2. Fly management

If the source of the flies cannot be effectively eliminated then you may want to take more direct countermeasures. This section will show you how to fly-proof your home and kill them off with traps.

Fly-proofing your home

The process of fly-proofing your home is pretty straight forward, the two major entry-points for flies are doorways and windows. Windows can be protected by adding screens that fit tightly into the opening, leaving no gaps for flies to enter around the edges. Repair damaged window screens with a dab of silicone caulk or screen patches (available in most places that sell screen windows). Doorways can be protected in a similar fashion with screen doors, or by keeping the door shut as much as possible.

Beaded curtains also work well for keeping flies out of an area. The better the beads interlock without gaps, the more effective they will be.

Fly repellents

Zip-lock water bags

Many people swear that a zip-lock bag filled half-way with water and attached over entry-ways will repel flies. No one yet knows how or why it works, but there is speculation that it has something to do with the way the moving water refracts light. If you have tried this please use the comments form at the bottom of the page to share your results with the rest of us.

Personal insect repellents

Repellents containing DEET (Diethyl-m-toluamide) work well at repelling all sorts of insects including flies. Use these rubs and sprays on your clothing rather than directly on the skin, and never on your pets.

Citronella torches and candles

Citronella oil is derived from citronella grass. It is used in perfumes, soaps, and insect repelling candles and tiki torches. These candles and torches are marketed mainly as mosquito repellents but also work to repel flies.

Fly traps

Fly traps have a dual purpose. If used intelligently they can dramatically cut down on the number of flies that you see by using them to strategically encircle your desired no-fly zones. They are also useful for monitoring the fly population as you work to eliminate environmental causes so you can get some feedback on the effectiveness of your actions.

Fly swatters

Not so much a trap as an offensive weapon, the common fly swatter is an effective tool for hunting down any particularly annoying flies that have made it through the perimeter. Find one at your local department store or supermarket.

Fly paper

Fly paper is efficient at catching flies, but is horrendously ugly. Use it in direct sunlight for the best results. Fly paper is also good for catching undamaged specimens for identification. The glue is very difficult to remove from hard surfaces and nearly impossible to remove from clothing so be very careful during setup and removal.

Fly traps

Most fly traps work by placing an attractive bait in a location from which the brightest light leads right into a trap. After feeding on the bait, flies will normally fly towards the brightest light source and get stuck inside of the trap. These can be purchased or made at home and work very well. Here are some things to keep in mind about these traps:

• The bait will need to be kept moist, so purchasing a trap that has a water reservoir can cut down on maintenance.
• These traps will also need to be periodically cleaned so look for one that opens easily.
• A mixture of molasses and cornmeal makes an effective bait that will not support fly eggs.
• Place these traps up-wind of suspected areas of infestation.

UV Bug lights

Also known as bug zappers, these traps use an ultraviolet light to attract insects to an electrified grid where they are promptly charred out of existence by a high voltage current. They work excellently for reducing the overall insect populations when they're habitually left on overnight but they have the drawback of also killing beneficial insects. Small and portable indoor versions are also available.

Predators

If you live in an area where the removal of environmental causes is next to impossible such as near an animal farm, zoo or dump then you may want to see if the local residents will all pitch in to purchase some predatory insects from an insectary. Capture a few intact pest-insects to have positively identified and then contact an insectary, describe to them your situation and they will be able to recommend an effective predatory solution.

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