How to get rid of fruit flies: Keeping flies and insects out of your home
Flies and other insects aren't just annoying: they can pose serious health risks and are known to carry and spread diseases. House flies, for instance, can carry over 130 different pathogens, including those that cause typhoid, cholera, and dysentery (PubMed). When flies land on food, they can transfer harmful bacteria and microorganisms from their bodies and mouthparts, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. And of course, the constant buzzing can be a real nuisance as you try to go about your day..
This guide will explain how to get rid of fruit flies, house flies, and other insects, along with additional tips and insights on managing these unwelcome visitors. We’ll cover:
Why are there so many flies in my house?
Flies enter our homes for a variety of reasons. They are drawn to food, moisture, and warmth, all of which can be found in abundance in a typical household. Common attractants include:
- Rotting food and organic matter: Fruit flies are notorious for swarming around overripe or decaying fruit. House flies are attracted to food scraps, garbage, and pet waste.
- Moisture: Standing water in sinks, drains, or pet bowls can attract certain kinds of flies and other insects. Drain flies thrive in moist, organic material found in drains.
- Warmth: Flies are cold-blooded and seek out warm environments to thrive, making your home a perfect sanctuary during colder months.
Understanding these attractants is the first step in developing an effective strategy to keep flies out of your home.
There are a few different types of flies that are commonly found in UK homes:
- House flies: The most common fly found in homes, they feed on a wide variety of substances, including food, rubbish, and animal waste.
- Fruit flies: These tiny flies are often found near ripe or rotting fruit. They reproduce quickly, making them particularly troublesome once they infest a home.
Drain flies: Also known as sewer flies, they thrive in moist environments like drains and sewers. They are often mistaken for moths due to their fuzzy appearance.
If you have a fly or insect in your home you can’t identify, online resources like the BCPA’s A to Z of pests can be very useful.
How to get rid of flies in the house
Preventing insects from entering your property in the first place is the most effective form of control. However, if you've already got flies in the house, you'll need to treat the infestation before taking steps to prevent pests from coming back.
Here are a few methods you can use to get rid of flies in your home.
Preventing insects from entering your property in the first place is the most effective form of control. However, if you've already got flies in the house, you'll need to treat the infestation before taking steps to prevent pests from coming back.
Here are a few methods you can use to get rid of flies in your home.
Capture flies with DIY traps
Create homemade fly traps using a jar filled with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. The vinegar attracts flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown. Place the jar in areas where flies tend to gather. Remember to check and change it regularly.
Use fly paper
Hang fly paper strips in areas where flies are most active, such as near windows, bins, or kitchen areas. Fly paper is coated in a sweet fragrance or pheromone that attracts flies, which then become stuck to the sticky paper, reducing their numbers over time. For best results, you'll need to replace the strips regularly.
Identify and eliminate hotspots
Find out where the flies are breeding, often in areas with rotting organic matter like bins, compost caddies, drains, or sinks. Remove any rubbish or spoiled food and thoroughly clean the affected area. For hard-to-reach places like drains, use a specialised cleaning product or pour hot water to kill flies and larvae.
Call in the professionals
If you're experiencing a severe infestation, then it might be time to call in a pest control service. A professional will be able to diagnose the type of fly or insect and work out where it is breeding. They can then use industry-strength solutions to eradicate the pests. This can be particularly helpful if you have an infestation in an area which is difficult to access or clean, like inside a drain, vent, or basement.
Calling in the professionals might be one of the more costly options, but if you follow up with proper insect- and fly-proofing measures (like the ones we've outlined below) then it will hopefully be a one-off expense.
How to keep flies out of the house — for good
Once you've eliminated the fly infestation, you'll need to take preventative measures to stop them coming back. Here, we’ll explain how to block flies from entering your home and how to trap them if they’re already inside, safely and without using harsh chemicals.
Once you've eliminated the fly infestation, you'll need to take preventative measures to stop them coming back. Here, we’ll explain how to block flies from entering your home and how to trap them if they’re already inside, safely and without using harsh chemicals.
Cover entry points with insect mesh
Insect mesh is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to keep flies and other insects out of your home. Unlike chemical repellents, which can be harmful to both humans and pets, mesh provides a physical barrier without the need for toxic substances.
Insect mesh — also known as fly screen or fly mesh — is an excellent physical barrier that prevents flies and other insects from entering your home, while still allowing air to circulate. For the smallest insects, like fruit flies and midges, you should use an Extra Fine Insect Mesh. Fit insect mesh over windows and doors to block entry points. If flies are entering your home via vents, then vent covers and soffit mesh can keep insects out without affecting ventilation. Regularly inspect your mesh for any tears or gaps, and replace them immediately if you spot any damage. Even a small hole can be an entryway for determined insects.
There are various types of insect mesh available, including fibreglass, aluminium, black plastic, and stainless steel. Fibreglass is affordable and easy to work with, while aluminium and stainless steel offer the longest lasting option. Mesh screens can be installed on sliding windows, sash windows, and even on doors that are frequently left open. Some meshes are designed to be virtually invisible, so they won’t obstruct your view.
Here at Mesh Direct, we also have heavy-duty insect mesh for doors and high-traffic areas, as well as extra-fine insect mesh for midges and other tiny flies. If you have pets, our extra-strong PVC-coated insect mesh is scratch resistant and so is a great choice if you have pets.
Mesh is also cost-effective in the long run. While the initial installation might require an investment, it is a one-time cost that provides ongoing protection. Additionally, high-quality mesh is durable and can last for years with minimal maintenance.
In addition to fly screen, you can install door sweeps and weather stripping to seal gaps under doors and around windows where insects could enter.
Remove attractants and breeding grounds with proper cleaning
Flies are drawn to any organic matter, whether it’s food waste, spilled drinks, or residue on dirty dishes. So, one of the most effective ways to prevent flies is by keeping your home clean and removing anything that could attract them or provide a breeding ground.
Make it a habit to clean all areas of your home, especially the kitchen and dining spaces, at least twice a week. Ensure no food scraps are left out, and keep floors swept and countertops wiped down. Avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight, and clean up spills immediately, particularly sugary substances that attract flies.
Rotting food waste is a prime breeding ground for flies, so bins and food waste caddies should have secure lids. Take out the rubbish regularly, and deep clean your bins monthly to remove any residue that could attract flies.
Store fresh food in sealed containers to prevent attracting flies. This is especially important for fruit and vegetables, which can quickly become breeding grounds for fruit flies if left out. If you have pets, keep their pet food covered. If you are free-feeding, only leave out biscuits or kibble — not wet food.
Flies are attracted to water, so it’s essential to eliminate any standing water inside your home. Check for leaks under sinks, change pet water bowls regularly, and ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, clean your sink drains regularly, as flies (especially drain flies) are drawn to organic matter found in drains. A specialist cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can help flush away buildup and keep flies at bay.
Non-chemical repellents and traps
There are many natural repellants you can use to control insect pests in your home, including DIY sprays and traps. Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint, are known to repel flies. You can create a spray by diluting these oils with water and spritzing it around entry points. A simple trap can be made using apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap: the vinegar attracts fruit flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.
Some indoor plants, like the Venus flytrap or pitcher plant, naturally catch and consume flies. While not a standalone solution, they can be a quirky and effective addition to your pest control strategy.
Prevention methods for commercial settings
In commercial settings, air curtains are sometimes used to create a barrier of air that insects find difficult to penetrate. These can be installed above doors that are frequently opened.
Flies and other insects are also attracted to light, which is why you often see them buzzing around lamps and windows during the evening. Commercial-grade UV traps use ultraviolet light to attract flies, which are then caught on a sticky surface or zapped. While not as effective as mesh in preventing entry, they can help reduce the population of flies already inside.
Whether you’re dealing with a persistent fly problem or looking to prevent one from occurring, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to take control. By understanding what attracts flies, how they can be dangerous, and the best methods to keep them out, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more peaceful home.
Fly mesh is a reliable and efficient solution for keeping flies and other insects out of your home. Combined with good hygiene practices, proper food storage, and regular maintenance, you can create a fly-free environment that is both safe and comfortable. For advice on the best mesh for your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
