Flies are an unavoidable part of summer in Sydney, but there’s a big difference between the odd fly at a barbecue and a kitchen full of them. Flies are drawn to food, rubbish, moisture and warmth, so the best way to get rid of them is to remove what attracts them in the first place.
Why flies come inside
House flies lay eggs in rotting food and organic waste, and they can breed surprisingly quickly in warm weather. An uncovered fruit bowl, a bin that isn’t sealed, pet food left out or a dirty drain can all keep them coming back. Once you deal with these sources, the number of flies drops fast.
Inside the home
Keep benches and floors clean
Wipe kitchen benches after every meal and sweep or vacuum crumbs from floors. Pay attention to the gaps beside the fridge and oven, where food scraps can sit unnoticed for weeks.
Take control of the bin
Use a kitchen bin with a tight-fitting lid, empty it regularly and wash it out with hot soapy water every week or two. A sprinkle of bicarb soda in the bottom helps with odours.
Clean the drains
Kitchen and bathroom drains collect grease and food that flies love. Pour a cup of bicarb soda down the drain, follow it with a cup of white vinegar, wait fifteen minutes and flush with boiling water.
Cover food and fruit
Store fruit in the fridge or under a mesh cover during summer, and don’t leave pet food bowls out for longer than needed.
Use screens and simple traps
Fly screens on doors and windows are the most effective barrier. For flies already inside, a shallow dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dishwashing liquid makes an easy trap. Fresh herbs such as basil, mint and lavender near doorways can also help deter them.
Outside the home
Keep wheelie bins clean
Outdoor bins are one of the biggest fly attractions. Bag your rubbish, keep lids closed and hose bins out regularly. High pressure cleaning bin areas a few times a year removes the built-up residue that keeps flies around.
Pick up after pets
Dog droppings attract flies within minutes on a hot day. Clean up the yard daily during summer.
Manage compost and green waste
Cover compost with a layer of dry material such as leaves or shredded paper, and turn it regularly. Don’t put meat or dairy in a home compost bin.
Remove standing water and grime
Empty pot plant saucers, unblock gutters and clean outdoor eating areas after use. Grease and food residue on patios and barbecue areas can be cleared with a good scrub or a pressure clean.
When to call in help
If you have a persistent fly problem even after cleaning, there may be a hidden source such as a dead animal, a blocked drain or a damaged screen. A pest controller can help with serious infestations. For the cleaning side, our team can deep clean kitchens, bins and outdoor areas — see our house cleaning and high pressure cleaning services.
