Summer is here and so are the flies. If flies would just live up to their name and keep flying it wouldn’t be so bad; but when they settle on our belongings, our food and ourselves they cause serious irritation.
Here are some tips to prevent a fly infestation this summer:
Limit flies ability to breed and feed by removing their food sources, such as leftover food and soft fruits.
In summer, put a household fan near the most vulnerable areas in your home. Flies cannot land in a crosswind.
Empty your dustbins at least twice a week and keep them as far away from doors as possible. Make sure they are always tightly closed.
Seal any entry points around windows and doors.
Whilst prevention is always better than cure, here are some expert tips on what to do if you already have a fly problem at home.
Opt for insecticides of natural origin - Pyrethroid-based fly sprays are absorbed by the central nervous system of the fly; paralyzing them and resulting in death. These chemicals are also toxic to other flying insects such as bees and dragonflies, as well as many other invertebrates that constitute the base of many aquatic and land-dwelling food webs. If possible, opt for Pyrethrin based insecticides. Pyrethrins are biodegradable and break down on exposure to light or oxygen, ensuring that there will be no excessive build-up of insecticide in the area being treated.
Rely on Mother Nature and make use of herbs - Herbs have been used for thousands of years as household cleaners, disinfectants, and insect repellents. Make use of these herbs that work magic to repel flies: Basil (and Lemon Basil), Rosemary, Lavender, Bay Leaf, Mint, Tansy and Sweet Woodruff by planting them in your garden.
Call in the Experts - Sometimes the only way to get rid of a really persistent fly problem is to call in the experts. Correct identification of the species of fly is very important so that the breeding site/s can be located and your fly problem can be fixed for good. Rentokil offers treatment programs directed at both the larval and adult flies to achieve effective and efficient control.
Here's to a fly-free summer!