Why do flies come out in Summer?
It’s going to be that time of the year again. Days get longer and hotter but this means that pests that hibernated or died during winter make an unwelcome return.
Vinegar flies, house flies and blowflies, when they’re droning over you not only are they a pest but can potentially spread harmful diseases.
You’ll see a stark increase in summer as these creatures reproduce in warmer months. Their body temperature rises from the rising air temperature and they become more active.
Using a commercial fly-spray may be the quick option, however, think about the types of poisons that you are breathing in too. That can’t be good for us! So, here are some natural ways that you can deter those buzzers and keep healthy.
How can I prevent flies from coming inside my home?
Keep rotting vegetation away from your home
The ‘vinegar fly’ feeds on rotting organic matter. This fly is what most of us consider the ‘fruit fly’. However, the actual fruit fly is not found in New Zealand, and for good reason as it has the potential to completely decimate developing fruit crops!
Drains are a place where organic matter can accumulate, creating the perfect environment for feeding larvae. Make sure to cover all drains.
Compost bins are also full of rotting fruit and veges and other delights. Good on you for composting but keep your bin far from windows in your home.
Use essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, peppermint or eucalyptus
Flies hate the smell of essential oils. You can buy essential oil from a pharmacy or natural goods store. It’s so simple to make a fly-repelling spray! Take a spray bottle and fill it with 200ml of water. Then add 20 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops orange essential oil and 5 drops cedarwood essential oil. You can really be creative with this and tweak the recipe to your preference!
Alternatively, you can make your own essential oil by soaking lavender in a jar with carrier oil (one that does not have a strong scent), for 48 hours or longer. Take the oil and add with water in a spray bottle. Spray and experience a fly-free home!
Plant marigold, mint, lavender & basil
Before flies even think about coming inside, they’ll be deterred by the potent smell of these herbs and flowers. Plant some in a pot on your patio or near your front door. Not only will your home be fly-less but you will have access to fresh herbs for all your summer salads and pretty flowers to look at!
Make an apple cider vinegar concoction
One tip is to keep them away by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Place the bowl inside your home or just outside, on a patio for example. The flies will be attracted to the aroma of the vinegar but become trapped by the surface tension of the soap.
Cover and store food properly
Flies are really just looking for food – don’t make it easy for them. Cover fruit with a cloth or mesh and keep counters as clean as possible. Crumbs are perfect morsels for the fly, wipe them away! Don’t leave food out or dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Soon your house will be free of buzzing flies and your summer will be glorious.