Flies in the Home

IPM for Flies

Three IPM approaches — sanitation, inspection, and exclusion — are most effective when battling flies. Mechanical measures are also helpful; however, if you do a good job with the first steps, you may not need to do much more.

As mentioned, chemical control is the last resort for flies. It works, but it simply isn't as effective as other measures.

Sanitation

As previously detailed, almost all flies are attracted to filth, which they both eat and lay eggs in.

Most sanitation efforts are pretty obvious. It's always a good idea to manage garbage, yard, and garden wastes appropriately and to remove animal carcasses from your yard as soon as you see them.

Some sanitation approaches aren't as obvious. Cleaning household drains on a regular basis, for example, is the best way to battle drain and phorid flies. Other sanitation approaches include…

• Using garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Line them with garbage can liners to keep waste from accumulating in the bottom or clinging to the sides. Clean the cans when they get dirty.

• Covering compost piles with black plastic sheeting. House flies, stable flies, fruit flies, blowflies, and gnats all breed in them. Covering piles not only keeps flies out, it helps organic matter decompose faster.

• Picking up animal waste regularly. It's best to pick up after your pets right after potty time. If you can't, don't let waste sit for too long, especially when it's warm out.

• Don't let fruit and/or vegetables rot in your garden. Harvest everything promptly and remove all decaying plant material regularly.

Inspection

If fly problems continue, you'll need to look for fly-breeding sites that sanitation didn't eliminate. Knowing the species you're battling can be a big help here, as you'll only have to look for the substances that attract those flies.

Inspect your home and your grounds thoroughly. Be sure to check attics and crawl spaces for dead animals. Also, check eaves and rafters for bird activity.