How to Get Rid of Flies

Tools and products needed:

• Concentrated insecticide spray
• Hand pump sprayer

For a small outdoor population you can choose to spray the exterior of your structure with a residual concentrated insecticide. This method should also be used in conjunction with one of the methods below if you have a medium to high population. Dilute the insecticide with water in the hand pump sprayer as directed on the product label. Apply the diluted solution to window frames, door frames, around porch lights, on eaves, overhangs and other surfaces where you see flies resting. This application should be repeated once per month during the warm season to help stop flies from entering the structure.

Tools and products needed:

• House fly trap

Trapping house flies outdoors is a great way to control the breeding females and should be used when you have a medium to high level of infestation. Fly traps are also a good choice when using insecticides is not possible or not desired. Fly traps work by creating an area that is attractive for females to lay eggs. Once inside the trap, the flies are unable to get back out. Most Fly traps are typically placed at least 30 feet from the structure or area you are trying to protect from house flies. The traps should be hung at about eye level in a sunlit area. Be sure to read and follow the instructions of the trap you purchase as the instructions can vary slightly between traps. Check the trap twice a week and change out as needed.

Tools and products needed:

• Fly bait
• Fly bait station

Baiting for house flies is usually done when the source of the flies cannot be completely controlled such as on a farm, kennel area, near dumpsters or near composting areas. Fly baits typically have a food attractant and a pheromone attractant to entice the flies along with an insecticide to eliminate flies once the bait has been eaten. Fill the bait station as directed on the fly bait product label. The station can be mounted on fences, walls or other surfaces near dumpsters, behind restaurants or in other places where flies are a problem. The FBS Fly Bait Station has a locking lid that only allows flies to enter, protecting the bait from the elements, children and pets (Keep out of reach of livestock). The station easily mounts to all types of surfaces using zip ties, screws or liquid nails. Check the station every 1-3 days and refill as necessary to keep the fly population down.

Products or tools needed:

• Pyrethrin aerosol spray or ready to use fogger

Space spray refers to spraying a contact kill aerosol spray product directly into the air instead of directing the product onto a surface. Usually only pyrethrin aerosols are labeled for this use. A space spray may be desirable if you have a space that is too small to use a fogger in or if you would like to have a fast knockdown spray on hand for later use. A fogger bug bomb would be better to use if you have a larger area to treat.

A space spray or a fogger is a good choice if you have a lot of fly activity inside and you need to get rid of the flies quickly. With this method, you will eliminate any flies that are out during the application but you will not leave behind an active residual. Following the product label instructions, apply the spray or fogger in the infested room. Most space sprays and foggers require you to vacate the room after the application and ventilate before re-entry. Please refer to the product label for re-entry requirements.

Products or tools needed:

• Fly light

A Fly Light Trap is an insect trap that uses powerful ultraviolet rays to attract flies and other flying insect pests which then are captured on a glueboard, without the use of insecticides.

Using a fly light is very helpful for those homes and businesses where house flies are a common issue or when the use of insecticides is not allowed or desirable. Fly lights come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, shapes and prices. Selecting the correct location for this type of device is critical and should be carefully considered before installation. When installing a fly light be sure to install it away from sensitive areas. This will help draw flies away from areas where they could irritate people or contaminate food products. Fly lights should also be placed away from doors and windows that open to the outside to reduce flies being attracted to the competing light sources. You should read the product label of the fly light you choose for optimum placement information.

NOTE: Glue boards should be checked on a weekly basis. Glue boards that are dusty or full of insects are ineffective and should be changed. The ultraviolet light bulbs in fly light traps need to be replaced on scheduled dates, usually every 4-6 months. These bulbs should be changed even if they have not burned out. Over time the ultraviolet rays become weak and will no longer be attractive to flies. Read product the instruction guide to determine complete maintenance requirements for each individual device.

Products or tools needed:

• Fly bait

There are a few fly baits on the market that can be utilized indoors for house fly control. Indoor house fly baits are generally not very noticeable, can be used in residential and commercial applications and work well in areas where fly light traps or sprays are not desirable.

Indoor house fly baits come in a few different formulations. Wettable powder that you mix with water and paint or spray onto small vertical surfaces, Ready to use aerosol spray that you spray onto non-porous surfaces, small pieces of plastic or even string, or a Ready to use stickers than can be placed on walls or windows.

Apply the product of choice according to the product label instructions. Be sure you are only applying the products where they are labeled to be applied to avoid contact with non-target animals and children and to guarantee effectiveness.