The Insight Corner Hub: Why Flies Keep Coming Back and How to Keep Them Away

Flies are a common nuisance in many households and outdoor spaces. Despite our best efforts to swat them away, they often seem to return within seconds. This persistent behavior of flies can be attributed to several factors, and understanding these can help us devise effective strategies to keep them at bay.

The Persistent Nature of Flies

Flies are attracted to certain scents and environments that are prevalent in human habitats. They are drawn to food, waste, and other organic materials¹. This attraction is so strong that even after being swatted away, flies will often return to the source of the scent¹.

Moreover, flies have a rapid life cycle. A single female fly can lay hundreds of eggs that develop into adults in as little as seven days⁴. This high reproduction rate means that even if you manage to swat a few flies, there are likely many more waiting in the wings⁴.

Strategies to Keep Flies Away

While it may seem like an uphill battle, there are several strategies you can employ to keep flies away from your surroundings.

1. Proper Cleaning

The most common reason why flies keep coming back is improper cleaning¹. Flies lay their eggs in organic waste, so keeping your environment clean can help prevent them from breeding¹. Regularly clean your kitchen, dispose of garbage properly, and ensure that your drains are not clogged with organic material¹.

2. Use of Herbs and Flowers

Certain herbs and flowers such as basil, marigold, lavender, and mint can repel flies⁷. Planting these around your home or outdoor space can help keep flies at bay⁷.

3. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can trap and kill flies⁶⁷. Flies are naturally drawn to vinegar. By adding a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of vinegar, you can create a simple trap that kills flies when they land on it⁶⁷.

4. Natural Repellents

Other natural repellents include cayenne pepper mixed with water and ginger spray⁷. Spraying these mixtures around areas where flies gather can help disperse them⁷.

5. Professional Pest Control

If the fly infestation is severe, it may be necessary to seek professional pest control services. They have access to more potent insecticides and traps that can effectively eliminate flies from your surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may seem like flies have an uncanny ability to keep coming back no matter what you do, understanding their behavior and employing the right strategies can help you effectively keep them away.

References:

(1) 5 Reasons Why Drain Flies Keep Coming Back [And The Solution]. https://dailyhomesafety.com/why-do-drain-flies-keep-coming-back/.

(2) How to Get Rid of Flies Inside and Outside of Your House - Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/life/a33235104/how-to-get-rid-of-flies-house/.

(3) How to Get Rid of Houseflies at Home Naturally and Safely - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-house-flies.

(4) 35 Ways to Get Rid of Flies and Bring Peace Back to Your Home. https://morningchores.com/how-to-get-rid-of-flies/.

(5) Why do flies repeatedly keep coming back to buzz around you ... - Quora. https://www.quora.com/Why-do-flies-repeatedly-keep-coming-back-to-buzz-around-you-even-after-repeatedly-swatting-them.

(6) Why Do Flies Come Back To Life? | PestWeek. https://pestweek.com/flies-come-back-to-life/.

(7) How to Stop Cluster Flies Returning - Pest Control Heroes. https://pestcontrolheroes.com/pest-control-guides/flies/how-to-stop-cluster-flies-returning/.

(8) 9 Ways to Keep Flies Away from a Balcony, Porch or Patio. https://balconyboss.com/guides/pests-and-problems/how-to-keep-flies-away-from-outdoor-space/.