Bye Bye Langaw: 7 Ways to Get Rid of Houseflies
These pesky critters may carry viruses and bacteria so it's best to keep them out of the house
From ants and fleas, to mosquitoes and cockroaches—pests are unwelcome visitors in any home. Homeowners have become experts when it comes to keeping these insects out, but sometimes, they still find their way inside.
One of the most common pests invading homes is the housefly or “langaw.” As explained by Country Living, “though we associate these pests with the summer months, houseflies actually reproduce year-round and can be an issue regardless of season.”
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While these flies are believed to be not “generally harmful,” some may carry germs and bacteria that can cause diarrhea, skin infections, and even typhoid fever. Aside from keeping your house clean and having a trusty swatter on hand, there are things you can do to get rid of houseflies.
7 ways to get rid of langaw / houseflies
1. Find the source and address it.
Houseflies enter the house from the outside but they can still breed indoors. To prevent this from happening, Healthline suggests removing materials or nooks where flies can lay their eggs such as food waste, garbage, rotting material, and animal feces, to name a few.
2. Clean the house thoroughly.
Every nook and cranny of the house must be cleaned, including the hard-to-reach areas. Medical News Today says that you should also check and clean the following spots:
- Under the appliances such as refrigerators
- Cracks on the floor and tiles
- Inside the garbage bin
- Drains
In addition to making sure these areas are spotless, simple must-dos you can do every day also helps. Keep in mind the following reminders:
- Opting for a garbage bin with a tight lid and keeping it closed.
- Change the garbage bag when it’s full.
- Clean your pet’s litter box regularly.
- Wash dirty dishes and glasses as soon as possible instead of leaving them on the countertop.
- Store food in airtight containers.
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3. Schedule a day to tidy up the drains.
Medical News Today explains that “the constant moisture in drains provides a suitable environment for flies to breed.” To avoid infestation, you can do the following:
- Scrub the sides of the drain using a pipe cleaning brush then wash away the gunk with boiling water.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by combining baking soda, salt, and vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit overnight. Wash away the dirt with boiling water the following morning.
Make sure you wear heavy-duty gloves and a protective mask when cleaning your drains.
4. Leave a vinegar and dish soap mixture on the table.
Houseflies love staying in the dining area because it’s where food is served and where food crumbs are often left. To keep them away from the dining table, you can prepare a vinegar and dish soap mixture to trap them.
To do this, you can mix an inch of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a tall glass. Cover the glass with cling wrap then secure it with a rubber band before poking holes on the top. Flies will be attracted to the mixture and they will be trapped in the glass.
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5. Create a DIY fly trap.
Aside from the vinegar and dish soap solution, you can also prep a housefly trap using an old plastic bottle and ingredients you can find in the kitchen.
According to Country Living, get started by cutting off the top third of the bottle and set it aside. Pour something sweet at the bottom of the bottle like sugar water, soda, or juice as these can attract the flies. Once done, invert the top of the bottle you’ve cut off and rest it inside the bottom portion. Seal the edges and wait for the flies to get into the trap.
6. Prepare your own spray.
Healthline says that cayenne pepper can repel houseflies. To create a spray, simply mix cayenne pepper with water then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spraying it around the house can keep the houseflies from coming inside.
7. Plant herbs and flowers in your garden.
Spruce up your garden with herbs and flowers that are known to repel flies. You can look into adding basil, lavender, catnip, and marigold to your outdoor area.
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