Before you use any kind of deterrent on flies, it’s important to know the reason why you have to take action against these pests. Most common houseflies are attracted to decaying pieces of food, whilst fruit flies love nothing more than a spot of overripe fruit or a sugary drink. While the most natural thing to do in the warmer months is to open windows and doors, without any netting, this becomes an open target for flies to wander in to take a look around.
The key to controlling houseflies naturally is a combination of “prevention, cleanliness, and deterrent strategies” using safe ingredients for humans and pets, according to CEO of Kilter Termite and Pest Control Greg McKendall. The number one deterrent the pest control expert advised using is peppermint oil.
Before using peppermint oil, it is “important” to sanitise your home. Greg said, “Flies are attracted to food scraps, garbage, pet waste, and rotting organic matter. Keep kitchen counters, sinks, and floors free of crumbs and spills.”
Once your home is clean, you can use “certain scents are naturally repellent to flies”.
The expert said: “Essential oils like peppermint and lavender can be diluted in water and sprayed around doorways, windowsills, and trash areas.”
For this method, combine two cups of water with 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil.
Like with rats and ants, you can use peppermint oil to repel flies as they tend to dislike the smell. Spraying it around the home can act as a deterrent, encouraging them to avoid it so they look elsewhere.
Greg added: “You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in problem areas. This can help create a natural barrier” to stop houseflies from getting in for good.
Another option the pest control expert recommended to ward off flies is to combine cloves with a lemon or an orange.
Greg said, “Cloves stuck into citrus fruits act as a double deterrent. The combination of citrus and cloves is unpleasant to flies but safe and aromatic for people. These can be placed in dining areas or windowsills to keep flies at bay.”