why flies come in and around homes
- Fly nuisance
- Fight flies
- Fly swatter and fly lamp
- Make your own fly trap
- Adhesive strip
Why flies come in and around homes
The most common type of fly in and around our homes is the house fly. This fly is black in color with a yellow-brown abdomen. The house fly is also relatively common: it has a less conspicuously colored abdomen. The stable fly is mainly found in and around houses where livestock is present. This gray-brown fly can bite viciously.
Flies lay their eggs in waste, dead animals or manure. Often this can be found on farms and in dumpsters. Also in sheds or houses flies often find waste that is suitable for their larvae. After 8 to 30 hours the eggs hatch. The larvae eat the waste, the dead animal or the dung. After the larvae shed twice, they pupate. The larva gets a different appearance and does not eat anything anymore. On the outside, the doll looks calm, almost as if it is dead. On the inside, the organs are broken down and replaced by the organs of a fly. This takes at least three days, depending on the temperature.
The fly originally prefers manure for food. With the arrival of humans and the preparation of food, the fly eats with it. They are mainly attracted to foods with a strong odor such as rotting food, but also dead animals that are in a state of decomposition. The stable fly sucks blood from livestock, but also from humans.
Fly nuisance
We can still tolerate a few flies, but when flies are present in large numbers they cause nuisance. Firstly, there is unrest among animals but also among people. Flies are a nuisance and often fly around or sit on animals and people. The continuous beating of the flies causes unrest. In addition, poops really fly up everywhere. Especially warm objects such as screens and lamps attract flies. These can quickly become full of fly droppings, visible as tiny black dots. The ceiling and wall can also be covered with fly droppings.
Flies transmit bacteria, fungi and viruses. A fly is first on poo and then on human food. This causes contamination. Also flies walk over the eyes and mouth of humans or animals to drink fluids here (eye fluid and saliva). Bacteria so easily enter the body.
Fight flies
Flies cause a lot of nuisance, especially during the warm summer months. They then multiply very quickly. For hygiene, but also for peace of mind, it is important to combat flies as quickly as possible. Indoors, flies can be prevented by using a screen on the windows and a screen door. Fly curtains also work, but are often less effective because flies often find an opportunity to fly through them. Keep doors and windows closed to flies as much as possible. During a rain shower doors and windows can be opened. Flies will rarely choose to fly during a rainstorm: and raindrops will cause them to crash. Dispose of food waste and clean up animal faeces and manure as soon as possible. Keep waste containers closed to flies. If necessary, a fly killer can be injected from time to time.
Fly swatter and fly lamp
The fly swatter is very effective indoors. It is best not to use a brightly colored fly swatter and approach the fly from behind. Always strike the fly a second time, the first time the fly is often only unconscious unless it is clearly squashed. This also applies to electric fly swatters: often the fly is only unconscious and will fly away again after some time.
A fly lamp emits UV light. Flies are attracted to this because it is comparable to sunlight. In front of the lamp is a metal grid that is live. The fly is electrocuted and falls into a receptacle. The best working fly lamps are black in color and have a pyramid shape.
Make your own fly trap
A fly trap can be made outdoors. Although this can also be done indoors, it is often not done because of the smell and visibility that the fall entails. In a shed, utility room or stable it causes less inconvenience. The well-known wasp traps are for sale in almost every household store or garden center. By filling this trap with a material that is attractive to the fly, many flies can be caught. A dark fly trap that preferably also hangs in the sun will catch more flies. Fill the trap with one of the following products:
- Bread with vinegar
- Rotting meat, e.g. canned dog or cat meat soaked in water or vinegar to prevent dehydration
- Chicken manure
- Yeast
- Honey was used a lot in the past but seems to work less well
Make sure there is always a little bit of water in it. Flies always fall into this, this prevents them from crawling out of the trap again. It also prevents the bread or meat from drying out.
Adhesive strip
The adhesive strip works great in combination with the fly lamp, fly swatter or fly trap. But it also works well as a control in itself. Adhesive strips should not be hung in a kitchen because of the unsavory view. These strips are widely used in chicken runs and stables. Always hang the adhesive strip free and do not touch it. The flies are attracted to the fabric in the strip and are invited to sit on the strip. Occasionally a wasp is tempted to do so. Once on the strip, the fly does not come loose and quickly dies. When the strip is full, it must be replaced. A full strip no longer works very well. Dispose of the strip in the trash without touching it. Then wash your hands very well. Do not let children and pets come into contact with the adhesive strips. These strips are for sale at supermarkets, household stores, garden centers, etc.