When spring arrives, it doesn't take long for the flies to fill your room too. Here's what you can do about it.

In a nutshell

  • Flies are annoying and a health hazard
  • if there are suddenly many of them in a room, there is usually a cause
  • preventive measures help to prevent an infestation
  • You can also take action against the insects without chemicals

preventive measures

You can take preventive measures in spring and summer to prevent the buzzing insects from flying into your home in the first place. As soon as they are there, there is also a risk that they will lay eggs in the apartment and multiply suddenly. They like to use organic waste and open food for this. They can then become a real hygiene problem. How to prevent effectively:

Source: USDAgov, Common house fly, Musca domestica, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0
  • Fly screens and nets on doors and windows
  • dense curtains as a barrier
  • only ventilate on the shaded side
  • no breeding grounds and food sources in the apartment (open fruit, vegetables, organic matter)
  • do not leave dirty dishes
  • regular cleaning of the rubbish bins (with vinegar cleaner)
  • Avoid pet excrement
  • do not air in the evening or at night when the light is on

Tip: Insects are attracted to light. You can also ensure a dark room in the evening and open the windows. If it is lighter outside than inside your room, the insects will disappear outside.

The animals can also be deterred by certain scents. You can use these to create a scent barrier that prevents insects from visiting your rooms. The flying animals do not like the following scents:

  • laurel oil
  • lavender oil
  • citrus oil
  • eucalyptus oil
  • vinegar
  • tomato plants
  • basil
  • lavender plants
  • scented geranium
  • pepper and chili
Pelargonium sp.

Notice: Flies come to our rooms mainly from April to October. Protection is therefore particularly important during this time.

look for the cause

If there is a sudden severe infestation with insects, there is usually a cause. For example, there may be a dead animal in the vicinity of the house, in the basement or in the attic and used as a breeding ground. A dead mouse or rat in the basement or a dead hedgehog in the front yard. Or is there organic waste in or near the house? Do a thorough search for the cause. Walk the house and the garden carefully and above all smell. There is usually a distinct scent when a decomposing animal is nearby. Once you have found a cause, you must of course eliminate it. Remove the dead animal or organic waste and the insects can no longer reproduce.

fight flies

If flies have made their way into your room, you can fight them without having to use chemicals right away. If it is only a matter of individual animals, it is usually possible to take good action against them. Use:

  • a fly swatter
  • an electric fly swatter
  • a towel roll as an alternative
  • Adhesive strips with attractants for the room lamp
  • Adhesive strips for mounting
  • electric UV lamps for the socket
  • carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap
  • a fan for moving air
Build your own sticky trap

Notice: When choosing pesticides, pay attention to their toxicity. In particular, the adhesive strips for setting up and plugging sockets with insecticides are sometimes very poisonous and can pose a danger to people.

frequently asked Questions

Can I build my own trap?

You can quickly build your own trap to catch flies. To do this, fill a mug with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid. You can also add a piece of fruit. Cover the cup with cling film and poke small holes in the film. The flies get in through the holes in the cup, but not out. In the event of a severe infestation, spread several such cups around the apartment.

Are the animals a health concern?

The insects are not only annoying, but can also transmit diseases. They secrete a secretion through their proboscis when they suck on food. This contains germs and bacteria and can cause various diseases if you eat it. In addition, the animals can lay eggs in food, which you could then accidentally eat. This sometimes leads to gastrointestinal problems.

Do animals have natural enemies?

Flies are part of the diet of many animals. Spiders in particular are a natural enemy of flies in your room. Therefore, if you have an increased occurrence, you can also generously allow the spiders in your room. They catch the insects in their nets and destroy them.

Category:

Animals in the garden