Flies: A Pest in Every Sense of the Word
Flies are pesky little insects that are known to spread diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria through direct contact and through their waste, which may contaminate food, water, or surfaces where it settles. Some species of flies can also bite humans and animals, causing skin irritations and possibly transmitting disease from one animal to another by means of the fly’s mouthparts or saliva.
Flies as a Health Hazard
This pest poses a health risk to humans, pets, and livestock. Flies can infest your home or business and spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. A few species may even bite humans and animals. Pests are more than just a nuisance: They pose a health hazard. The nuisance these pests cause should not be taken lightly as they pose a risk to people’s safety as well as our property. Fortunately, there are ways we can get rid of them that don’t involve harmful chemicals or hiring an exterminator. For example, you could trap flies with vinegar, buy a fly swatter at the store, use fly tape if you have light fixtures near your porch where flies congregate. For those who prefer natural solutions for getting rid of flies outside the house, planting plants with strong fragrances such as lavender and peppermint can help keep pesky flies away from yards. You can also keep fruit out on the counter because flies tend to avoid sugary foods. If you’re having a barbecue, roast some peppers over open flame. You’ll often see some sort of insect hovering around the grill but roasted peppers will usually take care of it because they emit an unpleasant smell that attracts flies. When all else fails, remember that old adage – If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Try to attract flies into containers with water and food by leaving small containers of water containing cat food on your porch for instance. When the heat gets too hot for the fly, it will go into the container and eventually drown when it goes underwater.
Types of Flies That Pose a Threat
There are more than 20,000 known species of flies. The most common fly species that causes problems for humans and animals is the housefly. Houseflies carry human pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli on their bodies. They also transmit diseases such as anthrax, cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis to humans by contaminating food or coming into contact with animal manure.
How to Get Rid of Flies
You should get rid of any standing water. This includes pet bowls, potted plants, birdbaths, and outdoor fountains. Flies lay eggs on standing water that hatch within hours and can quickly grow into a full-blown infestation. You can also use fly traps to lure flies away from your property. They consist of a jar with a sweet liquid, like fruit juice or sugar water, with a sticky paper on top to trap the fly inside.
How to Prevent Fly Infestations
The best way to prevent fly infestation is through exclusion. Keep food scraps, garbage and compost bins as far away from your home or business as possible. Install screens or door sweeps on all windows and doors that are accessible to flies. Remove stagnant water from your property to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes. For heavy infestations, consider contacting a pest control specialist who can help you with a complete treatment plan for your home or business.
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