Household Items Unknowingly Attracting Flies, Asper experts' warning
In the pursuit of a fly-free home, it's essential to understand what attracts these pesky insects and implement simple strategies to keep them at bay.
- Fruit Bowls
Fruit flies are drawn to the ripeness and fermentation smell of fruit. To keep fruit fresh and reduce fly attraction, store fruit in airtight containers or refrigerate it[1].
- Damp Towels and Sponges
Moist environments like damp towels and sponges can attract flies due to their humidity and potential bacteria buildup. Keep towels dry and replace or wash sponges regularly to prevent flies from being attracted to the moisture[1].
- Overwatered Houseplants
Excess water in plant pots or trays creates stagnant water, a breeding ground for flies like fungus gnats and drain flies. To avoid attracting flies, avoid overwatering, empty excess water from trays daily, and allow soil to dry out appropriately[1][2].
- Pet Food and Water Bowls
Food residues and standing water in pet bowls attract flies. Regular cleaning and avoiding leaving food out longer than necessary can help prevent this[1].
Beyond these measures, sealing gaps or cracks around doors and windows can block fly entry, installing mesh screens can help, and using yellow light bulbs, which flies dislike, can also deter them[2].
Natural repellents such as essential oils (peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus) or bay leaves placed in key areas can also deter flies by disrupting their sense of smell[2][3].
In summary, preventing flies involves proper food storage, moisture control, regular cleaning, and blocking their entry points combined with natural repellents to reduce fly presence indoors. A lemon-scented candle can also help reduce the number of flies in the kitchen[1].
For those seeking the best deals and trends in home news, Kezia Reynolds, the new News Writer on the platform, will be your go-to source. From pet-friendly disinfectants for cleaning pet bowls (£3.99 at Pets at Home) to a beaded curtain made of beads and bamboo tubes to help prevent flies from entering the home, there are numerous solutions available[4][5].
Lakeland's StayFresh Produce Keeper (£12.99) is a suitable air-tight container with an air vent and drain, perfect for storing fruit and vegetables[6]. A bamboo cleaning brush, such as the one available for £10.99 on Amazon, is effective at tackling stubborn grease and grime[7].
Remember, the key to a fly-free home is cleanliness and control. By implementing these simple strategies, you can enjoy a peaceful and pest-free environment.
[1] John Girvan from Alliance Online Ireland suggests using an air-tight container to keep fruit fresher and reduce fruit flies. [2] David Gray, home improvement expert at Corston Architectural Detail, suggests using a wooden cleaning brush for dishes to avoid attracting flies. [3] Moisture-loving flies, especially drain and fruit flies, are attracted to the humidity and potential bacteria buildup in damp towels, sponges, and dishcloths. [4] Pets at Home sells a pet-friendly disinfectant (£3.99) for cleaning pet bowls. [5] A beaded curtain made of beads and bamboo tubes can help prevent flies from entering the home. [6] Lakeland's StayFresh Produce Keeper (£12.99) is a suitable air-tight container with an air vent and drain. [7] A bamboo cleaning brush, such as the one available for £10.99 on Amazon, is effective at tackling stubborn grease and grime.
Houseplants and home-and-garden enthusiasts should be mindful of overwatering plants as excess water can create a breeding ground for flies like fungus gnats and drain flies.[1] To maintain a fly-free home, avoid overwatering houseplants, empty excess water from trays daily, and allow soil to dry out appropriately.[1]
Pet owners need to pay attention to pet food and water bowls as food residues and standing water can attract flies.[1] Regularly cleaning pet bowls and avoiding leaving food out longer than necessary can help prevent flies from being attracted to the area.[1]
