Flies can be a nuisance pest for homes and businesses. A fly infestation could pose a serious health risk as flies are known to spread a range of diseases, like Salmonella and E.coli.
Fly control units such as LED fly killers are critical to help prevent flies in internal areas where food is readily available. Outdoor fly traps help eliminate flies before they enter your premises.
If you want to prevent flies, here are some practical steps you can take to help deter them. These steps involve making changes indoors and outdoors to cover all potential hot spots and ensure effective fly control.
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Fly Prevention Tips
Deny flies access — after dark, keep windows and doors closed or block out the light with curtains.
Fit fly screens — to windows, especially around kitchen and waste areas.
Cover food — flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it.
Clear food debris — and liquid spillages immediately, particularly from under kitchen units and appliances.
Bins — ensure all exterior dustbins and internal bins have tightly sealed lids.
Clean up after pets — not only are faeces a perfect breeding place for flies, they may land there before landing on your food.
Remove dead flies — as they provide a tasty snack for other pests such as carpet beetles.
Cover water butts — with well fitted lids to deny access.
Remove standing water — in watering cans for example, as this offers mosquitoes opportunity to breed.
Ponds — if you have a garden pond, introduce goldfish as they will eat fly larvae.
When Prevention Is Not Enough
If you have taken all reasonable prevention steps and still have a fly problem, the breeding source may be hidden — a dead animal in a wall cavity, a cracked drain underground, or a problem in a neighbouring property. Professional inspection can identify sources that are not visible.
For professional fly treatment, visit our Fly Control page or call 0203 468 1999.
Need professional help with cluster fly pest control? BuzzKill Pest Control offers fast, effective treatment with no call-out charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fly screens really work?
Yes. Fly screens are the single most effective physical prevention measure. Fine mesh screens on windows and doors allow ventilation while blocking flies, wasps, and other insects. They are particularly effective in kitchens and for cluster fly prevention in lofts.
Does keeping lights off reduce flies?
Some fly species are attracted to light — particularly cluster flies and bluebottles. Keeping unnecessary lights off near open windows in the evening can reduce the number entering your home. However, house flies are attracted by smell, not light.
Can plants repel flies?
Some plants — lavender, basil, mint, and citronella — are claimed to repel flies, but the effect is minimal and localised. They should not be relied upon as a primary prevention method. Good hygiene and physical proofing are far more effective.
How do I stop cluster flies coming back every autumn?
Seal gaps around windows, eaves, soffits, and fascia boards before September. Install fly screens on loft windows. Book an annual preventative fogging treatment in August. Cluster flies leave pheromone markers that attract them to the same building, so proofing and pre-emptive treatment are both important.
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