You didn’t have time to throw away the banana peel, but they were already here. Hateful fruit flies seem to come out of nowhere, always arriving in flocks and multiplying at a frantic pace. How to prevent fruit flies? This question is probably asked by everyone who has encountered these nasty insects in their kitchen. The most powerful weapon against these pests is regular hygiene. Today we will go through the favorite corners of drosophila in houses and try to put things in order there to ward off uninvited guests.
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Conduct an audit in the kitchen, removing spoiled products to avoid fruit flies at home.
Arrange general cleaning for fruit fly prevention.
Learn how to deter fruit flies and use these tools.
Use chemicals or traps to neutralize the flies that appear.
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Step-by-Step Guide on Preventing Flies
If you are looking for effective tips on how to prevent fruit flies in the house, keep on reading to make your home insect-free.
Drosophila: identification
Drosophilas are tiny but highly unpleasant neighbors in the kitchen. An adult one is about 1/8 long, but you rarely see one alone. It almost always moves in a huge company. These red-eye insects have an incredible ability to smell food that is about to spoil at great distances. Rotting fruits are vital to them, and their entire body is tuned to catch the subtlest smell emitted by overripe vegetables and fruits, which a person may not even feel. It would be helpful primarily to protect fruit from fruit flies. But fruit is not the only thing that might tempt them to make its way to your home. Here is a far from the complete list of objects that might attract drosophilas:
One female can lay about 500 eggs, turning into adults in almost a week. For this, it needs only moist organic materials in the fermentation stage. If you do not avoid fruit flies at home, they will live in your kitchen for about a month.
How fruit flies get into the house
These pests might not only be intrusive but contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. They may choose your kitchen as their target, sensing that a fruit plate or trash can has been there since last night. Drosophila can fly in from the outside through poorly closed windows and doors. Infection might occur through overripe fruits or vegetables previously infected and brought at home. In addition, the eggs of these insects might get into the house with the fur of pets and on shoes.
Fruit fly prevention: look around
If you want to say goodbye to drosophila, you should think like drosophila. Imagine where you could have a delicious meal if you were a fly. Where would you be cozy? Then conduct an audit and do everything not to leave them the opportunity to eat and reproduce. First of all, protect fruit from fruit flies. It is essential to keep clean in all areas and stick to the following recommendations.
Products:
Regularly go through stocks of products, and throw away those that have begun to spoil;
Store loose products in moisture-proof containers and check cereals for flies;
Store all perishable products in the refrigerator;
Wash and dry the bread box before laying each new one.
Kitchen:
Do not leave dirty dishes;
Maintain cleanliness in the refrigerator;
Do a general cleaning of all surfaces, paying attention to cracks where a piece of food can fall;
Thoroughly wash the stove, oven, and microwave oven, removing grease;
Clean the sink from the outside and inside because food residues can often get stuck in the plum;
Replace old sponges and rags;
Take out the trash on time and thoroughly wash the container with a disinfectant to prevent fruit flies in the trash can.
Pets:
Regularly change the water in the pet’s drinker and hide the remains of its food. Plants in pots: Loosen the ground, remove leaves, and wash flower pots with a cleaning agent. If you find pests in the soil, you should replace the soil and treat the plants with special means; Plant geranium, basil, or mint in a pot — the aroma of these plants repels drosophila.
Fruit Flies Attack! What Should I Do?
If these insects have already settled in your house, then you should make a trap, use insecticide, or try to get rid of unwanted guests using folk methods. Let’s consider each option in more detail.
Trap
Take a glass, put a bait in it (a piece of fruit, a little sweet drink, or apple cider vinegar) and cover it with a film with small holes. Change the bait daily because new insects may start hatching on it.
Use of pesticides
Treat the locations of flies, avoiding the surface in contact with the products. Pay particular attention to cracks and crevices near the garbage container, stove, windows, and doors.
Folk methods
Many are probably interested in how to deter fruit flies using home methods. Here are some examples:
Fresh horseradish head, peeled, cut into pieces, and spread throughout the kitchen;
Tobacco, fir cones, juniper, or incense, burned in an old pot;
Camphor heated in a pan;
Essential oils of eucalyptus, clove, tea tree, lavender, and lemon, which might be added to an aroma lamp or an old fumigator;
Natural vanilla pods or vanillin solution.
FAQ About Fruit Flies
The number of drosophilas seen one morning in the kitchen can be frightening, but you should not immediately run for dichlorvos. Instead, find out where they come from to avoid fruit flies at home.
How do I keep fruit flies away?
Cleanliness helps maintain your home flies-free. First of all, you should keep the kitchen clean. Getting rid of spoiled fruits and vegetables promptly and cleaning plums in the sink is crucial.
What causes fruit flies in the house?
Drosophilas find the places with food the most attractive. They fly to the smell of ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Besides the opportunities of being full, this is an ideal environment for their reproduction.
How long until fruit flies go away?
It depends on your efforts in fruit fly prevention. If they do not find something to eat in your kitchen or smell an unpleasant odor for them, they will quickly leave.
Avoid Fruit Flies at Home
Full-fledged fruit fly prevention can take some time because it is essential to pay attention to each potential location of drosophila. Moreover, the result depends on the regularity of your actions. Even a perfect cleaning carried out once a month will not guarantee you get rid of these insects if you leave a plate with apples on the table every day and do not take out the garbage.
Does drosophila bother you? Share your methods of dealing with these pests.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies (Kevin Carrillo) https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fruit-Flies
How to get rid of fruit flies in your house (Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications) https://entomology.tamu.edu/2020/07/07/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies-in-your-house/
Fruit Flies (University of Kentucky College of Agriculture) https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef621
Do Fruit Flies Have Food Preferences? (Kassandra G. Savage) http://csef.usc.edu/History/2006/Projects/J1920.pdf
Fruit Flies (Drosophila) (Living Science Handout) http://web.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/cooper/Population%20dynamics%20examples%20with%20fruit%20flies/LMP-023aDrosophilaFruitFlies.pdf
The question, “Why are there so many flies in my house?” is of great importance for many people who have to look for ways to get rid of severe infestations. These insects are carriers of dangerous diseases and are also annoying.
Today you see multiple flies in the house, and in a few weeks, the number increases hundreds of times. In addition to a set of measures to get rid of the individuals that have already settled in your room, it is significant to know what attracts flies to prevent their appearance in the future.
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Leftover food on the table, floor, and dirty dishes in the sink.
Warm room temperature (75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).
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Why Do I Have Flies in My House?
Your home is a great place for flies. Make the conditions for reproduction and survival less attractive to these insects by studying the reasons for their appearance. Let’s discover why so many flies you have in your dwelling!
1. Holes in walls, open windows, and doors
The flies perceive cracks in the walls and open doors as a “welcome” sign. Your home is warm, and these pests love such conditions so much. Therefore, if you offer them sufficient food, they will definitely drop in for a visit. Flying from the street into a human dwelling, flies find optimal conditions for development and reproduction. Indeed, their lifespan is much shorter in the wild than indoors.
2. Crumbs, rotting fruits, and vegetables
Even one ripe apple on your dinner table can attract insects and leave you confused, “Why so many flies in my apartment?”. These pesky pests are omnivores. Therefore, they may be interested in a small puddle of juice or alcohol on the table, crumbs in the house, or open food. Fruit flies love rotten vegetables and fruits.
Your sink or open dishwasher, which has accumulated a lot of dishes with food leftovers, can also become a rich food source for different species of flies. They will feed on your pet’s food if the bowl is not covered. They are most attracted to wet food.
3. Open garbage cans and compost piles
A compost pile near your home is a great chance to attract many flies indoors. Open trash cans, both outdoors and indoors, are also a limitless food source for these pests and their hatched larvae. The insects have no teeth, so rotting organic materials are delicious bait for them.
Excrement also falls under the concept of organic materials. While you may think this is not the best food option, flies have a different opinion. Your cat’s dirty litter box will attract many flying insects.
4. Standing water
Reservoirs with stagnant water can attract not only flies but also mosquitoes. It can be an outdoor pool or many plant pots in the room that you water too abundantly. Water is necessary for a fly to survive and, therefore, attracts it. However, besides water reservoirs attracting pests, such an environment is considered favorable for developing bacteria.
5. Dead rodents
If you exterminate hordes of rats in your house, this can bring another problem. It is important to throw out the corpses of rodents in time, which ate the bait with poison or fell into a trap. Not getting rid of dead pests in time has serious consequences for your health and can attract flies. These insects eat rotting flesh and lay their eggs on it.
6. Sewer problems
Leaks and clogged drains can attract not only houseflies but also drain flies. Dirty sewers accumulate large amounts of soft organic material, which is food for flies. Dark, damp places with rotting organic waste are also suitable for laying eggs.
Factors Affecting the Number of Flies
Many people fall into despair and wonder, “Why do flies keep coming into my house?”. Optimal indoor conditions allow annoying insects to go through all 4 stages of development (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) faster. Perhaps these pests have not returned to your home, and you just haven’t exterminated all the generations yet.
Air temperature
Flies reproduce rapidly: in one clutch, a female housefly can lay up to 150 eggs. In total, the fly makes 5-6 clutches in its short life. They are one of the most common pests in hot climates because they multiply faster. The optimum temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and above. The heat allows these insects to lay more eggs, which shortens their development into adults.
Lack of control
You may notice a few flies and not attach any importance to their presence. Although, their appearance is a signal for action. If you have not taken a set of measures to repair and clean your home, catch flies, or have not eliminated all the reasons, insects will continue to develop and live in your home. Incorrect control can also lead to a serious infestation, and you will need the help of professionals.
FAQ About Fly Control
To successfully get rid of the invasion of these insects in your house, you need to know the basic habits of the “enemy.”
How do I get rid of a fly infestation in my house?
Seal all cracks in doors, windows, and walls. Fix leaks. Store all food in airtight containers and wipe down your dining table regularly. Waste bins must be tightly closed. Set fly traps in places where flies accumulate.
Where are all the flies in my house coming from?
The most common species, such as houseflies and fruit flies, typically inhabit people’s homes, restaurants, and markets. They prefer to live near dunghills and garbage cans.
Where do flies lay eggs in the house?
For laying eggs, the female chooses dark, damp places with enough organic food for future larvae. It could be rotting wood, a dead animal, sewers, or a trash can.
Free Your House From Flies
Your home may seem cozy and attractive not only to you but also to flies. Trying to survive and find a place to reproduce, annoying insects get into the house. It seems that the liquidation of hordes of flies is difficult. However, this is not the case if you carefully consider a plan to eliminate them. It is also crucial to determine how the flies entered the room to prevent a serious infestation.
Have you ever had to deal with a huge number of flies in your home? How soon did you get rid of them, and by what methods?
A systematic review of human pathogens carried by the housefly (Musca domestica L.) (Faham Khamesipour, Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, Behnam Honarvar & Tebit Emmanuel Kwenti) https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-5934-3
How to Clean a Kitchen Drain (Chris Willatt) https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Kitchen-Drain
Flies, roaches not likely to spread COVID-19, study shows (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220728091032.htm
The lifespan of a fly is an interesting subject of scientific research. However, if you wonder, “How long do flies live?,”most likely, they attacked your house. The good news is that flying pests do not live long. The bad news is they reproduce quickly.
Thus, it is not worth waiting until the fly dies because it will have time to reproduce several thousand descendants in its short life. The air temperature in the room and access to water and food, which insects need to survive, greatly influence the lifespan and rate of passage of all developing cycles.
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The fly lays up to 150 eggs, which turn into larvae within a day.
The larvae grow during 4-7 days.
The pupa turns into an adult in 3-7 days.
The female can lay eggs in 2-3 days.
The entire life cycle of a fly takes an average of a month.
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How Long Do Flies Live?
The fact that flies live only 24 hours is wrong. In such a short period, they simply would not have had time to go through all 4 stages of their development. What fly lives 24 hours? This is a creature that has little in common with an ordinary fly.
Mayflies are aquatic insects that are an important part of the freshwater ecosystem. The nymph lives in the water for about a year. When it develops into an adult (imago), it lives for only 24 hours. During this period, mayflies lay eggs and die after procreation.
The mayfly’s life cycle differs from the most common types of flying insects, such as houseflies and fruit flies.
The average life of a housefly is 25 days. Males usually live less than 15 days.
Fruit flies (also known as vinegar flies or wine flies) live an average of 21 days.
If insects have unlimited access to water and food, your home is warm enough, their lifespan can increase up to 40-50 days.
Fly infestation is a real problem in hot climates. Insects reproduce rapidly. As you know, they are carriers of many diseases dangerous to humans, so it is significant to start getting rid of flies even if you notice only a few individuals in your room.
4 Stages of Fly Development
Regardless of species, flies go through the same cycles throughout their lives. At warm air temperatures, the time required to create a new generation is reduced. At lower air temperatures, flies hibernate or go through all the stages longer.
Egg laying. After mating, the female lays eggs, choosing dark, damp places. Often they choose rotting wood and places with a lot of decaying food or other organic materials. Fly eggs are like small grains of rice. For one batch, the female can lay up to 150 eggs. After 8-24 hours, the eggs hatch into larvae.
Larvae. They are white or translucent and look like legless caterpillars. The larvae cannot move, so the fly lays its eggs where its offspring will have access to a food source. This stage lasts 4-7 days. The larva feeds and molts several times.
At the pupal stage, the larva is in a hard capsule that looks like a barrel. Inside this capsule, it transforms into an adult fly, developing legs and wings. For a complete metamorphosis, the pupa takes from 3 to 7 days.
When the capsule cracks, an adult fly emerges from it. After 2-3 days, it is ready to mate. During its short life, the female can make 5-6 batches of eggs. In warm climates, these flying insects reproduce much more actively.
It is the average life cycle of a housefly. The fruit fly goes through the same stages. However, it takes much less time, about 2-3 days for each stage. For laying eggs, the vinegar fly usually prefers rotting fruits.
FAQ on Lifespan of Flies
Many factors influence the lifespan of flies. If an insect does not die from a fly swatter, it lives through standard cycles in the time allotted by nature.
How long do fruit flies live?
On average, these insects live about 21 days. But if there are optimal conditions for existence in your house, the life cycle of fruit flies can reach 40-50 days.
How long do flies live indoors?
Flies live much longer indoors than in the wild. The average lifespan from the larval stage to death is one month. Warm indoor air and abundant organic materials for food prolong their life.
Where do flies live?
In your home, flies can be seen on walls, ceilings, near windows, doors, garbage cans, and the dining table. Insects are also attracted to your pet’s food and toilet. They lay their eggs in dark and damp places.
Has Nature Given the Flies Enough Time?
The lifespan of a fly is short by human standards. However, insects have time to leave numerous offspring before they die. As a result, your home becomes a place where hundreds of individuals live. They spoil food and carry viruses and bacteria on their feet. Knowing how fast they reproduce, you need to start taking steps to get rid of the flies. Remove all food and debris, seal cracks in windows and doors. If the infestation is too severe, you will need professional help.
Did you believe in the stereotype that flies only live for 24 hours? Share your opinion in the comments!
Origins of the Flyswatter (Johns Hopkins University Press) https://muse.jhu.edu/article/731447
Mayfly Revisited (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) https://uwm.edu/field-station/mayfly-revisited/
Fruit Flies Evolve in Time with the Seasons: Study (Natalia Mesa) https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/fruit-flies-evolve-in-time-with-the-seasons-study-69816
Musca domestica, or a housefly, can be found almost all over the world. These insects are both nasty and harmful. They are also a disturbing signal of an unhealthy indoor climate, especially in outdoor buildings. In this article, I will explain how to get rid of flies in garage and protect your place in the future.
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Carefully clean the garage and remove maggots.
Remove what attracts flies: it could be rotten food or munch of organic fertilizers.
Ventilate the garage to remove any odors.
Prepare a few traps: cut plastic bottles and fill them with sweet water.
Put them in places where you see flies often.
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How to Get Rid of Flies in Garage: Eliminate the Cause First
A cluttered garage can easily become a suitable environment for flies; when they settle indoors, a fly swatter is useless. Preventing an infestation is no less effective than using fly traps. Here you will learn how to do both.
Flies: danger and use
Flies are not only annoying but also dangerous. They are attracted by rotten organic. Therefore, any fly contacts with waste and carries germs on its feet. Moreover, flies can’t bite food – they spit out saliva to dissolve and suck it. After that, they defecate, leaving fecal matter on your dish. One fly can’t damage you, yet if a few flies are in contact with food for a long time, it can lead to health issues like dysentery or poisoning.
On the other hand, flies are important for the environment since they promote the decomposition and pollination of plants. They are also an indispensable part of the food chain.
Signs of having a fly nest in the garage
A few flies indoors are not a cause of concern, but if their amount increases, it is a clear sign of an infestation. Finding a swarm of flies in garage means this place suits them for living and mating. To get rid of insects, you need to find and wipe out their nest. No matter how many flies you kill, they will keep appearing if they have a place to lay eggs.
Here are 3 additional signals you should look for in a fly nest.
Flies are attracted to the light, so most of the day, they will spend close to windows and doors. These insects leave feces everywhere they land, and since light surfaces and sunny spots attract them, the waste grows bigger over time and becomes noticeable dark clusters.
Maggots are the second sign of infestation. Flies lay eggs in dark and moist areas, so check areas where daylight rarely reaches. The most common places you can find them are trash bins and manure.
Even when you can’t see a swarm, you definitely hear it. If you have a nest indoors, it makes an annoying buzzing noize.
Which environment attract flies
Any kind of insect demands a particular environment to live in. Flies get indoors and stay if the place provides food and conditions for nesting, like comfortable temperature, humidity, and level of lighting. They select dark and moist places to leave eggs, so new flies hatch indoors, constantly increasing the population. Fly infestation in garage means this space fits them, and you need to change the conditions to get rid of them once and for all.
Flies are attracted by organic because this is their only food source. For example, rotting food in a trash box is the most common reason you might see flies and other pests indoors. Apart from that, flies also lay eggs in organics since maggots demand food to hatch and grow. If you store mulch or decaying leaves in your garage, it may cause infestation since this environment perfectly fits for breeding: it is dark, moist, and provides enough feed.
Adult flies are attracted by light and warmth, so they settle near windows, doors, and other sunny areas. If your windows look on the south, it makes your garage more attractive to flies, so you should be more careful.
3 types of fly traps
Depending on how serious a situation gets, you have 2 ways of getting rid of flies. If you see a few flies indoors, you need to kill them before they lay eggs. However, if you notice dark clusters, maggots, and constant buzzing, you need to take more serious actions — killing adult flies and wiping out a nest with eggs.
Fly traps for garage are the most effective means to kill these insects. It requires minimum effort: prepare them once, and if you place them in the right spots, they will work independently. Traps vary by their work principle and are divided into a few types.
To prepare a DIY trap, cut a plastic bottle and fill it with bait and water. Flies fly to rotten food, but sweet smells also attract them. Dissolving some sugar in the water is a perfect way to lure insects and make them drown.
Fly stripes have the simplest construction: it is a coil of an adhesive stripe. You need to unwind it and hang it where files cluster. They sit on a sticky surface and don’t move anymore.
The other way to kill flies in garage is to use electrified bug zappers. They capture flies with light and electrocute the insects when they touch their surface. This method is highly effective and helps to get rid of many other kinds of insects in the room, but it works only in pitch blackness.
Keeping flies out of garage in the future
Nevertheless, killing adult flies is not enough to manage the infestation. If you want to prevent flies from appearing again, make your garage unsuitable for them to live in.
Removing maggots is the first thing you need to do. Eggs are usually laid in one place, so withdrawing all of them at once saves you a lot of time and effort, reducing the risk of poisoning or catching any other disease.
Gardeners should store fertilizers outside their homes, choosing garages instead. Since the smell of mulch is a thing that drives flies to garages, you need to make sure that the container is tightly closed. I also recommend checking if the ventilation works properly. The best option is to keep it outdoors or select a place with strong airflow to prevent the odor.
High humidity is an important condition for flies to mate, and standing water increases the risk of these insects settling indoors. Check for leaks and tightly close containers with liquids to reduce moisture.
General cleaning allows for avoiding lots of sanitary issues. Removing trash and getting your things in order is an easy and proven way to prevent finding a nest of insects indoors one day.
FAQ on Fly Detering
Repelling flies is much easier than any other kind of insect. Here are essential facts you need to know to get rid of them and prevent infestation.
What will keep the flies away?
To repel flies, keep the indoor areas clean and well-ventilated. Various organics, especially rotten food, attract flies. Thus, regular emptying of a trash bin and cleaning is the most reliable way to prevent pest infestation.
How do you get rid of an infestation of flies?
Fly traps are a simple and efficient way to kill adult flies. Select which type fits your needs and put a few traps in areas where you spot insects most often. You also need clean areas where they lay eggs to prevent a new generation from hatching.
What causes a fly infestation?
These insects fly on the odor of rotten food and organic fertilizers. They select dark and moist areas to lay eggs and warm and sunny spots to cluster.
Keeping Your Garage Free of Pests
A swarm of flies indoors is a clear sign of poor sanitation since these insects are attracted by rotten organics like spoiled food or natural fertilizers. They feed on waste and lay eggs there; therefore, these insects can provoke health issues. Trying to kill all the flies with a single swatter is empty labor, so fly traps are so popular. However, the main thing is careful cleaning and proper ventilation.
Which type of fly trap seems the most effective to you? Do you know any alternative methods of killing flies indoors? Please share your thoughts.
A systematic review of human pathogens carried by the housefly (National Library of Medicine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6104014/
Should I throw away food once a fly has landed on it? (The University of Sydney) https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2016/01/04/should-i-throw-away-food-once-a-fly-has-landed-on-it-.html
Nowadays, many private house owners have a pool. If you are that lucky person, you likely wait for sunny days to enjoy water fun with family or friends. Unfortunately, some uncalled guests also dream about opening the bathing season. We say about horse flies or breeze flies.
These unpleasant creatures adore standing water and might spoil holidays with their intrusive presence and painful hazard bites. How to get rid of horse flies around a pool? You might get acquainted with your enemy closer to learn its weaknesses and choose powerful fight tactics.
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Get to know how to prevent horse flies around a pool and follow these recommendations.
Consult with specialists and apply suitable horsefly repellent for pools if insects appear.
Call an exterminator if horse fly control around pools does not work correctly.
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Horse Flies? Let’s Get To Know Better!
These flies, rightly nicknamed vampires, belong to the Tabanidae family. You may effortlessly distinguish them from common flies. First, their body is larger — from 0.5 to 1.25 inches. Secondly, they have big wide-set eyes, large wings, and thick proboscis.
You should not hope these monsters pester only cloven-hoofed. Their victims might become warm-blooded mammals. If you did not notice horse flies around a pool and feel a bite, you will find out that this insect was due to specific sharp pain. The bite site is deep, swells, and itches for a long time for its saliva into the wound.
Moreover, some species might transmit infectious diseases, particularly tularemia. The silver line is that only female breeze flies bite. They suck blood to get protein for laying eggs. Males are vegetarians and eat flower nectar and pollen.
Resting next to the water, you might see deer flies around a swimming pool. This insect from the Tabanidae family is less in size but is harmful and hazardous. It stands out with big bright eyes and wings with black stripes. They got such a name probably due to their crowding in marshy areas, where deer live.
Where Horse Fly Meets
These bloodsuckers might meet on all continents but Antarctica. They are warm-loved and usually appear after the 15th of May, when the air temperature is up to 66 °F, and leave active for the end of September. The hotter day, the faster breeze flies to hunt. Most often, you may see them at the following places:
Stables and farms with cattle;
Long wet grass;
Slow flows and rivers;
Ponds and pools.
However, why do they choose these moist locations? Read on to know the answer.
What Can Entice a Horse Fly
These pests have such large eyes for reasons. Being visual hunters, they briskly react to 3 things:
Movement;
Big dark items;
CO2, which mammals release during exhalation.
That signifies to them that nutrition is nearby. Sure, you can’t stop breathing to defend yourself from these micro vampires’ attacks. But it would be helpful for your safety to keep horse flies away from a swimming pool by putting on a lighter beach outfit.
Love to the water element
Horse flies around a pool is not a pleasant picture at all. There are some reasons why these insects love water spaces:
Shining surface
A gleam of the sun on the water extremely lures these voracious predators. That might turn your pool into their recreation zone.
Course of moistness
Because of high activity, they rapidly dehydrate. Swimming places might be valuable for breeze flies to recover water balance.
Relaxing from heat
During the warmest times, they might look for highly moist grass for a break which usually grows around water.
A place for laying eggs
Adult insects live anywhere and can cover considerable distances to reach their victims. At the same time, females choose locations by water for laying eggs.
How to Prevent Horse Flies Around Pool
Before the summer, you might prepare a recreation zone to make bloodsuckers think it is better not to visit you.
4 simple methods to keep horse flies away from a swimming pool:
1. “Hiding” the pool
It would be best not to forget to close the water place on warm days when you do not use it.
2. Maintaining cleanliness
Like all flies, these adore land on food and garbage. It may be helpful not to leave treats and repeatedly tidy up near the pool.
3. Lighting citronella candles
The citrus odor might repel and disorient insects. As a result, they have difficulty finding victims.
4. Lawn and garden care
Horse flies around a pool and on the grass nearby are not what you want to observe, are you? Routinely mowing the lawn and weeding the garden may deprive uninvited guests of desired locations.
Horse Fly Control Around Pools
Preventive methods might seem ineffective. However, it does not mean you should forget about sunbathing. Let’s consider how to rid yourself of annoying insects.
Physical non-toxic traps
You might apply different options, from trivial flytraps to electric devices:
Glue paper might lure and immobilize flies;
A plastic bag with an attractant that lures pests inside with the possibility to go out;
Lamps that draw flies using ultraviolet light into a metal container where the flies are electrocuted;
Constructions with moving parts entice insects into containers where they die from the sun.
Treatments with Deet and Off (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) can be efficient against these pests. You might treat grass, bushes, and the recreation zone with a horsefly repellent for pools, which are safe for people and pets. But it should bear in mind that these insects quickly develop resistance to active substances.
Homemade repellents
In the fight against hated insects, people use many home remedies. Beeze flies are expected to hate the following odors:
White vinegar;
Eucalyptus;
Tea tree;
Cedar;
Citronella;
Lavender;
Peppermint;
Carnation;
Rosemary;
Basil;
Lemon tree.
You might prepare mixes using these ingredients and disperse them to keep horse flies away from the swimming pool. For instance, you may combine white vinegar, eucalyptus, and bath oil.
People, as warm-blooded mammals, are a great target for these predators. You might ensure a good rest without these bothersome monsters by using various treatments.
FAQ About Horse Flies Control Around Pools
Despite their small sizes, horse flies cause much damage and make us find answers to puzzle questions.
What will keep horse flies away?
You might try to keep horse flies away from the swimming pool using different methods — from mechanical traps to homemade repellents. But you should remember that pests quickly become tolerant to poison.
What scent do horse flies hate?
It is believed that the scents of oils (cedarwood, tea tree, etc.), spices (clove, basil), and white vinegar can repel horse flies.
Does vinegar repel horse flies?
White vinegar is called an effective remedy for horse fly control around pools. It is advised to use a blend including other repellents for making aerosol.
What is the difference between a horsefly and a gadfly?
A gadfly can not bite. It does not even have a mouth. They live thanks to stock saving during the larva stage and damage parasitizing into mammals’ bodies.
How to Spend the Summer Without Horse Flies
This summer, an invasion of breeze flies was recorded due to the increase in the temperature. Many people who wanted to rest in the deck chair googled, “How to get rid of horse flies around the pool?” You are free to experiment with any methods to reach this aim. The main thing is to apply safe strategies for other live creatures and the environment. You may ask experts or call a professional disinfector.
Have you encountered horseflies? What approach to combating them was beneficial to you? Tell your story below!
Everyone knows these little flies flickering over the pots of plants. Sometimes there are almost none; sometimes there are hundreds of them. What damage do fungus gnats cause? Whether you are dealing with larvae or adults, buying infested seedling soil, or a new flower without paying attention to the pest’s signs, these are common pests on plants grown indoors.
When the humidity level in the room is high, they are not dangerous, but if you find the fungus gnats on plants, it’s time to pound the alarms. Let me explain how to identify these pests and give some tips on fungus gnat removal.
What Are Fungus Gnats?
Fungus gnats (Sciaridae) belong to the order of Diptera insects (true flies) of the Sciaridae family. An individual has a rounded head, a flat and narrow body, a pair of wings, and a size of only 3-4mm. Now, let’s talk about fungus gnats on plants in more detail.
Visual identification
How to know that you have fungus gnats? The adults most often look like black flies with an elongated body about 3-4 mm long. Their larvae are whitish, translucent eggs in the roots of plants. Young gnats can be about 1.5-2 mm and are light gray.
Lifecycle
These insects do not live long. Adults live for about a week but can leave up to 300 eggs in the soil. The pupal stage lasts about 3-4 days, then the grown individuals leave the soil, but do not fly far, even during watering. The entire cycle from egg to adult insect takes 3-4 weeks, depending on the temperature in the room.
What do fungus gnats eat?
Fungus gnats larvae and adults feed on plant roots, causing significant damage to the plant. The larvae destroy the roots of plants. Many individuals can easily ruin tubers and the lower part of the stem or leaves near the ground. The damaged areas of the roots can become foci of fungal infections. If you would not take steps of fungus gnat removal, your plants will die immediately.
Where do fungus gnats come from?
The reasons are several factors: waterlogging, decaying remains, a new flower, insufficiently disinfected soil for transplanting or planting a new plant. So, before getting rid of fungus gnats indoors, you have to know the exact reason for their appearance.
Sciarids, like all flying insects, can enter a room through open vents, windows, and just an open door. You can also bring home an infected plant from the store or bring in the larvae from poorly disinfected soil.
But if you noticed fungus gnats in your house, it doesn’t always mean that you already have a whole infestation. The thing is that gnats leave their larvae in particular conditions. For example, a perfect place for gnats infestation is the soil, with a process of decay or decomposition of organic fertilizers.
Therefore, first of all, fungus gnats lay eggs in pots with plants poured with tinctures of mullein or bird litter. Many people also notice that fungus gnats tend to appear when you are using water from an aquarium for irrigation, along with the waste products of fish.
Fungus gnat dangers: can these flies really cause damage?
In fact, most damage to the plants is brought by fungus gnats larvae. They feed on the delicate tips of the roots, thereby undermining the essential vitality of the plant. A plant with an affected root system usually gets sick, withers, does not bloom, and, as a result, dies.
Mainly, insects spoil the appearance of the plant with their presence. However, if the number of gnats increases significantly, they begin to feed on the plant’s aerial parts, preferring young and tender shoots.
The larvae feed not only on decaying organic material, algae, or fungi but also on the root system and stem’s active tissue. They pierce the root and stem of a cutting, seedling, or young plant. The result is a secondary spread of various phyto-diseases such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Botrytis, Fusarium, and Verticillium. The main symptoms of pest damage are wilting and growth retardation.
Signs of the fungus gnat infestation
Fungus gnats in potted plants are a result of excessive watering and constant humidity. Flowers, where adult insects have already laid eggs, have a poor condition. Sluggish leaves, loss of healthy plant color, and many other signs are the main symptoms of gnats infestation.
If you found the fungus gnats, you have to treat the plants with special aerosols and hang glue traps near the plant. So, start examining your flowers and soil. The very first sign of these insects is, of course, fluttering flies around potted plants.
Less obvious symptoms include:
white larvae in the ground;
sudden wilting of the plant;
poor growth of young plants;
yellowish leaves.
Did you find the gnats on your flowers? The first rule is not to panic. The chances of saving your favorite orchid or violet are great. But the battle for salvation must begin immediately.
How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you discovered the signs of these pests attack, you might want to consider several effective measures to deal with fungus gnats on your plants.
Step 1: Examine a new plant carefully
Before purchasing potted plants, gently lift the soil near the base of the plant and look for larvae. Of course, if you noticed that there are small insects flying around the plant, it’s already infested.
Step 2: Add some sand to the soil
Add a thin layer of sand to the soil of your potted plant. If there is a problem, sprinkle a 1.5cm layer of sand on the surface of the soil. This will prevent adult gnats from laying eggs and will also act as a barrier to the surface.
Step 3: Use a synthetic fabric for the base of the pot
Cover the drain holes with a synthetic cloth. These insects tend to stay near the surface of flowerpots or seedling containers, but sometimes they get into drainage holes on the underside to lay eggs. So, take a piece of synthetic fabric, wrap it around the base of the pot, and secure it with an elastic band. Such material freely passes water, but won’t let the insects in.
Step 4: Dry the soil
When you find eggs, the first thing you need to do is let the soil dry to a depth of at least 3-5 cm between waterings. Dry soil kills larvae and stops egg development, and also makes the soil less attractive to egg-laying females.
Step 5: Get rid of fungus gnats
There are several ways to get rid of fungus gnats if the methods stated above didn’t work.
Use adhesive tapes
Classic yellow sticky traps are an excellent way to reduce pest populations. You can hang them near plants, and they will attract adult gnats. For seedlings, place traps horizontally on the soil surface to collect large numbers of egg-laying adult females. The yellow sticky traps are easy to use and affordable. When the trap is full, remove it and place a new one.
DIY vinegar trap
Pour an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water into a shallow bowl (the best option is a canned fish) and add a drop of liquid soap or dishwashing treatment. Put a plastic cap on top and secure it with an elastic band. Then poke holes in the plastic, so the insects will be trapped and not able to escape. Now place the jar as close to the flowerpot or seedling container as possible. Change the solution every three days.
It is an organic abrasive powder that works well against different types of mosquitoes, including fungus gnats. The powder sticks to insects, dehydrating, and immobilizing them. Sprinkle it on the soil surface only when the soil is dry. Otherwise, the diatomaceous earth will absorb moisture and not stick to insects. The method is more effective when combined with sanding. Diatomaceous earth also helps to fight against larvae, as it contains microscopic fragments of silica, which physically injure insects upon contact. Thus, mix the diatomaceous earth with the top layer of the soil for the best effect.
Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts of water. Let the topsoil dry and then water as usual. The soil will “sizzle” immediately after application, but this is normal. After a few minutes, the hissing will stop, the peroxide breaks down into harmless oxygen and water molecules, and the larvae will die right after the contact with the mixture.
You can also get rid of sciarids in houseplants using a fumigator. Its location should be close to window sills or shelves with flowers. If fungus gnats are in a large room, you will need to use several fumigators. Before using the fumigator, close the doors and windows and leave the device for a day. Replace the treatment in the device every two hours.
Remember to loosen the topsoil. Periodic loosening will not only enrich the roots with oxygen but also enable the soil to dry out faster. Besides, larvae in the open air will die quickly. During loosening, it is necessary to inspect the soil to find out whether small insects or their larvae have bred in it.
It may happen that even the use of special means will not bring a positive result. Again, do not despair, because not all methods have been used yet. At least, there is one effective and proven method that will 100% work. Transplant the flower into a pot of fresh soil. It is necessary to examine the entire root system thoroughly and treat it with special means.
Top 5 Fungus Gnats Treatments
Check out these options for successful fungus gnats control. All of the options were tested by me and some of my colleagues.
1. Kensizer Yellow Sticky Gnat Traps – The Best Solution for Getting Rid of Fungus Gnats on Plants
Target Species: Fly, Thrip, Mosquito, White Fly, Gnat
Kensizer product is a double-sided yellow paper that attracts many kinds of insects, including fungus gnats. There is a layer of a protected entomological glue on both sides, so when you want to use the trap, just take the layer off. It is quite easy to use.
Resistant to the aggressive action of high humidity and temperature, the glue, which is used in traps, has high stickiness, is non-toxic, does not drip, and does not run off. You can use it both indoors and outdoors since it is resistant to weather and temperature conditions. The bright yellow color attracts insects to the sticky surface, and a light touch of the glue surface is enough for the insect to get stuck. The pack includes 20 tapes, and it’s enough to get rid of a whole infestation.
Pros:
Cons:
Sun and rain proof;
Completely odorless;
Can be used for various types of insects.
Not found.
2. Useful Option for Getting Rid of Gnats in Potted Plants: Trappify Sticky Fruit Fly and Gnat Trap
Target Species: White Flies, Mosquitos, Flying Insects
This is one of my favorite products ever. The pack includes 25 replaceable sticky traps, and it provides a 100% effect within several days. The Trappify product suits battling fungus gnats, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. So, by purchasing it, you will save some cash and get a multifunctional treatment.
Getting rid of fungus gnats indoors will be quite easy if you place traps in proper places. Hang the trap near the plants, and don’t forget to check and change them regularly. It is easy to use and does not contain substances hazardous to humans and pets.
The trap has a sticky content and bait that attracts insects, providing the best effect. Trappify offers long-lasting and reliable protection from insects for you and your plants. The product does not emit an unpleasant odor, so you can use it even if you suffer from allergies.
Pros:
Cons:
Multifunctional product;
Safe for allergics;
Easy to use.
Not efficient for outdoor use.
3. Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Bits – An Effective Way to Remove Gnats in Plants
Active Ingredients: Bacillus Thuringiensis Subspecies Israelensis Solids , Spores And Insecticidal Toxins 10.31 Pct
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12 x 12 x 9 inches
Item Weight: 1.87 pounds
Coverage Area: Up to 2000 sq. ft.
Target Species: Mosquito
What is the best way to get rid of fungus gnats? I bet that everyone will find an answer that will match the needs of every buyer. But when talking about Summit mosquito bits, I’d say that this option can be easily assigned to the list of the best fungus gnats treatments.
Summit solutions bits is a universal method of getting rid of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, flies, and many other insects. Mix the bits with the soil or make a solution and pour the water into the potted plant, and the result will be immediate. Dissolve 2 tbsp in half a gallon of water for about 20 minutes, strain the bits out, and water the plants with the solution. It may take 1-3 days for the gnats and larvae to be gone completely.
The granular mosquito and fungus gnats repellent by Bonide helps to fight indoor and garden pests effectively. You will achieve the best effect within 2 weeks after the start of use. This ant repellent can be used both dry and as a solution.
Bonide insect granules are useful against flies, mosquitoes, and fungus gnats both inside and outside your house, so you can use it in your garden if needed. You can also use the granules as a prevention method, so the pests will stay out of your property for 2-4 months.
Specially designed for effective and targeted control of harmful insects in residential and public areas, it helps to control flies and their larvae. Also, it quickly and reliably destroys fleas, lice, cockroaches, crickets, ticks, and other insects.
Pros:
Cons:
Effective both outdoors and indoors;
A universal treatment for many insects;
Can be used in gardens.
At least two weeks of usage is required for getting a result.
5. The Best Way for Natural Fungus Gnat Control: AgroMagen (GS420)
AgroMagen is a universal organic concentrated gnat insecticide for natural fungus gnats control. If you wonder how to kill fungus gnats, this option might become your best choice. AgroMagen Bio-pesticide is not toxic to soil and ground, and it’s also safe for humans and pets. Its composition includes unique oil emulsion, which blends with water perfectly and can be applied for fruit trees and other plants.
AgroMagen GrowSafe is economic, and one pack is enough for using it at least for two months. However, you probably won’t even run out of the product that soon, since its effect is visible just in several days.
Pros:
Cons:
Economic and rather effective product;
Organic and non-toxic;
Can be applied for bigger plants.
It kills insects.
How to prevent fungus gnats
Remember that these pests can fly quickly into the window, so the first thing to do to prevent their appearance is to put a thin mosquito net on the windows. You should also avoid the decay of vegetables, fruits, and other residues from the table in the trash bin and take out the trash regularly.
Root-damaging pests cannot live without moisture. Therefore, your next step is to reduce the watering of the plant. To make it impossible for adult insects to lay eggs, a simple method of protecting the soil helps greatly. It consists of creating a top layer in a flower pot from fine expanded clay, gravel, or sand.
Questions About Soil Gnats
If you still have questions about soil gnats, be sure to check this section of the article.
How long do fungus gnats live?
As it is stated above, adult fungus gnats can live from 5 to seven days. Larvae growth period takes 3-4 days after laying. However, there are also cases when fungus gnats larvae grew in 1-2 days because the soil condition was perfect.
How to bake soil to kill fungus gnats?
If there are a lot of larvae in the soil, and you assume that the plant will withstand the transplant, then it is best to do this by putting the flower into a new, pre-cultivated land. To do this:
Loosen the soil and carefully pull it out.
Then manually or with a small brush, clean the roots of the contaminated soil.
Quickly rinse the roots with water or one of the remedies.
Finally, transfer the plant into a clean pot with uninfected soil. It is when you will need the baked soil. Put it in the oven at a temperature of 100-120 degrees for 1 hour, and then restore the microflora with some kind of fertilizer.
How to trap fungus gnats?
The best option is to use a fly trap tape near the plants. Also, stock up on sticky fly traps from summer, because they may not have them in stores during winter. Don’t forget to change the tape regularly.
Can dehydration damage my plants?
Why do we even need to water the indoor plants? Why does a plant need water? Weird question. Every living organism needs water. It is a universal solvent that provides the production of energy for people, animals, and plants.
As you know, the plant “feeds” on sunlight, or rather synthesizes organic matter using the sun’s energy from carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, water is the main substance in the life of plants. And of course, dehydration can damage your plants.
How to pick a plant in a store that is not infected?
If you go to the store to buy a new plant or flower, inspect it carefully. First of all, make sure that the stems are developed equally, and there are no yellow or sluggish leaves. After that, check if the plant doesn’t suffer from an infestation of small insects. Examine the plant and see if it has larvae or bugs.
Do You Know How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Houseplants?
Did you find the best way to get rid of fungus gnats? I hope this article helped you to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Still, the answer to this question will always be different for everyone. The choice of the product depends exactly on your needs.
Anyways, fighting fungus gnats is not a very complicated task to deal with, and I’m sure that you’ll manage it successfully. Do you know any other ways of how to get rid of gnats in soil? Did you ever try to use natural fungus gnat control? Feel free to share your tips and advice in the comments section.
References:
Fungus Gnats as Houseplant and Indoor Pests(Colorado State University): https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/fungus-gnats-as-houseplant-and-indoor-pests-5-584/
What organic fertilizers mean to plants and soil(Michigan State University): https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_organic_fertilizers_mean_to_plants_and_soil
Diatomaceous Earth(National Pesticide Information Center): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
Hydrogen peroxide (National Library of Medicine): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hydrogen-peroxide
Either you have a couple of home-growing plants, take care of your private garden, or a whole greenhouse, whiteflies can be a significant problem that destroys fresh sprouts and thus require a quick and effective solution. Being quite similar to aphids, whiteflies suck plants sap, destroying them and spreading diseases. It is quite hard to find their eggs, and due to the tiny size, they can go through the protecting mesh.
I have tried various methods of getting rid of whiteflies, using different chemicals, oils, insecticides, tapes, and other tools that help to protect the houseplants, garden, flowerbed, or get rid of whiteflies in the greenhouse. To help you become an effective whiteflies fighter, I have collected all key facts, tips, and methods in this article.
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Vacuum the infested plants with a small hand-held vacuum cleaner.
Remove the most damaged leaves.
Clean the remaining leaves and stem with water and use bug spray.
Help plants fight pests with pellets.
Check plants regularly for reinfestation.
Choose a product for long-term plant protection.
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What are whiteflies
Whiteflies, or Aleyrodidae, are winged flying insects with soft triangular-shaped bodies that have a powdery-white color. Adult whiteflies are 1/16 inches long and have short antennas on their heads. These insects are very close to aphids and mealybugs and often found on the top of the plant, its leaves or stem.
The nymphs can be found on the leaves undersides. Both adult whiteflies and nymphs feed on sucking the young growth juices, damaging the plants, slowing down their growth, killing the leaves, and spreading dangerous diseases.
How do whiteflies appear in your garden
Whiteflies are widespread in all regions throughout the planet, but they do prefer to leave in a warmer climate close to their feeding territory. These insects usually appear in the territories without their natural predators, such as ladybugs, dragonflies, spiders, or lacewing larvae.
This might be caused by climate changes or the application of certain chemicals that kill these insects. In case you live in a dry climate or just forget to water your plants, this might cause drought stress for your garden or greenhouse, making them more vulnerable for such insects. The hot climate is also beneficial for whiteflies’ reproduction.
What are the dangerous whiteflies
All whitefly species can produce severe harm to the indoor and outdoor plants, as they suck the juices of fresh growth and destroy leaves, damaging the plants’ development and yield. While feeding, whiteflies produce a sticky substance or honeydew that cover the leaves. It is a source of fungal diseases, and it can also attract other harmful pests to your garden.
The main whitefly problem is destroying the leaves, weakening the plants and slowing their ability to carry out photosynthesis. Thus, leaves will turn yellow, while those covered with honeydew will look dark and dirty, and the plants’ growth will be stunted. While feeding, whiteflies leave toxic substances inside the phloem that harm the whole plant, followed by imbalanced plant metabolism and weakening that impact the development of flowers and fruit.
How to get rid of whiteflies
Now, let’s move to the effective methods of how to treat whiteflies, cleaning your plants from these harmful pests. There are several important steps to take in case you want to destroy whiteflies once and forever.
Step 1. Vacuum infected plants
First, you have to identify the infected plants by checking on the underneath of their leaves and at the top of the stem. Take a small hand vacuum, furniture cleaning nozzle, or a classic home vacuum cleaner and start sucking the pests from the infected leaves of each plant. Try not to miss a single leave, checking the plants from all angles.
Vacuum cleaning is the quickest and simplest way of whitefly treatment, and it can remove whiteflies on all stages of their development, starting from the first day you have mentioned the infestation. As soon as the cleaner’s bag is full of pests, securely get rid of whiteflies by sealing the bag into the hermetic plastic bag and putting it into the freezer for 24 hours. Only after that, you can throw all pests in the trash.
Step 2. Remove the most damaged leaves
To help your plants heal quicker, cut off the most damaged leaves with garden clippers or by hands, leaving enough leaves not to kill the plants. Look on the underside of each leaf to find whitefly eggs, or seek for a sticky honeydew. The most damaged leaves might also become yellow and wilted.
Properly dispose of leaves after cleaning the plant: it is better to burn them or seal in a small airtight bag. It is also possible to freeze the bag prior to disposal. This is essential to prevent further infestation of your garden.
Step 3. Clean leaves and stem with spray
After removing the most infected leaves, you have to help the rest of your plant battle the infestation. Clean the rest of the leaves with water and use an insectile spray to kill the whiteflies that feed on them or just create a guarding barrier against these insects.
It is better to apply the spray in the evening when the peak sun activity has passed; in case you spray the plants in hot sunny weather, this might lead to the opposite effect, causing more damage to your plants.
Step 4. Help plants to battle pests
To protect plants from the inside, try spreading insectile granules across the soil under the plant. It is better to use granules just after or prior to whiteflies laying eggs. As peak activity of whiteflies comes in the early summer, usually after intense rainfalls, followed by egg-laying, this is the best period for its application.
Using insectile granules, don’t forget about granular application equipment: you can use either rotary-type or drop-type spreaders. For better results, the application of insectile granules has to be followed by rainfall or irrigation to move the active ingredients into the soil. Granules can be applied once, as their effect can last up to several months.
Step 5. Get rid of the newcomers
After providing a structured treatment to the damaged plants and getting rid of the most infected leaves, you have to protect them from the whitefly newcomers. There’s a high risk of these pests coming back in a short period after the treatment. To be able to quickly identify a new infestation and immediately battle it, try using sticky tape. Put the tape around the stem of a plant or across the ground, horizontally sticking it all over the area.
Check the tape regularly, and in case there are no pests, remove the tape because it can as well catch their predators, such as ladybugs. Apply sticky tape in case you have seen whitefly on houseplants as this is the easiest method to catch them inside the house without harming your indoor plants.
Spet 6. Think about prolonged protection
Think about how to protect your house, garden, or greenhouse from whiteflies for a long period in the future as your plants have to rehabilitate in a healthy environment. You have to use an organic insecticide that won’t harm your plants, animals, or other insects that are useful for your garden. In case you have some neem oil, it is an optimal natural tool to control whiteflies in your garden. Neem oil is a great white fly repellent, protecting your garden from pests for months.
To start the treatment, prepare your neem oil spray: mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water (find the exact dosage on the pack). Remember that neem oil has a strong specific smell, but it will disappear as soon as the liquid dries out.
Prior to application, test it on one leaf of a plant and wait 24 hours to be sure it won’t harm it. Start the application in the evening or when there is no direct light or extreme temperatures to let the liquid sit into the plant and prevent the foliage burning. Do not spray neem oil on plants that are weak, seriously damaged, or stressed of drought.
Common active ingredients in whiteflies insecticides
Above organic neem oil (Azadirachtin), there are other ingredients that you seek for in the insecticides you want to use when fighting with whitefly infestation. Imidacloprid (Marathon, Merit) is one of the most commonly used insecticide ingredients that effectively eliminates the whitefly population.
Other effective ingredients are Bifenthrin, Acephate, and Acetamiprid – they are used as active ingredients in many insecticides that kill whiteflies and other insects that damage plants.
Top 3 Whitefly Treatments
To help you protect your plants and get rid of these pests, I have created a detailed review of the top whitefly management guidelines that are both effective and affordable. Each of them has its strong points, so read carefully and choose the one that will be a perfect match for your particular case.
Active Ingredient: Aliphatic Petroleum Solvent 80%
Item Form: Spray
Item Volume: 1 Gallons
Item Weight: 5.15 pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30 x 18 x 1 inches
Target Species: Aphids, Leaf Miners, Leafhoppers, Thrips, Spider Mites, Scales, Whiteflies, Mealybugs And Many More
Monterey is a skilled manufacturer of various pest control products used by professional and amateur gardeners for effective plant protection. Their oil concentrates effectively battles spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, and other pests.
LG Horticultural oil from Monterrey effectively kills whiteflies and other plant-eating insects, producing a poor effect on earthworms or caterpillars. This oil is effective for both adult pests and eggs, it destroys the population completely. It has a foliage protector that helps to protect damages corn, plant trees, and potatoes, pineapples, etc, being approved for organic gardening.
Pros:
Cons:
destroys adult whiteflies and eggs;
approved for organic gardening;
foliage protector;
easy to use – just mix it with water and spray.
requires regular application.
2. Organic Neem Bliss – Completely Natural Neem Oil
Plantonix produces various products for garden protection that are approved by organic gardeners. Their Organic Neem Bliss is made of 100% cold-pressed neem oil that is completely chemical-free. This is a perfect tool for organic farming, included in the OMRI list.
This product is a perfect outdoor and home remedy for whiteflies on plants, made of a natural ingredient, safe for your pets and children. It can be safely handled and is biodegradable, keeping your plants protected for a long time, but it is recommended to test it on a leaf before use. It has a strong garlicky odor, but it quickly disappears.
Pros:
Cons:
100% organic product;
omri-listed oil;
safe for indoor use.
strong garlicky odor.
3. Bonide Imidacloprid Insecticide – Great Choice for Non-edible Plants
Target Species: Mealybug, Termite, Aphids, Japanese Beetles, And More
Bonide is a US-based leader in producing house and garden pest control products. Founded in 1926, this is the family-owned brand focused on providing their clients with top-quality products.
Systematic Houseplant Pest Control for Bonide offers ready-to-use insectile granules killing pests that harm indoor plants. This product has no odors, being perfect for in-house use. It destroys not only whiteflies but also aphids, termites, Japanese beetles, and other pests. Keep it away from pets and children, and use it for non-edible plants only. It is super easy to use: just put granules into the soil, and the granules will be quickly absorbed into the roots. This way granules will help plants to get rid of whiteflies.
Pros:
Cons:
perfect for indoor plants;
kills many pest types;
easy to use.
can’t be used for edible plants.
Key questions for effective whiteflies treatment
When you have mentioned signs of whitefly infestation in your garden, it is important to thoroughly study the basic knowledge about these pests and how to kill whiteflies. I have collected the most important questions that you have to look through before starting your fight with these insects.
What is the cause of whiteflies?
Whiteflies prefer to live in a warm climate, close to their feed source. Drought is the best stimulus for their eggs laying, which can also harm plants and make them more vulnerable for these pests. If there are no whiteflies’ predators, such as spiders or ladybugs, this might cause the rapid development of their population.
Are whiteflies attracted to light?
As all fly species, whiteflies are also attracted to light. It is possible to apply LED emitting diode (LED) and UV lamps trapping the greenhouse whitefly to get rid of these pests. Thus, light traps can be used to catch whiteflies, but it is not as effective as methods connected to their feeding area.
Where do white flies come from?
Some of the most common whiteflies sources are purchased plant materials, although they might come from their wintertime hiding areas or just from the outdoors. The neighbors’ garden, fresh flower bouquet, or a new seedling can all be the whiteflies’ sources.
Yes, white vinegar can be quite effective against whiteflies. You can create your own insecticidal spray by mixing white vinegar with water, adding insecticidal soap, baking soda, and dish soap to spray it on the infected plants. Get ready for regular spraying of your plants and be careful as it might as well kill harmless insects.
A lot of people ask me how to get rid of whiteflies because these pests produce serious harm to our plants. As you can see, there are several effective methods of whitefly treatment that will help you eliminate these pests once and forever. I prefer to use neem oil as it is 100% organic, safe for children and pets, and can be used for managing whiteflies on indoor and outdoor plants.
What is your most preferred way to treat whiteflies? How long did it take to kill all the whiteflies population? Share your experience in the comments.
References:
Whiteflies in the Greenhouse (University of Connecticut): http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/whiteflies-in-the-greenhouse.php
Controlling Whiteflies in your Garden(University of California): https://ucanr.edu/sites/VCMG/Controlling_Whiteflies_in_Your_Garden/
Whiteflies Management Guidelines(University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources): http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7401.html
Suitability of a UV Lamp for Trapping the Greenhouse Whitefly(Institute of Horticultural and Biosystems Engineering): https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/10426/BC%2005%20004%20Tantau%20final%20Nov2005.pdf%3Bjsessionid%3DA828ECD97170D3DA766D7C97004A25BE?sequence%3D1
Managing Whiteflies on Indoor and Outdoor Plants (University of Missouri): https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7275
When the warmer seasons come around, new, annoying guests start swarming your household, camping site, and vegetable patches. Mosquitoes, flies, and gnats become more and more active, breeding rapidly and infesting the area. ‘Flies are harmless’, you may say. Well, not really.
Flies and other winged pests can be a real threat by contaminating water, harming crops, and even spreading disease. Dealing with them is not the easiest task you can burden yourself with. The insects are very resilient and hard to bring down, even with the most toxic treatments. For this, let’s take a look at what repels flies for good.
If you have come this far, you might have a real fly problem, or you’re simply trying to avoid one. Anyway, the market is full of treatments that can help reduce the chances of fly infestations, crop-damaging, or completely stop fly-borne diseases. The problem remains that not every treatment actually works.
In this section, I’ve prepared a concise yet comprehensive list of products that are as effective as it gets. Each of them is a unique solution for various fly-wise situations. These fly repellent reviews contain a list of upsides and downsides that you might want to consider. Shall we?
My Top Pick:
1. Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent — Best Outdoor Fly Repellent for the Whole Family
Among the variety of products you can find online, in my opinion, this one is truly the best fly repellent. The treatment is elaborated using Picaridin, which is considered one of the most promising pest toxins today. It’s an active ingredient extracted from plain pepper.
Surprisingly, insects, especially flies, are extremely repulsed by the smell of the substance. Upon direct contact, it harms the insects’ nervous system, making it unstable and causing paralysis. As a result, the victim dies almost instantly.
This product contains around 20% of the chemical, which increases its effectiveness and prolongs the use duration. When applied to an area or clothing, the product stays active for more than 10 hours. Such an extended time is sufficient for a thorough treatment of mild and harsh cases of infestations.
Though the spray causes lethalities to insects, it’s still one of the safest solutions for humans. Picaridin is harmless for people and animals since their nervous system is more resilient and stable than that of an insect. However, I still advise you to follow the instructions.
Target Pests: Biting Flies, Mosquitoes, and others
If you would rather not use a spray due to its volatility, you might want to consider applying a lotion. The Ultrathon Repellent is an effective and comfortable treatment for camping and hiking. Just spread the product on your vulnerable areas and let it soak in a little to see the results right away.
With the main component as DEET, the product is an acclaimed anti-fly lotion. DEET is known for its anti-pest properties due to its unfavorability towards an insect’s senses. First of all, the ingredient is appalling for insects, which makes them avoid any contact with the source.
Second, the component can influence an insect’s senses by depriving them of smell, hearing, or taste. This sends an alarming signal to a pest, driving them away from the user.
As the best fly deterrent, the product is very easy to use. By spreading it over vulnerable areas, you ensure safety and protection for over 12 hours. Also, it has no expiration date, so it can last for more than one season.
Make sure to apply this product if your ‘fly’ concerns move beyond personal use. It’s great for large and medium-sized animals, like horses, sheep, and dogs. Safe and animal-friendly, there is no better solution for your household.
The treatment works both as a repellent and sunscreen. As for the first one, the active ingredients used in the formula act as a deterrent to prevent gnats, flies, and mosquitoes from coming any closer to your farm animals. If they do, the formula extermines the intruders, stopping them from causing any discomfort or any harm.
As for the sunscreen, the formula includes Aloe and Lanolin. Both of them help protect a horse’s hair from violent UV rays and provide a soothing effect in case of inflammation or bites. This organic fly repellent doesn’t require watering-down or any prior preparations. Just fill in your spray tank and apply it to your animals’ skin or infested household areas.
Besides sprays and lotions, there are other products helpful for insect treatment. Oil-infused incenses by Mintronella can save your time, money, and health while protecting the area round-the-clock. Compact and efficient, these patio fly repellents are harmless to the environment and pleasant to the smell.
The pack consists of almost 8 dozen candles where each incense can last for around 50 minutes. This time is enough to fill the air with natural essences and smells that flies find extremely unpleasant. Containing Citronella, Peppermint, and other plant-based extracts, the product is meant to prevent pests rather than exterminate them.
To apply the treatment effectively, place the sticks around an area. Usually, two or three of them are enough for one-time use, but the number may vary depending on the footage. Ignite the incenses a few minutes before entering the area and let them burn until the product is completely burnt down.
Pros:
Cons:
eco-friendly;
no residues;
allergen-free;
safe for children and animals.
volatile, thus easily carried by the wind.
5. Murphy’s Naturals Repellent Candle — Best Citronella Candle to Repel Flies
This citronella candle is great for conducting a nice anti-fly treatment routine inside your house both for their prevention and extermination. The product is an eco-friendly 9-oz candle infused with Rosemary, Lemongrass, and other essential oils, possessing extraordinary repelling properties.
Designed and produced in the States, the treatment is a fly repellent candle, mainly utilized for indoor maintenance. Since it doesn’t contain any chemicals or synthetic components, it’s completely safe for people and animals. It causes no allergic reactions or airway irritation, which so often happens with toxin-based insect repellents.
Place the candle in the bedroom or living room and keep the windows open. There is no need to leave the area for the time being. Contrastingly, it’s completely normal to have the candle lit while sleeping as the oils possess therapeutic properties.
Pros:
Cons:
perfect for indoor use;
no toxins;
the effect lasts for over 24 hours;
soothes the nervous system.
not effective outdoors.
Buyer’s Guide
Purchasing a fly repellent spray for humans or animals is one thing, but knowing how to do it right and how to use it is something different. Each product is unique. With its composition, effect specifications, and use techniques, there is always more to learn to make the best out of it.
How do you know whether you can apply an organic, non-chemical treatment, or when to turn to heavy-duty chemicals? How to make sure that your repellent won’t go to waste by soaking into the ground too deeply? Let’s consider more and have a detailed insight into these questions.
How do fly repellents work?
Depending on the composition and formula, different repellents have rather various effects on both the pests and humans. When talking about classic, chemical-based treatments, the properties that make them effective are of two types.
First, a repellent is meant for prevention. Extracts from plants and flowers provide the treatment with the ‘alarming’ function. It warns insects about a possible danger, utilizing smells and scents that are unpleasant to them.
Second, if the first feature doesn’t work, and an insect comes too close to the skin, chemicals, and toxins harm the insect’s sensory and nervous systems. As a result, the fly is either neutralized for some time or completely eliminated.
How to choose the best fly repellent?
When considering a repellent, you stumble upon a variety of products. They can come in all kinds of forms and sizes, with different components, and specifications. To make a good choice, find the most suitable flying insect repellent, make sure to mind the following.
Active ingredients
All the treatments can be divided into synthetic and natural products, like Citronella, Peppermint, etc. The synthetic ones are most widely spread since they are cheaper and easier to manufacture. They can contain quite a few ingredients that enable a repellent’s preventative and exterminatory functions. However, the most popular ones are DEET and Picaridin.
DEET
Deet has been around for over 60 years and proven to be an effective measure of pest treatment. The chemical’s main goal is to deter flies and other insects and make them avoid any contact with the skin. It can be used both for children and adults and is extremely eco-friendly.
A stable fly repellent for humans normally ranges from 20 to 40% of DEET. Even though a high concentration of the substance may ensure better protection, it’s not always the case. For example, repelling regular flies usually requires a 20% DEET-treatment.
Picaridin
On the other hand, Picaridin is aimed at having a more lethal effect on flies and pests. The component derives from black pepper and is synthetically mined as an extract. Such a process makes it extremely concentrated, thus deadly for insects.
To influence an insect, the ingredient actually has to get into the fly’s digestive system. When soaked through the blood vessels, it interacts with the nervous system, inflicting movement, and breathing difficulties. This results in paralysis and, eventually, in death.
Though it’s quite harmful to insects, Picaridin doesn’t have the same effect on humans or animals. Because mammals are normally bigger and have accelerated metabolism, small quantities of Picaridin are unnoticeable to our bodies.
Types of repellents
The variations of forms and application of active ingredients are numerous. Though you might have got used to typical sprays, there are even more products that can protect from flies. If all the CDC guidelines have been complied with, each of them becomes a potentially safe fly repellent. But which type to choose?
Sprays
These treatments are commonly used by people who are into hiking, camping, etc. Applying a spray is as easy as it gets. Moreover, it provides the skin with necessary hydration and can cover more body areas with a single press. However, it gets onto clothes and is not very resistant to water.
Lotions
To make your repellent application more local, you can get yourself a lotion. These products allow the user to choose the application areas, which they consider the most vulnerable. Being a great natural outdoor fly repellent, a lotion is mainly made to be water-resistant, thus being suitable for long hiking trips and simple forest wanderings. On the downside, lotions can be waxy and sticky.
Electronics
If you’re concerned about your property and there is an infestation coming around, electronic fly repellents can do the trick. When installed at your household, the appliances can guarantee non-stop protection around the perimeter. Moreover, they are chemical-free and don’t irritate pets. But mind that you cannot take one along on a trip.
Candles and incenses
For those cases, when you want to use all-natural treatments, candles and incenses can be a real solution. The products are made of essential oils and, normally, don’t include any chemicals. You can place them in the kids’ room or bedroom since this type is a great natural fly repellent for the house.
How to use repellents effectively?
Obviously, a good result after using a repellent doesn’t solely depend on the composition of a treatment. There are lots of factors increasing or decreasing the efficiency of an applied solution. Let’s take a look at the most important aspects to pay attention to when using insect repellents safely and effectively.
Distance
When applying your solution, specifically sprays, make sure to keep a sufficient distance to your skin. The recommended space between your skin and a spray should be approximately 5 to 7 inches. Why so? Because such a distance eliminates the chances of spreading the fumes excessively, thus causing the spray to get into the airways.
Clothing
Before spraying a solution, it’s advisable to assure yourself that the soon-to-be-covered areas are free of clothes. If the fumes get onto your clothing, they might leave stains, which are extremely hard to get rid of. Moreover, the spray deposits in the fiber. When deposited, there is a later possibility of touching your sensitive areas, thus irritating the airways or causing inflammation.
Injuries and scratches
If you cover bare areas of your skin with a spray or a lotion, check for cuts, scratches, and other injuries. It’s dangerous for a repellent to get into vulnerable areas since it can soak through the thinnest skin and travel through the bloodstream. Should it get there, it can lead to intoxication, allergies, and even poisoning.
Safety
Of course, such treatments are meant to be harmless, but even the best outdoor fly repellent can be quite dangerous when applied wrongly. For this, try to cover your eyes, nose, and mouth when spreading the solution. If it’s not possible, make sure to turn your head aside for around 15 seconds so that the fumes can settle down on the skin.
What if…?
In case the repellent has got into your eyes or nose, it’s necessary to apply fresh, cool water to the areas. Sprinkle a few drops into the eyes and try to get the treatment through tearing or rinsing. The same should be done for the nose and eyes so that the particles don’t get into your airways and digestive tract. If the procedures didn’t work, you should contact your physician to avoid irritation or poisoning.
FAQs:
Let’s take a look at some questions that you might still have about repellents.
Do citronella candles repel flies?
Yes, they do. In fact, citronella, peppermint, and lemongrass are the most effective against a whole range of pests, like gnats, mosquitoes, fleas, and even bees.
Are flies repellents safe?
Using a repellent in the form of a spray or lotion is completely harmless unless you don’t follow the instructions. If you take precautions and take care of the way you apply a treatment, there should be few to no dangers.
How to make a fly repellent at home?
Making a natural fly repellent for the house is quite easy. You’re going to need some essences, like lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, etc. Concoct a few drops of them with 20grm of vodka and half a cup of water. Apply the treatment to plants and the patio.
Can I use a mosquito repellent to repel flies?
Well, yes. Picaridin and DEET are very versatile.
Why Bother if You Can Spray?
Every problem has a solution, but every solution requires actions. By employing a good repellent against different pests, you can save time, money, and a lot of nerves. In this way, dealing with flies can become less of a worry and more of a hobby.
Nevertheless, I hope you’ve found this article useful. Now, it’s time for you to tell me a few words about your fly repellent experience. What kind of treatments do you prefer? Which one do you find more effective against cattle flies: Picaridin or DEET? Make sure to leave your comments down below!
References:
Insect Repellents Topic Fact Sheet (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
Picaridin General Fact Sheet (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html
Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
Have you ever found yourself swarmed by flies, especially in the warmer seasons? These winged insects can be rather nasty, colonizing bedrooms, kitchens, and even backyards. Though they are believed to cause nothing more but a minor annoyance, they can be not only irritating but also dangerous. Even the simplest fruit fly can be a transmitter of allergens, dirt, and diseases.
Since not everyone is ready to equip their household with repellents and fly traps, there is another solution. You can always employ good old heavy-duty fly swatters. Since the invention of the fly swatter, they have been known to provide great results.
Top 5 Best Fly Swatter Products for Home, Backyard, and Camping
When you think of a swatter, you probably imagine a shabby plastic or wooden pedal-like utility, like the one your grandma used to have. However, modern insect precautions have gone far beyond that. Nowadays, there is a whole array of modified and automatic fly control measures to guarantee protection and efficiency.
The market is full of potentially good products, and it can be difficult to make up your mind. Thus, I’ve prepared some detailed fly sweater reviews to help you see that this old-school remedy is still kicking.
1. ZAP IT! Rechargeable Fly Swatter — Best Electric Fly Swatter
If you’re looking for an all-purpose swatter, take a look at this one with a ton of benefits. The product is an electrified fly treatment for fly infestation prevention and treatment. As simple as it gets, it can secure your house from the annoying insects.
The swatter is an item you can use at home or take along on road and camping trips. It’s very compact and doesn’t take much space. Weighing around 1.5lbs with roughly 6.5 inches in length, it can be kept in a vehicle or carried in the backpack. It’s equipped with lights to facilitate insect detection and is easily controlled with the switches on the handle.
Embedded with a whole set of modern features, this high-quality fly swatter can come in handy even in the most swarmed areas. To initiate its operation, simply activate the on-handle switch. This will enable electricity conduction throughout the mesh and make the item much more effective than any other ordinary swatter. It’s extremely safe to use and requires only a few-hour battery charge.
Pros:
Cons:
completely automatic;
equipped with lights for better detection;
lightweight;
no assembly is needed.
not water-resistant.
2. Enoz Sergeant Swat — Best Heavy-Duty Fly Swatter
Target Species: Cockroach, Cricket, Fly, Moth, Bee, Mosquito, Hornet, Wasp
For those of you preferring more classical utilities, this option can be just a match. No hi-tech features but still as effective as it gets, the product can be a nice complement to your travelings. With its sturdy handle and hardened mesh, it will serve you longer than ever.
To ensure longevity and no excepted service period, the handle is metal-infused and completely polished for more comfortable holding. Though the mesh is still made of plastic, it’s hardened and, therefore, can cause much stronger hits. Also, the mesh has well-designed gaps inside for better aerodynamics.
It provides the swatter with swifter moves, which are less noticeable to flies and other insects. Unlike similar wire mesh fly swatters, this one can be a little too tough. Make sure to use it outdoors or far from fragile things. Because every hit is three times harder than that of a regular swatter, it can scuff, chip, or even break the plastic, glass, and softwood objects.
Though even the best electric fly swatter or that made of metal offers lots of benefits, you shouldn’t discard simple, soft plastic options like this one. It provides you with flexibility, an unlimited service period, and time-proven results. All of this comes for a very reasonable price.
The utility is around 18 inches long. This facilitates a nice, all-covering swipe without having to reach out or stand on the tips of your toes. The weightless handle offers a nice grip so that you don’t have to clench too tightly. When using the swatter, the plastic design allows for bending and flexing, increasing durability and sturdiness.
With the mesh, covered in tiny microfibers, this sticky fly swatter not only kills but also catches flies. After eliminating a target, flip the product to damp the flies. Also, it’s possible to cover the mesh with glue-like substances to enhance stickiness even more.
Target Species: Cockroach, Fly, Bee, Mosquito, Cicada, Hornet, Wasp
In case you’re all about zero-waste products, you will most probably appreciate this rather environmentally friendly swatter. Made without using any plastic chemicals, the item is extremely safe and has no downsides for the environment. Also, its organic composition makes it rather water-resistant compared to similar products.
The mesh area is a pure, organic leather pad, which is made for durability and strength of each hit. It’s well-fixed on the handle with rotatable screws to provide a wider swing that can cover more insects at the same time.
Let alone the zero-waste benefits, this is truly the best fly swatter for indoor use thanks to the flexibility of the leather pad. Now, you don’t have to worry about damaging fragile objects with accidental hits since the swatter eliminates flies yet doesn’t chip or break large objects. Moreover, it can be used for all kinds of insects, including roaches, gnats, and even bees.
Pros:
Cons:
Eco-friendly;
changeable handle;
wider swing;
suitable for different pests.
somewhat rough.
5. Amish Valley Handcrafted Swatter — Best Fly Swatter for Longevity
To provide sturdiness but preserve benefits for the environment, you can acquire this Amish Handcrafted swatter. It’s extremely lightweight though it still offers a great array of upsides. Also, if you’re picky, suit yourself by choosing between different leather color textures.
Manufactured in the US, the product is very simple in its design and easy to fix should anything unfortunate happen. The pad is pure, natural leather, which is known for its softness and longevity. When hitting a target, it doesn’t fold regardless of the applied force. Instead, it wraps a surface nicely, preventing soft and plywood from denting, and plastic from cracking.
The pad of this leather fly swatter is vented. This technology helps improve the product’s speed and air resistance. As a result, your swatter hits a fly more rapidly, eliminating its chances of dashing or flying away.
Pros:
Cons:
Stylish design;
Wire handle for durability;
Sufficient length;
Easy repair.
No warranty.
Buyer’s Guide
Yes, there is an entire myriad of good-quality swatters. They range from cheap to expensive options, infused with metal or made from plastic. All of them can be useful for your endless fight against flies. But some products can be a little excessive in their characteristics, while others can lack some important features.
How to pick the best fly swatter?
Let’s take a look at some basics to be fully aware of which is the right choice for you.
Material
All the swatters vary depending on the core material used in their production. The most common base for such a product is plastic. A well-manufactured plastic fly swatter is normally suitable for indoor use since it’s extremely flexible and soft. It doesn’t cause much damage when hitting wood, glass, or other plastic objects.
Another alternative is leather or latex. Organic and natural, such swatters can be a great substitute for people who are rather concerned about the environment and don’t want to have anything to do with plastic. Also, it provides longevity and durability since leather itself is great for withstanding various pressures.
On the other hand, if you want to utilize a swatter for your backyard or farm, you might need something sturdier. Metal, especially steel swatters, are considered heavy-duty and easily go through years and years of use. They are perfect for fly control for horses and other cattle, especially against horse flies, which can be very agile and hard to aim at.
Length
To choose the right dimensions, you’re going to need to consider your height. Normally, longer swatters are a fit for shorter people since they can reach out to further spots without extending their arms excessively. Consequently, taller people will find it more comfortable to use shorter utilities for a better balance.
How do fly swatters work?
Well, it’s quite easy. A swatter is a long-handled utility for facilitating your hits on flies and other pests. Normally, such an item has vents and holes on the pad, creating a mesh. It helps the swatter move faster, reaching a fly earlier than it manages to escape.
FAQs
Obviously, you might still have some questions left, so let me elaborate more on the topic.
Yes, swatters have been around for much longer than other treatments. They have always saved the day since they are swift, easy to use, and completely harmless.
Is electric swatter safe around kids?
Normally, yes. Electric appliances like this have a very subtle electric supply. It’s enough to disable an insect but far from sufficiency to work the same way on humans. However, it’s better to keep children away from any kind of electric appliances, right?
How to make an electric swatter more powerful?
As a rule, electric swatters are meant to be powerful enough against flies; no modifications are needed. To amplify the power, you could change the batteries to more capable ones and rewire the circuits to conduct higher voltage. But mind that your swatter might turn into a full-blown taser.
Be the Swatter Old or New, It Will Still Work for You
Using modern fly repellents and deterrents can be a marvelous yet temporary solution to the fly problem. But a good old swatter is always at hand and ready to work it out for you on the spot. Easy to carry, completely safe for children and animals, and, most importantly, 100% effective when hitting accurately, a swatter is a treatment proven by time.
All in all, I hope that my article has shed some light on how effective and even high-tech swatters can be. What kind of swatter do you use? Do you think that an aluminum handle can be as sturdy as a steel one? What’s your perspective on electric swatters? I’m looking forward to hearing from you in the comments box down below!
Spending time in parks, gardens, forests in summer, or spring is just marvelous. The entire family can enjoy the smell of flowers and trees, as well as the cool breeze near the lakes or rivers. But these areas are favorites of some insects too.
You should apply the best bug spray for kids to protect your family from potential consequences. The right treatment will help prevent bites, which can cause itching and allergic reactions, without mentioning spreading some dangerous viruses. That is why you should find the treatment that will repel the insects and be safe for the sensitive skin of a child.
You can find numerous repellent options online. However, not every product is the right choice for your kid. Also, you should consider the specifications, precautions, and recommendations for applying. Below there is a list of products, which are worth your attention. I hope my reviews will be helpful for you while picking the right treatment.
1. 20% Picaridin: Best Insect Repellent for Kids from Sawyer Products
Target Pests: Biting Flies, Stable Flies, Black Flies, Sand Flies, Gnats, And Chiggers
Let’s start with my top pick 20% Picaridin repellent from Sawyer Products. This manufacturer is known for providing the best solutions against pests and insects. And their skin treatment is effective as well. Its active ingredient Picaridin is known as one of the safest and odorless options for repelling insects.
The product is great against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects, which can harm your kid. After applying, the repelling effect lasts for up to 14 hours. Against biting flies, chiggers, or gnats, it is effective for up to 8 hours. However, you need to reapply the treatment after swimming, or if you have been caught by the rain. Its formula is safe for tender skin and allowed to use on kids.
Also, the product will not leave any residue, so it is safe for your clothes, equipment, and accessories as well.
The product comes in a wide range of bottle sizes and various forms. If you think about buying this best insect repellent for kids and the entire family, consider choosing the lotion. This form is claimed to be the most convenient and effective, according to the Sawyer Products users. But the spray can be applied to clothing as well, which ensures better protection.
Pros:
Cons:
long-lasting 14-hour effect;
safe and effective;
no odor;
can be used on kids’ skin;
does not harm clothing or accessories.
customers admit that the spray form of treatment is less convenient.
2. Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent: Kid Friendly Bug Spray from Repel
This pump spray from Repel is a convenient option for short-time walks and everyday use. A small size means an affordable price. You can buy one bottle to test whether this product suits your needs and expectations.
The form of spray might not offer the longest protection, but it is easy to apply in any conditions, even on the go. The average time the repellent offers its highest protection level is 6 hours. After this, you need to apply the treatment again.
This spray can be used for protecting kids because it is based on natural components and has a DEET-free formula. The repelling properties are ensured by the natural essential oils of the lemon eucalyptus. It provides effective repelling action against flies, mosquitos and some other bugs. The remarkable feature here is that despite the spray contains oily ingredients, it is not greasy and leaves no residue on skin or clothes.
Sure, this natural bug repellent for kids has some advantages. But keep in mind that the smell of lemon and eucalyptus oils might be too strong for sensitive kids’ noses. Moreover, the odor might cause allergies or asthma attacks. Consider this before applying this solution to your child.
Pros:
Cons:
affordable price;
deet-free product;
based on natural oils;
effective for up to 6 hours;
does not leave a residue.
the odor might be too strong for some people.
3. Full-Body Protection: Natural Bug Repellent for Kids from California Baby
Package Dimensions LxWxH: 5.59 x 2.72 x 1.38 inches
California Baby manufacturer offers its natural product for repelling insects from your kids. This spray is designed to fit the peculiarities of sensitive infant skin, ensuring decent protection at the same time. But this treatment can work for adults as well. Eventually, you receive the universal spray for the entire family, convenient to take on walks or short trips. The formula of this product is DEET-free and does not contain any other harsh chemicals, which can harm a child’s skin. The repelling effect is ensured by the set of natural essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, and cedar. Thanks to the variety of active ingredients, this spray works well against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other biting insects. In the form of a spray, the treatment can be applied on clothes as well for an extra barrier for bugs.
If you are looking for a kid safe bug spray, you can take a look at this product as well. It contains no harsh chemicals, but its smell might last longer than you wish. Some customers complain that it cannot be washed off for a long time. This might cause some inconvenience for you and your child. Another drawback is that you constantly need to reapply the solution to maintain the essential protection level.
One more solution against bugs is from the Bug Soother manufacturer. This is a versatile spray treatment, which works well for kids, adults, and even pets. You can apply it directly on the skin or clothes for wider coverage.
The manufacturer ensures that the all-natural formula is effective against a wide range of insects like gnats, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, etc. The spray is DEET-free and contains no other chemicals, which may harm your kid. The active ingredients are natural oils. The spray is tender to the skin thanks to the components like purified water, glycerin, castor oil, and vitamin E. The pleasant smell is ensured by the vanilla extract, which repels insects as well.
The spray comes in bottles of various sizes, and you can find the one that suits your needs and the number of members in your family to protect.
Even though this is a kid friendly bug spray, the protection time is short compared to similar products. Also, among complaints, I have found out that some bottles might leak even before you start using them.
Pros:
Cons:
non-toxic formula;
pleasant smell;
effective against a wide range of insects;
natural ingredients;
versatility.
sometimes there is a problem with leaking containers;
short-term protection.
5. Sunblock and Bug Spray for Babies from Avon Skin so Soft
Looking for a smart summer solution for outdoor walks? Avon in its Skin so Soft product line presents 2-in-1 spray, which works as both a bug repellent and a sunblock treatment. There is no need to buy and apply two different spays, as soon as you decide to use this one.
The repellent feature is provided by the effective anti-bug formula without DEET. The spray has a pretty distinctive scent. But the dermatologist’s testing has shown its hypoallergenic nature. That is why it is allowed to use this spray for protecting the child’s skin. After applying the treatment may feel greasy, but it dries out quickly and then your skin becomes clean and smooth.
However, I have noticed numerous complaints about leaking bottles. Also, in some cases, people received this bug spray for babies without pumps. Make sure the seller provides you with a complete and proper set.
Pros:
Cons:
2-in-1 action;
deet-free formula;
water-resistant;
dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic;
left no residue when dried out.
leaking problems;
might come without pumps.
Buyer’s Guide on Best Bug Sprays for Children
If you decide to do your own research, you will need more information about protection from bugs you can use for children. In this section, I want to share my general knowledge about insect sprays and how to use them correctly.
How do bug sprays work?
In most cases, when you use the bug spray on your skin, you apply the repelling treatment. So, the effect is not killing but repelling, preventing bugs sitting on your skin, and biting. Usually, the spray has the smell, which is very unpleasant for insects. Some of them conceal the smell of your body, which attracts bugs and mosquitoes.
Most insects sense the carbon dioxide your body produces, and they consider your skin as a source of food. But the best combination is both masking and repelling properties. Such sprays make you invisible to the hunting insects and keep them away.
When choosing the bug spray for toddler, make sure it does not contain any harsh chemical components or strong odor, which may cause allergic reactions.
What is the difference between adult and children’s bug spray?
Any type of insect repellent treatment has the same purpose – to keep bugs away from your skin and prevent bites. Both kids and adults require this type of protection when the spring/summer season comes. However, some parents wonder whether they can use any bug treatment for protecting their kids. And they are right to look for an answer. Not all adult treatments can be used for children.
Some of the products might contain dangerous chemicals, like DEET or Picaridin, which may be harmful to susceptible organisms. That is why most of the insect repellents for toddlers are made of natural ingredients. However, DEET or Picaridin solutions are known as the most effective options for repelling bugs.
You can use them for protecting kids too, but mind the concentration of these chemicals in the chosen spray. It is better to look for products with no more than 5-10% of DEET or 20% of Picaridin. While for adults, the 30% DEET solution can be harmless.
Usually, “family” products contain the medium amount of such active ingredients. That is why for infants, I would recommend buying the spray or lotion with the lowest concentration.
What are common active ingredients in bug spray for toddler use and are they safe for kids?
Sprays against bugs have various formulas. Some of them are based on chemical components, which repel the insects, while other solutions use natural ingredients, which keep bugs from bugging your kids. Also, solutions can contain additional repelling, protective, or aromatizing ingredients. But the list of common active ingredients is pretty short:
Essential oils.
A lot of insect repellents for babies are based on natural plant components. The best option in this case is the essential oil of lemongrass or the lemon eucalyptus. It can be organic or synthesized in the laboratory. The smell of these plants is very unpleasant for insects, so they prefer to avoid the treated area. At the same time, your skin and nose do not have to absorb harsh chemicals.
Essential oils are considered to be a safe option. But it is recommended to make sure your kid does not have any allergies or can endure the aroma. Also, the oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children younger than 3 years old.
DEET.
This ingredient is one of the most frequently used chemicals in repellent production. If you are fine with using such components, then feel free to look for one of the most effective protection from insects. For kids, the concentration of DEET should be no more than 10%, but you will have to apply the treatment more often.
Picaridin.
Another popular chemical in insect repellents is Picaridin. As well as DEET, the level of safety for kids is defined by its proportion in the spray. It is considered to be based on the peculiarities of babies younger than 2 months, but I recommend checking the label and the instructions first.
IR3535.
This component is used in combination with other active ingredients. Usually, this chemical is added to the sprays with sunscreen properties, which you need to apply more often. You can find the babies insect repellent in any convenient form. Repellent solutions come not only in sprays, but also in lotions, balms, and even wipes.
How to apply insect repellents for toddlers correctly?
Here are some recommendations for using bug and mosquito repellents for protecting kids:
American pediatricians do not recommend applying any solutions on the baby’s skin if they are younger than 2 months. For protecting infants of this age, use strollers with mesh or nets.
Do not allow kids less than 10 years old applying repellent on their own. Adults should apply the lotion on the skin. However, if this is a spray, and there is no need to rub the treated skin with hands, then the kid may apply the repellent.
Treat only the exposed areas of skin. You can also apply the spray repellent on clothing.
Avoid treating the skin on kids’ hands, near the mouth, or around wounded areas (this may cause allergic reaction or irritation).
Try not to apply the repellent indoors; use it in the ventilated area.
Be aware of the level of effectiveness of the chosen solution. Study the instruction to know how often the product should be used and what precautions you should make.
Before buying the children’s bug spray, check its content to make sure it is completely safe for your kid.
FAQ About Kid Friendly Bug Spray
Here is the additional info you might need to know about the repellent solution for children.
What is Picaridin in bug spray?
This is the chemical ingredients that plays the repellent role in the anti-bug treatment. It is a synthetic version of the repellent contained in the peppers. It is effective in keeping bugs, mosquitoes, and other insects away without killing them. Picaridin is safe for adults, but it is not recommended for kids under 2 months.
What is DEET in bug spray?
This is another chemical component that is considered one of the most effective anti-bug constituents in the repellent solutions. It can be applied to skin or clothing. It is also safe for adults, but it is not recommended for kids under 2 months.
How much DEET should be in bug spray for kids?
Being a harsh chemical, DEET might be harmful to kids’ organisms in large doses. That is why the concentration of this component in the repellent solution should be no more than 30%. However, it is better to apply 5-10% DEET-based mosquito repellent for kids.
How long is insect repellent good for?
As a rule, sprays and other bug and mosquito repellents preserve their properties for up to 18-36 months. However, manufacturers recommend using the product for no more than 2 years. Also, in some cases, the solution might lose its properties faster when opened.
Dependable Protection with the Best Bug Spray for Kids
Now you have enough information to define what treatment will suit you and your family. It is up to you whether to use chemical or natural products. Also, consider the age of the kid as well as the conditions you are going to spend time in. If possible, try to protect your child’s skin with clothing and apply sprays only on the limited skin areas. And for sure, you should choose the best bug spray for toddlers out of the list of my recommendations.
What bug spray do you prefer to use to protect your kids? What was the best and the worst solution? Share your experience in the comments.
Summer: 7 Ways to Keep Bugs From Bugging Your Kids (U.S Department of Education): https://www2.ed.gov/free/features/summer-7.html
Are you using mosquito repellent incorrectly? (Queensland Government): https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/how-to-use-mosquito-repellent-properly
Therapeutic Insights DEET-based insect repellents: safety implications for children and pregnant and lactating women (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC167123/
Mosquito Repellents (Commonwealth of Massachusetts): https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mosquito-repellents
This manual is for people who are wondering how to get rid of crane flies without calling pest control services. If your beautiful flowers, fruits, and crops are eaten by crane flies, you have to act immediately. Insecticides and natural predators like birds are the major fear of these insects.
Taking into consideration many years of my experience as an expert in entomology, together you will learn how to get rid of the crane flies and their harmful voracious larvae, also known as leatherjackets. Follow the guidance step by step and check out my top favorite insecticides which I find incredibly helpful.
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Identify the insect. These flies bear some resemblance to mosquitoes.
Use insecticides or repellents.
Attract birds to your yard to scare away crane flies.
Get rid of damp stains in the house.
Mow your lawn on time.
Clean your lawn from leftovers and wood.
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Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
Adult crane flies do not cause any harm to your garden. Unlike their larvae, they don’t feed on flowers or crops. Crane fly is widespread around North America and Europe. More than 15 000 various species of these insects are officially found in the world.
Look
Crane flies look like mosquitos with large legs. Usually, they reach up to 2.5 inches in the wingspan. Insects can be red, yellow, gray, or brown. They have long antennae on their heads. Females look more vivid as they have to attract males. At the end of the abdomen, female species have ovipositors that look like a stinger. It does not sting and is made for laying eggs only.
Lifecycle
The most dangerous for your harvest is larvae, which appear from eggs that were laid in the soil. In 24 hours, larvae hatch from eggs. Usually, it happens in late summer. They look like worms and are known as leatherjackets. Larvae feed on plants and roots in the spring and fall. During the winter, they remain in the ground. In spring, they turn into pupae. And in summer or fall, adults appear from the pupae, finishing crane flies life cycle.
Crane flies vs. mosquito
Let’s start by reminding you that mosquitoes and crane flies are different species. Although these pests are sometimes called mosquito hawks, they have nothing to do with eating mosquitoes. The difference is obvious:
An adult crane fly is harmless. It does not bite anyone despite its scary look. It has a similar to mosquito look, but that is all;
A mosquito is way smaller than a crane fly. It reaches ¼ or ½ inches on average in length, while crane fly is 1 ¼ inches minimum, and some can even reach 3 inches;
Crane flies have a long abdomen and long legs. This shape makes them poor fliers, constantly wobbling in the air. Mosquitoes move extremely quick and are good at flying;
Mosquitoes sting. They transmit the various diseases to humans, including Malaria and West Nile virus.Crane flies do not bite and do not transmit anything;
Larvae of these insects are herbivorous. They feed on plants. Crane flies feed on nectar most usually. After they mate, they die.
What attracts crane flies?
They may have lived in your yard for many months, but you did not notice. They appear from pupae, which were created from larvae. Larvae lived in the ground feeding on your crops. Larvae do not usually attract anyone’s attention. They rarely come out of the soil, and when they do that, they prefer to stay hidden, so they usually come out at night. What attracts mosquito hawks is:
Water. The majority of infestation cases are noted right after the rainy seasons. These insects prefer moist soil for their eggs;
Organic materials. Adult insects seek the soil rich in various organic materials, including compost, plants, people and animal waste, to lay their eggs;
Flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables in your yard;
Grown-up crane flies are attracted to light. They can fly to the big cities to live near the streetlights.
Getting Rid of Crane Flies: Step by Step Instruction
If you’re wondering how to get rid of mosquito hawks, here are simple steps that you have to follow. Before you do this, make sure you want to get rid of them. These insects do not cause any harm to humans, although they are not useful either.
Step 1. Identify your enemy
For newbies identifying the insects may be difficult at first. These flies have some similarities with mosquitoes, but they are not the same. To identify a crane fly, answer the question what does a crane fly look like:
The size, which is definitely bigger than the mosquitoes’. While mosquitoes can fly almost unnoticed, it is hard to miss these flies, with their long legs and wings, which make them look like a spider that can fly;
The body. It is slim and long. The legs do not press so close as mosquitoes’, and they are really long;
The Mouth. These insects do not have any. If you were wondering what do crane flies eat, the answer is nothing. Adult crane flies do not eat, living only several days after they grow up from larvae.
Step 2. Identifying larvae
Identifying crane flies larvae is easy, as they look like worms. They are called leatherjackets. You can find them buried into the turfgrass and moist soil. They rarely come out, preferring to feed on the roots of plants. Yet, from time to time, they come out during the night to eat flowers, fruits, and veggies from your garden. Main features of larvae:
Size is up to 1 inch;
It does not have any legs;
You can see the dark line of its gut;
Lives in the moist soil;
Its color is usually gray or greenish;
Its body is segmented, fleshy, and plump.
Step 3. Crane flies measures
Your main enemy is leatherjackets that feed on your plants. You have to know what time of the year would crane flies come out, which is in summer after they are turned from larvae to adults. From the late summer to the late spring, you will have to deal with larvae. They will not live for more than several days.
Insecticides. Check out whether it is good to kill larvae as well as adult species. Apply it all over your yard, especially in the moist areas. Insecticides that include imidacloprid, pyrethroid, neem oil cause paralysis of the pests, which leads to death. To prevent skin irritation or allergies, use protective gloves. Cover your eyes with glasses;
Repellents. Can be used as preventive measures. Use crane fly repellent over the territory. It may be safer than insecticide for you, as you don’t have to get close to the insects’ habitat. Repellents contain similar chemicals to insecticides, however, they are already mixed with water and ready to apply;
Natural predators. Birds feed on larvae. Attract birds in your yard to scare away crane flies. If you don’t mind sharing your yard with birds, you can install bird feeders. Provide fresh water for them. Be careful about attracting too many of them, as birds are even more dangerous for your harvest than crane flies.
Active ingredients in insecticides
The most popular options contain pyrethroids and imidacloprid as active ingredients. They can kill larvae in the soil. You may find them in granular or liquid forms. The best time to get rid of crane flies is the second part of summer and the beginning of fall.
Preventive measures
Once you have learned how to kill crane flies, you may feel relaxed. All the larvae were exterminated and you don’t feel a threat. However, now you have to ask how do you keep crane flies away:
Check out the yard drains. Get rid of damp spots;
Mow the lawn in time;
Clean your lawn from leftovers and wood.
Top 2 Crane Fly Treatments
Here is my personal list of the most helpful remedies against these insects. Before you use them, you have to read the label on each bottle. If you have tried them before, express your opinion in the comments below.
1. Bifen IT Control Solutions Insecticide Concentrates – Fast and Working Remedy Against Crane Fly Infestation in House
No products found.
A concentrates by Bifen is widely known for its powerful actions towards crane flies, termites, and carpenter ants. So if you have not one but several pests in your yard, this savvy pack of 16 OZ will serve you splendidly. It contains bifenthrin among active ingredients. You have to keep the bottle far from children and pets.
Bifen is a well-known company that develops and sells insecticides for your garden. This time they offer multi insecticide tools. You may use this product both indoor and outdoor flies. To kill larvae, I suggest you mix 2 tablespoons of the insecticide with 32 oz of water.
Pros:
Cons:
kills multiple pests;
savvy pack;
active powerful ingredients.
more expensive than similar products.
2. BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer – Kills Crane Fly Larvae and Adults Species
Active ingredients: Imidacloprid 0.15% Beta-Cyfluthrin 0.05%
Item Form: Granules
Item Weight: 10 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 2.5 inches
Target pests: Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Grubs, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, European crane fly larvae and others
The insect killer by BioAdvanced offers to kill insects on the surface and in soil. It is helpful when it comes to killing mosquitoes, ants, bugs, ticks, fleas, crickets, and crane flies. Its active ingredients work great in soil and on the surface, which is suitable for larvae that live inside the ground, and species that fly above the ground. The killer stays active for 3 months.
BioAdvanced is a popular insecticide developer in the USA. The company sells both organic and chemical tools to treat pests. They offer a 10-pound bag of the product. This bag can be applied to 10000Sq Ft.
Pros:
Cons:
kills various pests;
10 Pounds in a pack;
kills within 24 hours;
works for insects inside the ground and on it.
it is not liquid and can’t be sprayed.
FAQ
Why do I have so many crane flies?
The most obvious answer is that your lawn is perfect for their habitat. They are attracted by fallen leaves and thick bushes in your yard. The lack of sun on it may be preferable as well.
No, it is a common misunderstanding. Despite being called mosquito hawks, they do not eat mosquitoes. Moreover, adult species do not eat anything at all. And crane flies larvae are herbivorous.
Are crane flies attracted to light?
Yes, they are attracted to bright light. New York City even declared the severe infestation of crane flies a few years ago that was attracted to the street lights. You can also use light as a crane fly trap.
Are crane flies bad?
The adult insects are neither good nor bad. They are not useful for people, however, they do not cause any damage as well. Yet, their larvae feed on the plants in your garden.
Why do crane flies fly at your face?
It may look so, however, these insects do not have an intention to attack you. They simply see the light of your skin or the light behind you and are attracted to it.
To Kill or Not to Kill?
You don’t have to kill crane flies unless they do the damage to your garden or scare children in the house. You may start with preventive measures to stop the intrusion of these insects. This way, you will not have to get rid of them in the first place. I have mentioned two most powerful remedies.
Remember to wear a protective mask and gloves while you use one or both of them. If you used them before, let me know whether you liked them or not below this article. Have they helped you to get rid of crane flies?
References:
The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns(University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources): http://ipm.ucanr.edu/TOOLS/TURF/PESTS/incranelife.html
Crane Fly Larvae (Missouri Department of Conservation): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/crane-fly-larvae
What’s Up With All the Crane Flies? (The University of Arizona): https://news.arizona.edu/story/whats-all-crane-flies
Homeowners often encounter large numbers of cluster flies in late summer and autumn. At this time, these insects are the most active, as they seek refuge for the winter. Their number in the house will grow and increase if nothing is done.
I faced this problem myself and tried to understand how to get rid of cluster flies. But it’s not so easy if you use the wrong methods. Read this article about cluster fly extermination. Below I’ve described the proven methods and anti-fly remedies that helped me.
What Are Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are of the Pollenia genus in the Calliphoridae family. They are distinguished from ordinary room flies by their increased size and unusual body color. Cluster fly life cycle is a little more than one month, but in this short period, they have time to get tired of homeowners.
The body of insects has a golden hue with black stripes. Due to their body length of 7-8 millimeters, they are not very mobile, so they can easily be seen by a loud buzzing.
Cluster flies in houses are not aggressive. These insects do not set aside larvae for human food, so they pose a minimal threat to homeowners. But their presence indoors is disgusting.
They usually bunch up in large numbers in places that are difficult to access (the breeding ground often depends on how long do cluster flies live in the house). It is, therefore, essential to exercise cluster fly control to prevent the larvae from infecting the premises.
How Do Cluster Flies Appear in Your Home
Many homeowners do not know what are cluster flies or how they appear in houses. These insects enter the house through small openings, open windows, and doors or ventilation ducts. These insects cannot exist in cold and humid environments, so in autumn, they look for shelter for the winter. Dry and warm shelters for them are people’s homes, namely roofs, cellars, closets, and other hard-to-reach places. You don’t need to do anything to make your home a hiding place.
Signs of Cluster Flies Infestation
You need to make sure that your home is infested with insects before preventive treatment and cluster fly elimination. Their larvae are not dangerous to humans, but due to inaction, they will reproduce indoors continuously.
The main sign of cluster flies in the house is the black spots on windows and other objects in the house near heat and sunlight. These insects love sunlight, so they spend a lot of time near windows, leaving their excrement behind.
You can detect the presence of flies by an unpleasant and loud buzzing in hard-to-reach places. If you see a large sedentary fly with black stripes on its body, it means cluster fly infestation. If there are many flies in the room, you find black spots on the lights, which causes inconvenience and the need to clean the house constantly. Dead flies attract other insects, which often cause spiders, mice, or rats in the room.
Choose a means depending on how many cluster flies you want to destroy and where they live. I use concentrate or aerosol for cluster fly treatment on large areas and for the facade of the house. The alternative is sticky tapes or cans of sweet water in which the flies sink (they come down to sweetness).
You can also use electric boxes with UV lamps. Light attracts flies, which fall on the grid with electrical current.
In this article, I will describe several products of different kinds that are most effective against the sweet flies.
Top 3 Cluster Fly Treatments
I prefer to use insecticides in the form of aerosols or concentrate for getting rid of cluster flies. Choose the option that is more convenient for you!
1. Rockwell Labs LGL 016 Lambdastar UltraCap 9.7% – Effective Insecticide Concentrate to Get Rid Cluster Flies
Target Species: Ants, Bedbugs (adults and nymphs), Bees, Boxelder Bugs, Carpenter Bees, Carpet Beetles, Centipedes, and others
I prefer to use concentrated insecticide to get rid of severe insects infestation. Rockwell Labs LGL 016 Lambdastar UltraCap 9.7% is one of the best poisons I have ever used against flies. The chemical agent Lambdastar UltraCap 9.7% is easily mixed with water and sprayed around the house and in places where there are the largest concentrations of flies. Insects die immediately and will not appear in your home afterward.
I noticed the effect the next morning after processing the eaves, window frames, door sill, perimeter of the house, and attic. The product is safe for humans if you follow the rules of its use (gloves, goggles, and a protective mask). A 16 oz bottle will last a long time.
Pros:
Cons:
big, economic packaging;
efficiency against all insects;
momentary effect.
you need to stir it yourself.
2. CB-80 Contact – One of the Best Aerosols Against Cluster Flies
I use CB-80 Contact spray if I need to treat small surfaces in the house against cluster flies. It contains an insecticide that instantly destroys insects. The active ingredient in CB-80 Contact is Piperonyl butoxide 4% and Pyrethrins 0.5%. Due to the thin and long atomizer, the chemical components get exactly to the target.
Apply aerosol in places where flies live and breed. Within one day, they will die, and all you have to do is clean up. It’s enough to spray for about 10-20 seconds. But don’t forget to use a protective mask and safety glasses.
Pros:
Cons:
quick action;
effective against bugs, cockroaches and other insects;
safe for humans and pets.
not effective in open spaces.
3. ASPECTEK Upgraded 20W Electronic – The Best Zapper for Getting Rid of Cluster Flies
ASPECTEK Upgraded 20W Electronic is an electronic lightning bolt that destroys all insects in the affected area. A small device is enough to install in the office or home and plug into an outlet.
Light from UV lamps attracts insects, and a 20W electrical discharge will destroy them. Don’t worry, pets won’t be able to get a discharge due to the protective outer grid. All dead flies fall into a special box where they can be easily taken out.
I use this zapper when I don’t want to keep spraying insecticides.
Pros:
Cons:
effectively kills insects;
safe for pets and humans;
silent.
it’ll take time to destroy insects.
How to Prevent Cluster Flies in Future
Getting rid of cluster flies starts with preventive methods. Insects enter the house through cracks, open windows, vents, and cellars. Make sure it’s all been closed.
You can hang mosquito nets on the windows, just like on other openings in the house. In the attic or the basement, it is better to always hang sticky tapes against flies to destroy them as soon as they get inside.
The flies die of cold and dampness. Therefore, with the onset of autumn, they seek a warm and dry refuge that your home can become with the onset of cold, other small insects that the flies feed on the move to warm rooms — for example, worms and larvae.
Will cluster flies eventually go away?
Cluster flies can indeed leave your home with the advent of warmth. But you will have to winter with them for several months to do so. Are you ready to tolerate the annoying whirring and black spots on windows and lights? Besides, even one day with big flies is unbearable!
So I would not recommend you to wait for the insects to leave home themselves. In a few months, they will put off thousands of larvae, of which there will be new insects. It’s an endless circle!
How to get rid of cluster flies without pesticides?
There are simple ways to get rid of cluster flies without pesticides. This is acceptable if there are few insects in the house, and they do not disturb you too much. First, make sure that flies can no longer enter the room.
Make sure there are no cracks in the facade of the house and that the open windows are protected with mosquito nets. Then use tried-and-tested methods: hang a special adhesive tape or put a can of sweet water on the table. Gradually, flies will fall into the water or stick to the tape, dying from it.
How do you get rid of house flies fast?
The fastest way to get rid of flies is to use insecticides. Use tested aerosols or chemical concentrate to get rid of these insects and their larvae forever.
Now You Know How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Now you know the answer to the question “where do cluster flies come from” and ways to destroy them in your house. When using insecticides, remember to use personal protective equipment. This way, you can destroy insects in just a few days. But before you do that, you will have to determine where they enter the house and where they put their larvae.
Most importantly, you know the three best products for destroying insects. Use concentrate, aerosol, or zapper, depending on your personal convenience and other vital factors mentioned above.
Horseflies are among the most vicious blood-sucking pests. Unlike typical flies or mosquitoes, horse flies (particularly female ones) flaunt razor-sharp scissor-like jaws they eagerly use for biting mammals and sucking up the blood. This makes them a huge menace to have around.
In this post, I will teach you how to identify these irritating pests fast. Once you come to know your enemy, you will be ready to start battling it. Below, I will also enlighten you on how to get rid of horse flies and significantly reduce their population by using a variety of methods. So read on and arm yourself with knowledge.
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Inspect the horse fly infestation area. Your task is to identify horse fly activity and its most noticeable concentration.
Use traps or insecticides.
Apply the safe product directly to the animals.
Keep your home and grounds clean.
Get rid of any standing water near your livestock.
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Horse Fly Identification: Know Your Enemy
What does a horse fly look like? If you’ve been asking yourself this question lately, you’ve come to the right place. You will recognize a horse fly by its super-sized dark gray (or yellowish-brown) hairy body, large soap bubble-like eyes, and subtle smokey spots on its translucent (or solid-colored) wings.
Because of their intense green eyes (also referred to as a green head), certain species of horse flies are also known as green-headed monsters. Adult species are speedy and strong. They tend to attack livestock, and their bites are very painful. Horse flies carry a variety of animal diseases, e.g., trypanosomosis, anthrax, hog cholera, and tularemia.
Where do horse flies come from?
If you’ve already been bitten by a horse fly, then you’ve probably realized that these vicious vampires must be visitors from dark and gloomy Transylvania in Eastern Europe. To put it in more realistic terms, horse flies breed in damp areas. They are attracted by places where cattle, horses, and other mammals live.
Needless to say, dogs and humans frequently end up on the receiving end of a horse fly’s irritating bite as well. By the way, did you know that whiteness in horses equals horsefly-proofness? Yep, it’s true!
Basically, here’s what attracts horse flies the most:
wetness;
warmth;
water sources;
shiny surfaces;
carbon dioxide.
Horse flies life cycle
Because the larva needs moisture to survive, horse flies usually breed in swampy areas near streams and moist forest regions. Female horse flies deposit batches of eggs (up to 1,000) on wet soil or plants that grow above water. The larvae hatching from these eggs burrow down into the moist soil, feeding on decaying organic debris, snails, insects, and other tiny microorganisms in the soil or water.
There are over 3,000 species of horse flies out there. They need a polarization vision for host detection. Depending on the species, the larvae phase typically lasts for up to three years.
It’s interesting that an adult horse fly lives for only a few days. When the larvae mature, they crawl to dry areas and transform into the adult, tenacious, and blood-hungry green-headed flying vampires.
Getting rid of horse flies: A step-by-step guide
Unluckily, horse fly control is a very challenging task. Still, equipped with expert-approved information and top-notch products, your chances of succeeding are pretty high. Follow our step-by-step guide on eliminating these blood-hungry pests and choose the most suitable horse fly repellent for your situation.
Step 1. Inspect the horse fly infestation area
Now that you’ve made sure that you’re dealing with horse flies, you need to inspect the infestation area. At this stage, just observe where these bad bugs of summer hang out more often and evaluate the severity of the issue. That way, you will decide whether you require light horse fly control measures or need to develop a serious and multi-staged horse fly trap strategy.
Are you wondering where to conduct your observations? Look where livestock and manure holding areas are located. Additionally, observe such spots as swimming pools, compost piles, and ponds.
Your task is to identify horse fly activity and its most noticeable concentration. Watch the blood-suckers during the day, identify the time when they are most enthusiastic, and start working on your horse fly treatment plan.
Step 2. Choose the right horse fly control option
Here are some of the most effective ways of getting rid of horse flies to choose from:
Trap them
You can either buy a non-chemical commercial trap or make your own. If you opt for the former, choose among the following effective fly traps: disposable flypaper, Horse Pal fly trap, light traps, and flies-be-gone fly trap.
These traps are safe to use around your family and pets. And they’re a breeze to use. Just unpack them and hang where horse flies are especially active. One trap is capable of catching over 15,000 flies within a few weeks, imagine that!
Spray them
Use insecticides. If you’ve come across a severe horse fly problem, you can try a variety of chemicals to eradicate these blood-hungry pests. Pyrethroids, organophosphates, and organochlorines are among your best options in this respect.
Spray the insecticide all over your barn (except the areas where your animals’ water and feed buckets are located). Don’t forget to adhere to the instructions on the packaging and remove your livestock from the barn prior to using the spray. Avoid throwing insecticides into ponds or rivers, for they will poison the whole area.
Apply treatment directly to your animals
First and foremost, make sure that the insecticide you’re applying is safe to use directly on your animals. After that, spray the chemical over your livestock. If your horses or cows get scared in the process, use a sponge to rub the insecticide into their coats. Never neglect wearing rubber gloves while doing this. Do not allow the insecticide to contact your skin.
Try home remedies
Are you wondering what repels horse flies aside from the toxic insecticides? Well, such home remedies as garlic, vinegar, and essential oils are said to keep these bloodsuckers away from the horses. Curious about the best homemade and non-chemical fly repellent for humans?
Mix a pint of white vinegar with two ounces of baby oil and a spurt of dish soap. Spray it on your skin or clothes when you’re in the proximity of a horse fly hangout spot. This homemade repellent should keep them at bay.
Top 3 Horse Fly Treatments That Work Like a Charm
Keep getting attacked by swarms of blood-hungry horse flies on your property? Already noticed the grave effects of insects on grazing farm animals? That doesn’t sound like a healthy situation. With some of the most effective outdoor horse fly traps I’ve listed below, you will easily kill the hell out of those nasty bloodsuckers. Read on for their descriptions, specifications, as well as pros and cons.
1. Pyranha Wipe N Spray: Best Horse Fly Spray Overall
Target Species: Mosquitoes, Face Flies, Stable Flies, Deer Flies, Horn Flies, Horse Flies, Lice, Fleas, Ticks And More
Wipe N Spray is definitely among the best horse fly sprays on the scene. It’s oil-based and very effective. Just make sure you spray (or wipe) the thing thinly and evenly for a better effect. For sure, Pyranha fly spray is not the cheapest horse fly repellent on the market, but considering its impeccable efficiency, it’s worth every penny it costs.
Pros:
Cons:
it works like a champ;
great to use on animals with sensitive skin;
it deters a variety of fly species;
it’s long-lasting.
these spray bottles tend to leak;
a bit on the expensive side, but worth every penny.
2. Victor M380 Fly Magnet Reusable Trap with Bait: A Lord of the Dead Flies
If you’ve already tried lots of horse fly repellent solutions (and none of them helped), this item is going to provide instant satisfaction. Just make sure you don’t place these traps near your house. Hold your breath while placing them, for they’re quite stinky. They work best in direct sunlight.
On an additional plus side, this trap attracts a variety of different kinds of flies: house flies, fruit flies, horse flies… And you will love the super straightforward instructions that come with the product. That being said, these horse fly traps work great. So, if you’re dealing with a horse fly problem, the Victor fly traps might be your best bet.
Pros:
Cons:
very effective;
it works immediately;
it’s reusable;
a cost-effective solution.
the item doesn’t smell like honey and roses (to put it mildly).
Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid 0.5%, cis-9-Tricosene 0.1%
Item Form: Granules
Item Weight: 5.62 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.57 x 7.64 x 5.87 inches
Target Species: Fly
Are you looking for the best horse fly killer for farms? Maxforce may be exactly what you need. This product draws horse flies in like crazy and works very fast. Just put it down and watch the annoying pests die almost immediately — such a satisfying experience.
you will end up with a mess of dead flies that must be swept up.
Step 3. Prevent horse flies: Easy steps to follow
Once the nasty blood-hungry female horse flies have been controlled, it’s time to ensure they don’t make a comeback and keep on ruining your summer outdoor experience. Over the years, experts have put an array of horse fly prevention methods through their paces. Below, you will find some of the most effective of them. Read on, and feel free to give them a try.
Keep your property as clean as possible. Do not neglect cleaning up manure, old horse bedding, and spilled feed. Some people even spray their manure piles with chemicals to prevent larvae from metamorphosing into adult horse flies.
Get rid of any standing water near your livestock. Create solid sewage systems and remove bowls with stagnant water. When horse flies are active, covering your pool is highly recommended.
Always keep your greenery trimmed. Your (frequently moist) tall grass can become the perfect breeding environment for horse flies. Therefore, don’t forget to trim your greenery on a regular basis.
Ensure your animals have a shelter to retreat to when horse flies attack them outdoors — barns for horses and dog houses for dogs.
Make the most of horse fly repellents by applying them directly to your animals. Don’t forget about face masks and repellent tapes designed specifically for these purposes.
Avoid movement. The thing is, horse flies are enchanted by movement. Therefore, if you’re looking to temporarily save yourself from an annoying horse fly, standing still is a nice option.
Demonstrate the power of persistence. Now, if you’re not patient enough to just stand still and wait until that bothersome horse fly loses interest in you, try running away fast from it. You won’t manage to run faster than the speedy vampire flies, but chances are the pesky horse fly will give up chasing you in the long run.
Avoid wearing dark colors. Horse flies love dark shades, especially blue. So, if you’re aimed at preventing these pests from attacking you, don’t wear dark-colored clothes.
Stay away from water. You’ve probably already guessed that the answer to the ‘where do horse flies live’ question is ‘mostly near water.’ Thus, avoiding ponds and wetland areas would be a nice solution.
Invest in a hat. According to experts, horse flies tend to be drawn to humans’ heads. They’re very much into biting human scalps. So, to protect your head and face from the nasty pest, wear a brimmed hat on a regular basis. For an even better effect, apply adhesive to your hat. This headwear may not make a great fashion statement, but it’s going to save you from the blood-hungry pests when you need it the most.
Use dryer sheets. According to many outdoor lovers, the smell of dryer sheets repels horse flies. There are various ways of applying dryer sheets for this particular purpose. Some people insert the sheets into their headwear, while others rub them on their skin and clothes. This method is far from being scientifically verified; however, it’s surely worth trying.
Walk beside tall people. This may sound like a joke, but a lot of entomologists agree that horse flies tend to attack the tallest section of a moving object. Thus, if you’re strolling beside a tall buddy, chances are they will choose your companion as a target.
Here, I will answer your most frequently asked questions about horse flies. In case you have further questions related to the topic of our today’s discussion, feel free to ask them in the comment section at the bottom of this post. I will gladly get back to you with science-backed answers as soon as possible.
What will keep horse flies away?
A nice homemade horse fly repellent is good at keeping horse flies at bay (scroll up for the recipe). Alternatively, you can always make the best of insecticides – that is, when the horse fly problem becomes unbearable for you. Also, you can use various traps to get rid of horse flies; they’ve proven to be quite effective as well.
Why do I have horse flies in my house?
That’s because there’s something in (or near) your house that attracts these ruthless bloodsuckers. For instance, they are attracted by humid environments. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool, horse flies may be very fond of hanging out near the water. In addition to this, horse flies like shiny objects, dark colors, and carbon dioxide. So, if you see horse flies near your house, then get rid of these objects for prevention. Or buy traps straight away.
What smells do horse flies hate?
Essential oils made from peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender are effective horse fly repellents. Citronella oil is good at repelling these blood eaters as well. Also, the smell of garlic, apple cider oil, and vinegar is sure to keep them away. Furthermore, horse flies hate the smell of soap. That being said, you can use all this stuff to make your own horse fly repellent spray.
What is the best horse fly repellent for humans?
The best horse fly repellent for humans is something that’s non-toxic. Therefore, feel free to use the recipe I’ve published above and spray them until they get totally sick of attacking you. Don’t forget to combine this method with using horse fly traps for maximum results.
Conclusion: What’s Your Favorite Horse Fly Repellent?
Horse flies are strong, tenacious, and hungry for blood. They live a short life and want to make the most of it – obviously, at your expense. If you’ve come across a horse fly problem, you need to take action fast. I hope that this post will help you analyze some aspects of horse fly behavior and stick with the best horse fly repellent for your situation.
Perhaps, you already have a favorite horse fly spray or trap? If you do, why has it caught your attention? Is the effect long-lasting enough? Feel free to share your horse fly control experience in the comment section below. Your feedback is highly appreciated.
References:
An unexpected advantage of whiteness in horses: the most horsefly-proof horse has a depolarizing white coat(US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2871857/
Why do horseflies need polarization vision for host detection? Polarization helps tabanid flies to select sunlit dark host animals from the dark patches of the visual environment (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717639/
Bad Bugs of Summer: Horse Flies (NC State University): https://news.ncsu.edu/2011/06/bad-bugs-horse-flies/
Ecological, behavioural and economic effects of insects on grazing farm animals – a review(Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding): http://www.ighz.edu.pl/uploaded/FSiBundleContentBlockBundleEntityTranslatableBlockTranslatableFilesElement/filePath/128/strona107-120.pdf
Some Aspects of the Biology, Ecology, and Behavior of Horse Flies(Louisiana State University): https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1862&context=gradschool_disstheses
Hi! Welcome to my blog dedicated to pest control and the best remedies. In this article, I tell how to get rid of flies outside and share my detailed reviews of the five most effective backyard fly control remedies. Read it attentively, and you will quickly understand how to deal with your problem successfully.
My guide also includes brief answers to the most frequently asked questions of my clients and readers, so I bet you won’t find a more comprehensive piece on the topic.
Before you start reading further, you should understand that the problem is really serious. Flies are not just annoying insects. They’re dangerous nuisance creatures which transmit severe diseases, such as cholera, conjunctivitis, dysentery, gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, an around 60 others. If you notice lots of flies in the backyard, it’s high time to start fighting the infestation.
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Determine where flies come from, what attracts them, and where they nest.
Isolate pets and children. Consider means and measures to protect yourself.
Remove the fly breeding ground.
Use insecticides and bait sprays.
Get an electric killer.
Set lethal baits in the yard.
Keep your yard clean.
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Identification of Flies
Before starting to fight the infestation, you have to learn some essentials about these nasty insects to be able to identify them properly. First of all, they are medium-size insects with only two wings (most insects have 2 pairs of wings).
Adult outdoor-breeding species are usually around 0.25’’ long and have four dark-grey lines on their backs right after small heads with relatively large bright-brown eyes.
Finally, they have only 3 pairs of legs. Other common species, such as blow and bottle flies, have green, bronze, back, or even blue spots on their backs.
Flies Lifecycle
Flies are one of the most rapidly-breeding insect species. Their lifecycles are rather short, too, though. They usually breed in unstable sites, such as garbage piles and dead animal body carcasses, so they develop into adult species very fast.
Average house flies need just 6 days to complete development, while a single female fly can lay up to 900 eggs during its short life. Blow, and bottle flies usually need up to 10 days to develop, while their life span can reach two months. Fortunately, they can’t survive more than 3 days without a source of food.
Common Species and Why They Appear
Besides home (Musca domestica), green bottle, and crane flies, there are several other types that can potentially infest your yard. If there are animal hosts, such as horses and cattle around your area, you may notice an Autumn fly. It’s almost identical to a housefly.
Domestic animals presence can also cause a horse fly infestation. This large insect can reach 25mm length and bites painfully.
A cluster fly (pollinia) can infest quiet places of your house, such as attics, as it needs a calm and warm place for winter hibernation. Unlike the majority of other species, they are totally safe and don’t bite people and pets. Your attic can also become a wintering place for the yellow swarming fly, which is very similar to a fruit fly.
Fruit flies can appear not only around your kitchen rubbish bin but also on fallen fruit and berries in your garden. In most cases, it’s enough just to remove those fruit to stop the infestation as these insects can’t survive without feeding.
What Causes Fly Infestation Outside?
Bottle, blow, and domestic flies are usually attracted by rotting garbage, carcasses of dead animals, and, of course, fresh human food that looks like an easy and tasty catch for them. Your yard can get infested even if there’s a small piece of meat left after a BBQ party.
Besides, an outdoor fly is attracted by dead mice, feces of domestic and wild animals, rotting vegetation, etc. Pests can also come from an adjacent territory where horses, cattle, or pigs are kept in barns. In such a case, you should be looking for ways to repel insects continuously.
Getting Rid of Flies Outdoors: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting rid of flies in the yard is not that easy job as you have to find out the reason of the infestation first and then decide how to act. But I have prepared the instruction with effective remedies to help you with this task.
Step 1: Prepare Your Yard
If you want to get rid of outdoor flies faster, you should prepare your yard first. This step includes several stages.
First of all, you have to determine where do flies come from, what attracts them, and where do they nest around your area. I recommend you pay more attention to places where most insects spend their day. In most cases, the reason is somewhere near that location. You should look for food leftovers, dead rodents, birds, etc., rotting vegetables and fruit, pet or wild animal feces, and garbage.
The chances are high that the breeding site is hidden under or within a structure, so I recommend you to take a torch and inspect drainages, cracks in walls and outdoor floor brickwork, BBQs (and other outdoor food-related objects), the ground under fruit trees and other productive plants, etc. The mission is simple. Inspect the most active location, and you will definitely find the answer.
When this stage is done, you have to make your yard safe and convenient for forthcoming treatment. For this, you should isolate domestic animals and kids if you are using a remedy that may potentially harm them. Finally, think of self-protection items and measures, such as glasses, respirators, rubber gloves, etc.
Now you should carefully remove the fly magnet that causes the infestation. In some cases, it is also the last stage of the treatment as insects may decide that there’s nothing to eat or nowhere to breed anymore. If it’s not the case, keep reading.
Step 2: Treat Flies With Outside Fly Deterrents
Now, let’s decide on a treatment method. If there is a breeding site in your yard and you have removed it already, I recommend you use an insecticide, such as No products found., that will prevent pests from returning to the location in the near future.
Next, you can treat surfaces of manmade structures around with a bait spray to eliminate the insects that don’t want to fly away. This way, you will get rid of them faster than they die of hunger naturally and prevent them from searching for a new breeding site around.
If the infestation isn’t located around your yard, but pests keep coming when you cook something or just sunbathing in your garden, you should consider purchasing a stationary electric killer like Flowtron BK-80D. Such a device will attract and kill pests without any effort from you. Just plug it in and relax.
If there are no outlets around, you can take an electric zapper along. This device works similarly to a stationary killer but has a mobile design and rechargeable batteries so that you can charge it up with a power bank and reuse. The only minus of this solution is that you have to switch it on and manage to hit a fly with the mesh to achieve the effect. It’s not a device that will work 24/7 without your control.
The last, but not the lest way to eliminate flies is to place deadly baits around the yard or campsite. For example, a single Victor M380 Fly Magnet will help you to kill hundreds of flies without the need to chase them. Just place it in the center of the infested area, and you will breathe out in relief quite soon.
Effectiveness of Insecticides
Although permethrin is considered to be one of the most effective remedies on the market, scientists have noticed that flies can develop resistance to insecticides. That’s why they recommend to alternate active ingredients to fight large and reoccurring infestations.
However, I always start the insecticide treatment with permethrin and then add other components if it doesn’t provide the needed result. Fortunately, this rarely happens.
If your permethrin treatment seems to be lacking efficiency, try to apply solutions that include deltamethrin, beta-cypermethrin, propoxur, dinotefuran, or dichlorvos. These are widely used chemical components that are approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and considered to be effective against a variety of nuisance pests, including flies.
The effectiveness of each component is relatively high, but the result may depend on the concentration of the chemical in the remedy composition and on the resistance of particular fly species and generations.
In most cases, the effect will be almost the same. You should also learn permissions and cautions for each product before applying it in your area to avoid harming animals and plants.
Instead, you can use natural ways to get rid of flies outside, but they’re usually less effective and require more effort from you. I recommend you to use natural remedies only while you’re waiting for your Amazon parcel to be delivered.
Repelling Flies Outside in Future
Now that you know how to kill flies outside, you should also learn to repel them to avoid reinfestation. I recommend you to keep using fly traps and zappers (when you’re on vacation) as they are always effective. Next, you have to train yourself to clean garbage sites and remove animal feces from around the yard regularly enough.
If flies like to visit your yard in the evening, you can also surround it with yellow and blue lightbulbs as they can partially keep insects behind the fence. But you should place them correctly because flies hate yellow, but they love blue.
Place them away from your house to relocate pests. Finally, you can lit citronella candles upwind to repel them with the smell when you’re resting outside.
FAQ
Here you can read the promised answers to the most frequently asked questions about flies around your house and getting rid of them.
Why are there so many flies outside my house?
There answer is simple. Something attracts them with a ‘tasty’ smell. It can be:
Garbage;
Food leftovers;
Rotting fruit or vegetation;
Animal carcasses;
Feces of domestic and wild animals;
Fresh food smell;
All similar things.
How do I get rid of flies outside with vinegar?
It’s a natural method to trap Muscas. Here’s a simple instruction:
Take a tall glass or a jar;
Fill it with apple cider vinegar to the half;
Add a few drops of dish soap and mix to get some foam on the top;
Cover the glass with a piece of plastic wrap and fix it with a rubber band;
Take a pencil and poke holes so that a big fly could get in;
Congratulations! Insects will be attracted by the smell, but they won’t be able to escape foam.
What smell will keep flies away?
The most effective smell against these pesky insects is cinnamon. Use an air freshener with this scent. Besides, you can spray essential oils of lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. It’s also a good solution to grow some of these in your garden.
Where do flies lay eggs?
One fly can lay up to 900 eggs in any place that is warm, moist, and secure enough for larvae. Eggs can be found in feces, garbage, rotting vegetables, ground with organic needed materials, sewage systems, etc.
How to stop flies landing on you?
This one can be difficult as these pests love the smells of our breath and sweat a lot. You can use body scents that include repelling essential oils of cinnamon. If you are not on the go, use citronella and camphor smoke, a fan, an automatic zapper, or spray essential oils.
How to get rid of flies on the patio?
The methods are all the same. Be consistent and use the methods from above with the remedies from below and you will succeed. Always remove food leftovers from your patio and use repellents while cooking.
Top 5 Outside Fly Control Remedies: Expert Selection
Here are the most effective products that you can buy online to start fighting the infestation as soon as possible. I’ve tested each of them multiple times in different conditions, so their relevance is approved.
BK-80D is a powerful outdoor fly killer that’s designed to provide 24/7 protection of up to 1-½ acres of land around. You can plug it into an outdoor outlet and keep it on with very low monthly electricity consumption.
The blue lamp inside the cage attracts insects, while the electrified inner cage kills them with a discharge.
The device is totally safe for the household and protected from downfalling rain. However, I’d recommend you to remove it when it’s raining.
This item is an excellent fly repellent for patio and terrace. It will help you to get rid of flies left after you eliminate the breeding site and in those cases when the only way is to kill insects that come from adjacent territories.
This liquid fly trap is based on a smelly non-poisonous chemical solution that effectively attracts flies. They get under the white cap on the top of the bottle and rarely return.
To take the most out of the item, you should hang it on a pole or under the roof of your patio. The effect is almost the same as if you hand an electrical trap. Flies will love the smell!
Pros:
Cons:
almost as effective as an electrical device;
one bottle deals with hundreds of insects;
rather cheap;
rasy to hang;
weather-resistant.
not the highest coverage.
3. Fly Insecticide – Martin’s Permethrin 10%
No products found.
A powerful insecticide, permethrin, that can remove insects both indoors and outdoors. You should dilute it as mentioned in the instruction and use it for the initial cleanup of infested areas. It will not only damage the breeding site but also repel flies in the nearby future by making the location unsuitable for dwelling.
Moreover, the concentrate is enough for covering large areas as 1.33 ounces is adequate for a gallon of an efficient water-based solution.
This spray provides a 30-day deadly effect against all fly species. You can easily spray it on surfaces of the infested site and it will quickly attract and poison them with dinotefuran. The solution is resistant to UV rays so that you can spray it on open structures. Besides, flies cannot detect it so they won’t learn to avoid the treated site.
It’s a simple, ready-to-use product that you can successfully apply on outdoor structures to get rid of flies forever. I recommend you to treat surfaces that aren’t exposed to rain to avoid leaching of the remedy.
Pros:
Cons:
ready-to-use product;
resistant to UV light;
attracts all flies within 5 feet;
odorless.
not for large areas;
not water-resistant.
5. Racket-Style Handheld Zapper – Twin-Pack of Bug Zappers by ZAP IT!
This handheld zapper offers a universal setup. It has a big round electrified mesh protected with a safety-layer with holes that are large enough for flies to get through and small enough to keep your fingers from burns. You have to switch the device on and just manage to touch the insect to kill it with a discharge.
It’s an excellent option for outside cooking sites, picnics, camping, and other occasions where you can’t use outlet-powered items and smelly chemical solutions. In addition, it has a built-in light bait that attracts both flies and mosquitoes to let you kill them faster.
Pros:
Cons:
the electrical mesh is protected;
two items per pack;
kills multiple files at once;
rechargeable batteries;
you can take it anywhere you go.
no auto switch-off.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get rid of flies in the yard and are ready to stop the infestation. Following my guide, you should be consistent in defining the cause of the infestation properly and select the right remedies. Unfortunately, the process may take longer than you expect, especially when there are several reasons for the infestation.
Have you faced any problems with flies before? How did you manage to solve them? Please, share your cases in the comments section below and feel free to ask me any questions related to the topic unless they’re already answered in the buyer’s guide and FAQ sections of the article.
References:
Common Green Bottle Fly (University of Florida): http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/flies/lucilia_sericata.htm
Resistance of House Fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), to Five Insecticides in Zhejiang Province, China: The Situation in 2017 (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612408/
Despite eco-trends, chemicals are still an indispensable part of our lives. Although the anti flies sprays are still quite popular and useful, alternative ways of disinfection are invading the market.
I want to share with you a story of Lorenzo Maggiore, an artist, surfer and inventor from L.A. In 2012, he received an “Official Patent of Invention” and released his first salt gun that works on ordinary kitchen salt, without any poisonous chemicals. Bug-A-Salt products are easy to use, light and safe. They look like water guns and might bring as much fun as a water fight.
Bug-A-Salt Review
Overall Score: 4.9/5. The product performs just as advertised.
In this salt gun review, you will find out what the latest versions of the product are, how a salt shotgun works and what is the best Bug-a-Salt product.
Bug-A-Salt 3.0 is a salt squirt gun. It underwent recent updates that made it fantastically productive. Due to a plastic construction, it’s very light and comfortable to carry. It may remind a toy gun, but don’t follow this illusion. It’s a real weapon for disinfection.
Effectiveness
While testing Bug-A-Salt 3.0, I paid attention to its shot pattern. Salt holes are more accurately localized, which helps to kill the fly from the first shoot. Meanwhile, small flies may be splattered by a salt stream. Despite its power, this gun doesn’t leave any marks on furniture.
Price
Although the price is a bit high, I have never heard any complaints about the gun’s usefulness. The cost varies from 40 $ to 100 $ and depends on color, additional accessories (e.g. laser pointer), and the number of guns in a delivery pack.
Ease of Use
Usage is very simple and in many ways similar to a water gun.
First of all, take a pinch of kitchen salt;
Find a lift cap and fill up a box with salt. One dosage is enough for 80 shots;
Before shooting, unlock a pump handle by pushing it back and forward;
Push a safety button that is on the gun’s handle;
The Bug-A-Salt 3.0 is ready to use.
It can make several fast shots in a row, but if you have struck a target the first time, it is better to lock the safety button.
For more successful hits, take aim through sight indicators on top of the gun. When you see a target through both indicators, gently push a trigger. The insect will fall down. Mind that some big bugs may need 2 shots in a row: first shot hits them down on their back, second kills them in the unprotected abdomen.
Safety
If you hit a mosquito above your dinner table, don’t worry — you can still eat your food, it will simply get a bit more salted than before.
The Bug a Salt fly shooter is fatal for insects, but never try it on animals or humans. No matter what is happening, keep it away from your face and eyes. Don’t forget that it’s not a toy, it’s a powerful weapon that should be treated like a real fire gun.
Pros:
Cons:
easy to use;
simple supplies with a kitchen salt;
comfortable to hold due to its size and weight;
could be used with a laser kit adapter.
not eco-friendly: made from plastic;
sometimes it makes insects explode, so it gets hard to clean them.
The difference between these two devices is in small, but prominent details. The 2.0 version was a revolutionary invention in disinfection. Lorenzo collected comments and reviews from all over the world.
He realized that customers need a smaller and faster gun. Thus, the updated 3.0 version is shorter, lighter, and stronger. The main difference lies in a shot controlling system — in the latest version you don’t need to turn it off before every shot.
For me, such attention to the customers’ needs raises the Bug-A-Salt company up high in any market ratings. Let’s focus on the Bug-A-Salt 2.0 characteristics to understand why it is almost the best fly killing gun.
Effectiveness
It is a salt shooting fly gun. The gun power is so strong that it could easily kill a fly in motion. The strength of a shot is calibrated in a way that an insect won’t blow apart. But sometimes one shot won’t be enough for the lethal effect.
Price
The prices start from 39.95 $ and depend on different updates. I like it that the 2.0 version has 4 colors to choose, so every member of the family may have their personal weapon.
Ease of Use
Gun loading is pretty much the same as in the 3.0 version. The only difference is that you need to unlock the pump handle every time before shooting. It takes a few seconds, but they may be crucial for your target.
One loading is enough for more than 50 shots. These bullets use an ordinary kitchen salt or special High-Performance Salt. Mind that sea salt may be too moist and kosher salt is too big for the gun.
Safety
The contact with bits of salt will hurt neither humans nor animals. Nevertheless, don’t forget that it is a fly killer gun. Do not point it to any living being!
Pros:
Cons:
easy to use;
available in various designs and colors;
3 feet is enough for an effective shot.
looks like a toy, so if you have children, keep the gun away from them;
not eco-friendly: made from plastic.
Bonus: Shortlist of leading advantages of the 3.0 version
Lighter and smaller;
More tender trigger;
Faster and stronger shots;
Direct and defined shot pattern;
One plump charge is enough for a series of shots;
New design.
Buyer’s Guide
Fly control is necessary not only for farms but also for private homes. Don’t expect that flies will vanish as magically as they appeared.
For successful disinfection and right product choice, follow these simple steps:
Pay attention to a type of insect while choosing the control product. If we focus on flies, we can distinguish the most common types (listed from the biggest to smallest): house, stable, horn, and face fly. House, stable, and face flies are more responsive to sprays, while horn flies should be controlled by special minerals or feed supplements for cattle. Nevertheless, a salt shotgun perfectly deals with all types of flies, just like a trap.
Make a grand clear-out, including all corners and shelves tops. Following the sanitation norms prevents any likable pest intrusion. If you are worried about your health and comfort, strictly follow the norms.
Find the places of flies concentration, areas suitable for egg-laying, and direct your disinfection actions around them. Control flies with a salt gun for flies. You can use it indoors and outdoors: in an apartment, garden or barn without worrying about furniture scratches or salt particles left on your food, as salt is harmless.
Combine different types of products. Using only the spray may provoke allergies or diarrhea; their chemicals may harm your pets or children. You can save your house and health from pests only by combining and alternate toxic products with non-toxic, e.g. a fly killing gun.
If you are interested in non-chemical disinfection items, the best alternatives are salt gun fly swatter and flyshooter.
The Electric Swatter is a USB charging device that kills flying insects with a 4,000-Volt grid. It is similar to the racket and, just as a Bug-a-Salt, turns the disinfestation into a game. Just don’t forget the salt gun fly swatter needs electricity. Nevertheless, it might be a good addition for Bug-a-Salt guns if you decided to organize a tourney in flies hunting.
This spring-loaded device looks like a portable hand fan. While Bug-a-Salt products work from 3 feet distance, Martin Paul’s string limits the attack distance to less than a foot. You can use the fly shooter in a car, in a garage or in a small room.
Bug-a-Salt Fly Shooter Will Save You from Pests and Pesticides
With a salt shotgun, you can have a real safari in your garden that might turn a disinfection process into a challenging game and gives you a lot of fun. Take a gun and some granulated table salt, and you are ready for an expedition! Concentrate on targets and don’t worry about your air chemical level.
With Bug-a-Salt, you are protecting your home from insects and your body from toxins. Even though it can’t guarantee that you get rid of insects forever, it guarantees that you will enjoy the game.
Meanwhile, would you like to take Bug-a-Salt 3.0 on a flies hunting? Have you tried using it? Share your game impressions.
Hi, I’m Nicholas Martin, an entomologist and pest control consultant. In this article, I share my experience-based electric fly swatter reviews that will help you choose the best electric fly swatter to get rid of these annoying pests. Besides, you will learn how to pick up the right model and how the electronic fly swatter actually works.
But first, what makes flies dangerous? Although they are so common and rarely bite anyone, their disease-carrying potential is high. Flies are potential carriers of over 200 parasites and pathogens that can harm the human body. In the past, these buzzers used to be the main spreaders of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
So, yes – flies can be really dangerous, so you’d better keep them away from your house!
First, let’s take a look at 5 high-quality items that I’ve tested in 2019 and 2020. All the models have unique features and differences that make them useful for different situations. Choose wisely, and you’ll succeed.
1. ZAP IT! Bug Zapper Twin Pack – Best Electric Fly Swatter
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.28 x 13.54 x 2.09 inches
Target Species: Fly, Mosquito, Spider, Wasp
Unlike the rest of the products in my article, the bug zapper by Zap It! is not only a powerful solution, but also a lucrative deal. A single package includes 2 electric zappers, which means that you can still use an electric zapper, while one is charging. As a result, you will never lack protection, no matter what. Now, let’s take a closer look at the specs.
First of all, both devices in the package have powerful 4000-volt grids that can kill any flying insects instantly. Another excellent feature is the rechargeable battery pack with a quick-charge USB slot that lets you charge it from any USB adapter and the portable device.
You can make this zapper work for hours anywhere you go if you charge it with a pocket power bank. It’s a perfect solution for any picnic or outdoor event.
The hold of the item is equipped with a bright LED light that can help you to see insects when it’s dark and to attract them to the swatter even in the daytime. There’s also an indicator that shows that the device is on.
However, you’re not likely to get hurt even if you touch the grid accidentally because there are nylon protective layers. They’re not removable, but they don’t make it less effective because of the special grid pattern. It’s also easy to clean with a dry wipe if an insect explodes within and sticks to wires.
I recommend this product to everyone who needs an easily rechargeable zapper for frequent use.
Unlike the previous device, this product by Elucto is equipped with the most basic features. There are no protective layers, but that’s what makes it potentially more effective than its secure competitors.
Using this tool, you can be sure that you kill flies with the first hit, as there’s no probability that they get pushed away by the nylon coating. The absence of extra layers also makes it very simple to clean.
On the other hand, you should be more careful to avoid being shocked by 3000 volts. That’s not dangerous, but you won’t like the feeling for sure.
It’s a perfect fly swatter for home, outdoor, and business use as it’s easy to recharge by changing 2 AA batteries and even easier to eliminate bugs without the need to wave the appliance. Due to the wideness of the shocking surface, you don’t have to be very precise to chase quick flies.
Pros:
Cons:
simple construction;
large size;
needs just 2 batteries;
1-year warranty;
easy to clean.
no safety layers;
no LED torch.
3. The Executioner Fly Killer Mosquito Swatter – Electric Tennis Racket Fly Swatter
At first sight, this tool looks like a perfectly branded trinket, but it’s actually not. Despite funny marketing, this item has everything you need to take down your buzzing enemies indoors and outdoors.
It’s made of environmentally friendly durable plastic that can survive medium-heaviness hits and frequent transportation. The tool is designed as a real tennis racket, which makes it very simple to aim and kill.
What I don’t like about this model is that the LED activation indicator is placed on the side of the hold, which makes it hard-to-see. The indicator itself is not very bright, so you have to look closely when you’re outside, and it’s sunny.
There are no safety layers, which is great for burning insects. It won’t protect you from shocks if you touch it by accident, though. Nevertheless, it does the job perfectly well, and it’s not overpriced. Take it if you need an extra-durable king-size solution for home and outdoor use.
Pros:
Cons:
powered by 2 AA batteries;
large shocking screen size;
flexible screen frame;
simple to use;
passed EU and US safety standards.
no safety coating;
dim LED indicator.
4. Electric Large Bug Zapper Racket – Compact Electric Bug Racket
No products found.
Specifications:
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Is Electric: Yes
Item Weight: 1.19 pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.33 x 9.05 x 1.18 inches
Target Species: Fly, Mosquito, Gnat
This device is a robust alternative to my favorite zapper by Zap It!. There are 2 things that make it worse. First one – the package includes only 1 device. The second one – its grid is a bit smaller. In all other aspects, it’s a perfect solution for home, office, and outdoor use if you don’t have to fight a severe infestation.
Your hands will always be protected by ABS plastic layers. The design of the grids is made to avoid capturing insects inside so you won’t have troubles with cleaning. Even if something sticks within, you can easily remove the safety grid.
The mesh is powered by a lightweight built-in battery that supports a fast USB charge. The package includes a dock station that makes it easier to charge up the racket when it’s not in use. As a result, it will always be charged to the full.
Even if you forget to put it into the dock, you can be sure that the gadget will keep working up to 30 days, depending on how frequently you use it. Due to the bright LED light, you can attract insects so that they get into the trap without your efforts.
This one is another powerful competitor of the Zap It! gadget. There are a few differences that you need to consider, though. The first one is that the Faicuk zapper doesn’t include the LED light for insect attraction. However, the manufacturers compensated for the absence of these features with enhanced security measures.
There’s a protective mesh on both sides of the racket and a special trigger button that lets you control the power. You have to turn the switch on and then press this non-clicking button to activate the grid. The combination of these features makes it completely impossible for you to get shocked accidentally.
Another minus is the absence of built-in rechargeable batteries. The device is powered by 2AA batteries providing 24-hour stand by if you leave the switch on, but no more.
Pros:
Cons:
extra-safety power trigger;
security mesh;
durable ABS plastic;
12-months warranty.
no rechargeable batteries.
Buyer’s Guide
The electrified fly swatter is a perfect alternative to sprays and fumigators that fill the entire room with chemical fumes that can get anywhere, including your meals. Electric units don’t mess the air and surfaces and can be used in absolutely any facility that doesn’t include highly flammable volatile materials.
A handheld high voltage bug zapper is actually more effective than a stationary solution that attracts insects with blue light. That’s because not all flies and other pests react to this light.
Besides, you can take a zapper anywhere around your place to take down insects that don’t seem to be interested in your stationary zapper. Mobility is very important for fighting insects, so such a handheld zapper is of high use.
There are 2 most common electric bug racket types. The first type includes 1 layer of electrified mesh with exposed wires. The tools of this type are highly effective for killing insects, but they are also more dangerous for you as you can easily get a painful shock if you tock the mesh by accident.
If you’re not sure whether you can use the item carefully or not, I recommend you to consider the second type, a 3-layer mesh zapper. It works similarly, but the nylon mesh that covers the electrified layer from both sides reduces the probability of you getting shocked accidentally.
The disadvantage of this construction is that it may not shock insects from the first hit. You won’t notice any difference fighting small flies, but it can be quite challenging to take down larger insects as they may not reach the holes of the mesh to get their spark.
Fortunately, you can remove the nylon cover from most models to make them more effective. It is not that this feature makes a huge difference, but you should know about it just in case.
How Does an Electronic Fly Swatter Work and How to Use It?
A fly swatter zapper is a portable electronic high-voltage device that includes a safe plastic hold and a metal mesh that plays the role of an electricity concentrator. The scheme of its electric circuit is designed to pass electrical charges to conductive bodies, such as other metals, and living creatures.
The voltage usually differs, depending on the model, but it won’t be too high to avoid critical damage. In fact, it’s not the voltage that kills flies, but the fatal current. The real thing that matters is the actual amperage of the circuit. While 0.01 amp can produce a painful shock (like all swatters), 0.1-0.2 amp can be lethal to humans and animals.
Fortunately, all the devices must pass certification to ensure buyers that they cannot kill anyone and anything but insects. Still, you shouldn’t touch the strings when the device is on to avoid electric burns and shock. It’s also strictly prohibited to touch animals with the activated tool.
So how does an electric swatter kill flies? When you switch it on, the batteries charge up the metal mesh, making it deadly for pests. When a fly or other insect touches the wires, a spark flashes through them and destroys the protein structure of its body.
To use an electronic fly swatter, you have to make sure that there are no highly flammable materials nearby. There must be no gases and liquids that can potentially ignite if they contact the mesh. Don’t use it near alcohol, propane, and similar items.
It’s also not a good idea to hit plants and paper objects with a device, if a fly sits on them. I recommend you to wait for it to fly away and kill it in the air. That’s easy to do and doesn’t require any special skills or professional help.
It’s very difficult to find the best product by reading manufacturer notes on Amazon and other online stores as they sometimes lie. That’s why the best solution is to read articles like this one and compare reviews of other real users in the comments under each product description.
Look for verified buyers who have really bought the item and attached real photos to their review. The major rule that you should remember is that the best swatter is not the one that has the best design, but the one that really works.
You have to choose the item that can produce the least needed voltage and amperage to kill insects; also, bear in mind that it should not drain batteries in several minutes. Zapping is always effective, so you have to look for a manufacturer that provides durable, high-quality products that have mostly positive reviews from users and professionals.
Every item will probably have a small percentage of negative 1-star comments, but they shouldn’t really matter to you. Even the best manufacturers produce defective items from time to time, as it’s impossible to guard against it completely.
Intuition can also be rather helpful in choosing the tool that will suit your needs best – just figure out what your personal preferences are and choose the optimal device!
Now you know everything about one of the most effective fly-killing devices, and I bet that you are ready to order the one that will beat your fly problem! The best fly swatter isn’t the one that has the highest voltage, but the one that lets you deal with your infestation level.
It’s important to give preference to items that are both energy efficient and durable so that they won’t break after an uncareful move. I also recommend you to use these devices along with other remedies, such as sticky tapes, stationery high-voltage fly control units, and window nets. Even the most powerful electric fly swatter won’t be effective if you don’t use it wisely.
Have you ever used electric fly control devices, such as swatters and stationary units? Were they effective against flies in your area? What other remedies do you consider similarly or even more effective? Join the conversation in the comments section below and share your experience with me and other readers of Pestcontrolhacks.com!
References:
Flies’ disease-carrying potential may be greater than thought, researchers say (Matt Swayne): https://news.psu.edu/story/495288/2017/11/24/research/flies-disease-carrying-potential-may-be-greater-thought-researchers
The Fatal Current (The Ohio University): https://www.asc.ohio-state.edu/physics/p616/safety/fatal_current.html
Flies (A. C. Gerry, Dept. of Entomology, University of California, Riverside):http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7457.html
Drain Flies are small insects that most often live in “wet” sewage areas in the bathroom and kitchen. Not recognized in time, these insects can become a real problem. They multiply quickly and bring discomfort to your everyday life. But I have plenty of experience in getting rid of bathroom flies.
This article will help you learn how to kill drain flies quickly and safely for pets.
What are Drain Flies
Flies coming out of drain have hair, which distinguishes them from ordinary domestic flies. Their body lengths are between 2 and 5 millimeters. Visually, they are easy to identify. Waste flies are grey and have large wings. Under the light, the hair cover can shimmer with silver.
Two more antennae at the front can also help to distinguish them (they are directed at the sides). Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re looking at a moth or a drain fly.
This insect species belong to the Psychodinae family. The larvae may stay in the water or muddy environment for a long time. This stage of insect development lasts up to 15 days, after which a so-called “doll” appears. And after 20 to 40 hours, the sutures are torn, and a fly appears. The lifespan of the insect is up to 20 days.
To eliminate drain flies is a necessity for any household-owner. These insects appear in sewage pipes that are out of use and stagnate for a long time. They are attracted by moisture, unpleasant smell, and contents of sewage pipes. It sounds terrible, but they really can’t live without it.
The Difference Between Drainage Flies and Fruit Flies
Drainage and fruit flies can easily be confused with each other. They do not resemble each other on the outside but are always near sewage pipes and debris. Fruit insects also live near fruit trees, bushes, and garbage cans outside or inside the house. Appearance should, therefore, be the main determining factor.
Only sewage flies are hairy and silver-colored with large mustaches at the front of the body. These insects can’t fly high. Despite the large size of the wings, they do not fly high due to the anatomical features of the torso and the presence of hair cover. This is an essential factor that makes them easy to distinguish from fruit flies and other types of flies.
Note that drainage insects are more massive than fruit flies. But their methods of destruction are almost identical. You don’t know how to kill drain flies? You can get rid of fruit flies in a drain with gels, sprays, and other means described in this article.
There is one effective way to find out if these hated sewage insects live in your home. Put a sticky tape near the drain hole in the bathtub and sink (the sticky part should be at the top).
Wait for one or more days. If you see an insect sticking to the tape near the drain, this means they really live inside the sewer and crawl out periodically.
Potential Drain Fly Dangers
Drain fly removal is necessary due to the risk of mass reproduction of insects. They do not cause harm to pets or humans. Even when their lives are threatened, drain flies are unable to bite. Their most enormous damage is the unpleasant sensation of seeing many hairy insects in the house.
Children are usually afraid of them, as the insect’s body size reaches half a centimeter. Add to this the unpleasant noise when it tries to fly around the room and the nasty look. I’m sure I’d never want half a hundred flying hairy flies in my house.
Drain flies don’t harm the environment. They do not spoil furniture, carpets, and rarely even consume food in the house. These insects are not vectors of infection and disease. But at the same time, they can transmit dirt when they sit on a table or food (because before that, they must have crawled in sewage and sewers).
But if you crush this insect with something substantial, you leave a big stain. It’s best to use proven and safe means to remove sink flies.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
Drain fly treatment should only begin once the breeding ground has been determined. You could see adult sewage insects with your own eyes. But you have to learn precisely where they come from. It could be:
Drain sink in the kitchen or bathroom;
Drainage of a bath or a shower gangway;
The toilet;
The garbage chute;
Drainage of the dishwasher;
Food shredder (in some cases).
If you kill drain flies in one place, they may appear in another. It is, therefore, necessary to control drain flies and use insect killers in all possible drain areas.
Step 1: Identify Affected Drains
Still, wondering how to get rid of drain flies fast? First of all, it is necessary to visually inspect the potential areas of drainage flies infestation: sewage drains, wet mops, garbage chutes, shower traps, etc. Also, you can check plant pots, birdbaths, street water bodies without running water.
Drainage insects can appear everywhere where it’s damp, dark, cold, and where you may find all kinds of rot and garbage. They feed on it.
Most often drain flies multiply inside a shower tray, under a bathtub or concealed sink. If you have seen insects near the shower or bath, drill a small hole in the wall or shower tray near the wet areas. The flies will see the light and fly to it (this is relevant if you do not have a brick house).
Try to smell rot and damp before using the drain fly remedy. Smell the drains and drains in the sinks. If you feel a strong stink, take apart the siphon and clean it.
All sorts of sewage leaks also lure sewer flies. Inside the walls, there may have been a small breakthrough, near which the insects accumulate. It is always necessary to examine the places near the sewers.
Step 2: Destroy the Breeding Source
Have you identified the source of the breeding of the awful insects? Now you have to use the best drain fly killer! But the biggest threat is not adults, but thousands of larvae on the walls of sewage pipes. Even one surviving fly will be enough to replicate an entire swarm of insects. So the first thing to do is get rid of the larvae.
Warning! Do not try to use folk methods. Boiling water, boric acid, vinegar, citric acid, and other substances are not very useful for cleaning the drain. Drain Fly larvae can withstand even high temperatures.
To destroy the larvae, follow the following sequence:
Pour warm water into the drain hole to moisten it (even boiling water will not damage the worms).
Remove the drain hole from the grating and push a metal or coarse plastic brush inside.
Pour the best drain fly gel inside, which will destroy the remaining larvae. Alternatively, you can use a pure drain gel to clean the worms, but then you will still have to treat the waste pipe with a particular substance.
Our task is to ensure that all the larvae from the walls of the sewage pipes enter the sewerage system or are destroyed. Only then we will be able to determine the best way to get rid of drain flies.
Step 3: Get Rid of Drain Flies
Many people are wondering what kills drain flies. I’ve already written above that these insect larvae are very resilient. But adults are not as resistant to aggressive substances and high temperatures. So it’s much easier to destroy them.
But you don’t have to go to the garage to get a fly swatter— it won’t help. These insects hide in sewage, under sinks, baths, and even in the walls near sewers. Several kinds of means are used against them:
Handy tools.
Special chemicals against these insects.
I’ll tell you right away, I’ve tried to destroy sewage flies in different ways. Special chemical gels, sprays, and other substances were always more effective and faster. Convenient means can only be useful with a small number of drainage insects.
If you see creeping drain flies, try to kill them with a solution of liquid soap and warm water. The soap contains components that are insecticides. Add up to 20% liquid soap to the spray bottle and fill the rest of the volume with water. This way will bleach & kill drain flies. Make sure the insects get wet!
If you notice this kind of house flies in the kitchen, leave a mixture of sugar, warm water, and white vinegar in a bowl overnight. It will attract them. If they try to land on the water, they’ll drown. The sweet aroma of white vinegar will be more reliable than their instincts. Getting rid of bathroom flies this way, you don’t spend a dime.
A mixture of soda, salt, and table vinegar can also help. All of them need to be mixed in any proportion and poured into the waste pipe.
But all the methods described above do not guarantee 100% results. It is more rational to use select chemicals:
Wastewater liquids;
Electric or mechanical flycatchers;
Sticky tapes;
Sprays.
One of the most popular means to combat sewage flies is liquid. The particular composition destroys insects and neutralizes unpleasant smells. If you are still not sure how to get rid of drain flies quickly, try using electric or mechanical flycatchers. But they cannot be the only remedy against insects. They can only complement the fight against waste flies.
The simplest option is to buy adhesive tapes, which are applied to the surface of a sweet composition of alluring insects. They fill up on the sticky surface and stay there forever.
Place such tapes near each drain hole as well as near the bathtub and sink. You will notice the result the next day.
Best Drain Fly Control Remedies
1. Scum-Eating Bye-Bye Drain Flies – The Best Drain Fly Killer
No products found.
Bye-Bye Drain Flies is a liquid gel that needs to be poured inside the drains (sink, bath, shower). Sweet taste and pleasant aroma attract sewage flies. They consume the gel and die from it. The product can be used even for plastic sanitary pipes. The gel cleans sewage, neutralizes unpleasant smell, and gets rid of larvae and adult insects.
Pros:
Cons:
safe for plastic pipes;
has a pleasant fragrance;
effective against larvae and adult drain flies;
usable.
need to be used at all times to clean the effluents.
2. Drain Fly & Fruit Fly Eliminator Green Gobbler – Natural Citronella-based Gel
Green Gobbler natural gel is used against fruit and drainage flies. It has a comfortable dense shape, due to which it is economically consumed. Pour it into the drain hole every few days to get rid of insects and bad smells. This product is environmentally friendly. Contains Citronella.
Pros:
Cons:
eco-Friendly;
universal;
safe for the skin;
dense and economical.
not suitable for toilets.
3. Rockwell InVade Bio Drain Gel – Natural Drain Fly Treatment
Yield: Apply 4 oz to each drain once daily for one week
Item Volume: 128 fluid_ounces
Item Weight: 2.14 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 6 x 6 x 12 inches
This cleaning gel is excellent for sewage pipes, pallets, and drains. All you need to do is pour it inside to destroy the larvae of drain flies and other insects on the pipe walls. For better efficiency, the gel should be used every day for one or more weeks. But it is more suitable as a prophylactic than for the destruction of millions of sewage fly larvae and adults.
Pros:
Cons:
environmentally safe;
suitable for sewerage;
safe for pets;
it’s a good odor remover and aromatizer.
less effective if you don’t keep the sewers clean.
Target Species: Fly, Thrip, Mosquito, White Fly, Gnat
Double-Sided Yellow Sticky Traps is the best sticky base for effluent fly destruction. All you have to do is put it by the shower gangway or sink and wait for a while. The surface has a sweetish flavor that lures flies. If they stick to it, they die. One sticky stick can be active for a long time and “collect” flies and other insects.
Pros:
Cons:
small price;
20 pieces in one pack;
universality (can be used against different insects).
does not neutralize unpleasant odors;
does not destroy the larvae of drainage flies.
5. KATCHY Indoor Insect Trap – The Best Trap For Drain Flies
KATCHY Indoor Insect Trap is a modern device that lures and destroys sewage flies and other insects. All you have to do is plug it in and leave it for the night. Dimmed light attracts flying insects, and a powerful fan pulls them in, where they die.
Pros:
Cons:
effective against all flying insects;
requires to be plugged into the socket;
fully self-contained unit.
won’t get rid of the infestation source
won’t neutralize odors.
How to Prevent Drain Flies
It’s not enough to know how to get rid of drain gnats. It is also essential that they do not appear in the house again.
Several recommendations are worth implementing for this purpose:
Clean sewage regularly with special liquids;
Periodically remove the siphon lids on the sink and in the bathtub to remove inorganic waste from there;
Make sure there is no water stagnating in your home (e.g., the sink or drain) and get rid of it;
Check the sewers to make sure there are no leaks anywhere.
For a long time, I’ve been thinking about telling you how I got rid of drain flies. It turned out that to prevent insects, you can put ½ glass of baking soda in the sewage every week, pouring all this 500 ml of warm water. It is also possible to use special liquids for drain flies, which clean the infested areas and destroy the larvae.
Short and informative answers to popular questions will help you understand how to get rid of drainage insects.
What Causes Drain Flies?
The reproduction of these flies is caused by water stagnation, clogged drainage, and lack of regular cleaning. In some houses, sewage is not entirely discharged but remains in pipes. These are the right breeding conditions for insects. Therefore, you need to take care of the cleanliness of sewers, showers, traps, and sewage pipes.
How to Get Rid of Drain Flies Naturally?
Different handy substances can be used to combat waste flies. For example, a mixture of warm water with food soda and white vinegar will help to fight larvae and bad smells. You can also bleach kill drain flies or use liquid soap dissolved in water (it contains insecticides).
You can try these natural methods, but professional anti drainage products are more effective.
What Are Drain Flies Attracted To?
Wastewater, as well as organic and inorganic garbage, lures these flies. They reproduce in conditions of darkness, dampness, and even decay. But most often, the larvae form in sewage pipes, shower taps, and sinks. Stagnant water is the habitat for these insects.
Should I Call a Plumber for Drain Flies Extermination?
The plumber is not a specialist in insect extermination. He will only help to get to the source of sewage flies. For example, a worker will remove the shower tray, check the sewers for leaks and take apart the siphon for cleaning.
Now You Know How to Get Rid of Drain Flies
I am confident that the recommendations and practical tools described above will help in the fight against waste flies. Hundreds of homemakers have tested many of the market offers. They are useful if you follow all the rules. Remember to check your sewage and drains regularly for debris and insects. If necessary, use liquids to clean sewers, stairs, and sinks’ drain.
Of course, drain flies are not a threat. But they are unpleasant and disgusting. Do not forget that they can get dirt right on your dining table or food. We don’t see them sitting on food. So don’t try to delay their destruction.
I’d like to know what method or means you used yourself. Write about it in your comments, please.
References:
Moth flies or Drain flies (Michigan State University): https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/moth-flies-or-drain-flies
Drain Flies (Phillip E. Sloderbeck): https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/DrainFli.pdf
Whether you work on a farm or like to wander in the woods, gnats are always there to attack. These bitsy winged insects are known to be highly determined and cheeky when they’ve found a victim to follow, and won’t stop unless you know how to stop them first.
It’s not the annoyance that forces us to avoid any contact with them, but rather a real-life risk that may follow upon a gnat’s bite. Some of them, depending on the kind, can spoil fruit and vegetables; whereas others don’t hesitate to feed off livestock, pets, and humans, thus transmitting diseases and ruining crops.
Are you looking for a perfect insect spray for gnats? That’s what we’re about to do too. So, let’s dig more deeply to find what we’ve come here for!
The Sawyer Products Lotion is and has been for a long time a great substitution of spray repellents. Instead of spraying it all over the place, the lotion gives you an option to be applied where you think can be a vulnerable place.
Gnats, like other pests, are repulsed by Picaridin, a substance that makes up to 20% of this product, making them avoid any contact with you. Lasting for more than 10 hours, the lotion ensures protection for your skin under most weather conditions.
The user doesn’t have to be afraid if the Sawyer Repellent is spilled onto apparel or fabrics, as it doesn’t leave any waxy marks. Moreover, the liquid is harmless for most plastic and metal accessories, as well as watches and jewelry.
Pros:
Cons:
lotion is easier to apply onto skin than sprays (no risk of spraying in the eyes);
suitable for most weather conditions;
easy to carry both on a hiking trip and on a plane;
Target Species: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Biting Flies, Gnats, Chiggers and Fleas
The Repel Lotion is a versatile option for people who do enjoy spending their time in nature. Its prolonged effect, which lasts up to 10 hours, protects the user’s skin from harmful insects, like gnats, mosquitos, flies that are potential Zika and West Nile viruses hosts; as well as it works effectively with various transmitters of the warm season’s diseases.
The product is designed specifically for those who spend most of their time outdoors: sprinters, mountain bike riders and common cyclers, yoga enthusiasts and others. By applying the lotion onto the skin, the substance doesn’t leave greasy marks on clothing.
Furthermore, unlike other similar products, its constituency isn’t oily and has a fresh forest scent that doesn’t combat your perfume.
Pros:
Cons:
helpful against all types of bugs;
due to its natural components, it expires more slowly (up to a few years);
The Soother Repellent might not be the best bug spray for gnats, but it’s definitely a great adjunct to your traveler’s kit. This one can be called a truly eco-friendly option for protecting the skin from gnats, various types of mosquitoes, sand fleas, etc. It’s proven effective even against fleas and black gnats.
The main component, Lemongrass, is an old-school remedy that repels insects. Tree and plant-based oils are favorable for the skin, making it soft and nourished. Apart from adults, it is completely suitable for children since chances of skin rash or inflammation are reduced to 0.
Purchasing the spray can prove handy not only for people, but also for animals. It can be applied to both pets and livestock to shield them from all kinds of pests.
Pros:
Cons:
completely harmless for the environment;
gives off a pleasant scent of essences;
can be applied to animals;
comes in all varieties of sizes;
efficient against most pests.
a bit oily.
4. Babyganics Bug Spray – What Repels Gnats Away from Children
The Babyganics Spray is a must-have for shielding a baby on their way to exploring grassy lawns and brushes in the park. This blend of essences is proven safe for youngsters without risking to harm their skin with alcohol that repellent products usually contain. It might as well be used for adults if they find their skin highly irritable to other chemical-based repellents.
If you are concerned, whether it’s a biting gnats repellent, then yes, it is. Moreover, it works very well with mosquitoes and some mites. The substance stays on for hours and is easily washed off by using plain soap and water.
Pros:
Cons:
doesn’t threaten your skin integrity since it doesn’t contain alcohol;
protects a child’s body from sun rays by making it oily;
The Protector Repellent is an effective and natural product that proves handy for people who are keen on exploring the wilderness. A comfortable and resourceful packaging fits easily in a backpack or even a purse, thus making it light and easy to carry around.
Active and efficient against gnats, fruit flies, and ticks, it takes a thin layer of spraying for shielding against annoying pests and mites. Created without any alcohol and DEET, the repellent goes smoothly onto the skin without drying it or irritating any upper skin-layer cracks or injuries.
The product is very multifunctional and is allowed for people of all ages, from young children to adults, as well as for pets and livestock.
Pros:
Cons:
once applied, it doesn’t soak into the skin;
excludes synthetic elements, so you don’t have to worry about risks to your health;
the constituency isn’t sticky and washes off easily.
need to reapply it every 4-5 hours.
How to Find a Really Good Gnat Repellent?
Having a lot of options isn’t always good for your purchases since it’s quite frequent for a buyer to get confused or even frustrated. When choosing a gnat repellent, it’s crucial to keep in mind why you are doing this and what the purpose of this purchase is.
I can surely claim that most products that you might find on a store shelf will prove to be just the job. But, when using gnat repellents, how do you know, whether this one is the right one for you?
As a little buyer’s guide, I’d like to elaborate a bit more on different repellent types and their most common uses.
SPRAY or LOTION?
Right, first you need to decide which type of the products against gnats and other insects you find the most appealing to you. When deciding between a spray or a lotion packaging, it’s always a good idea to think forth and see where you’re going to use a repellent.
If you’re intended to apply it mostly for indoor use then a lotion sounds like a great idea:
It’s always at hand;
You can always regulate the amount of the substance you are using;
It can be applied locally, so it doesn’t get to areas that might be sensitive to synthetic products;
Using lotion is always an economical option.
However, using a gnat repellant spray might be better for outdoors, because:
It’s faster and easier to apply;
It covers vast areas, as well as clothing which makes it even more effective;
You don’t have to worry about putting too much as it spreads evenly;
You don’t need to use your hands while in a forest or in nature, so it excludes the possibility of unsanitary touches.
After opting between a spray and a lotion, it’s time to make up your mind about the constituency of a repellent. Though most of the products contain common active repellent ingredients, each of them has a sheer part of a certain repellent component which gnats and other disease-carrying insects find revolting.
DEET-based Repellents
These comprise the majority of the anti-insect stock, and you might find the best gnat repellent spray among them. Having spent more than 60 years on the market, DEET-containing products are known for their efficacy against all kinds of pests.
Contrary to the common belief, this half-synthetic component doesn’t actually kill insects, it simply creates unfavorable conditions on your skin so that it gets difficult for them to land. In addition to this, the smell of it is repugnant to insects and makes them avoid flying closer to the source.
Even though it’s hard to call DEET a completely natural component, since it’s been synthesized manually and it’s considered a chemical, it doesn’t seem to cause any harm to wildlife or humans and animals.
By the way, in spite of the myth that the percentage of DEET designates its effectiveness against insects, it’s not true. It simply measures the duration it stays on your skin, the higher it is, the longer it stays active.
Picaridin is another popular component that, for sure, acts efficiently against gnats, mosquitoes, etc. But, it’s a bit more synthetic than DEET, and its concentration is directly responsible for the effectiveness of a repellent.
The component has been extracted from plain black pepper seeds, thus making it more aggressive when it comes to the aftermaths of coming in contact with it. Unlike DEET, Picaridin not only repulses insects but can also kill them in case it happens to be in their system.
As a piece of safety advice, I wouldn’t normally recommend applying most of Picaridin-including repellents along with sunscreen as their combination may result in skin inflammation or rashes.
Oil-based Repellents
Among modern alternatives to popular DEET and Picaridin sprays and lotions, essential oils extracted from plants and various vegetation have hastened a solution to the problem on how to keep gnats away without any harm done to nature. Such alternatives usually include lemongrass, eucalyptus, rue, tomatoes and other plants as sources of essences.
There are quite a few perks to them. Firstly, they are suitable for people whose skin is either too sensitive or allergic to standard repellents. Secondly, they are mostly a good pick if you’re looking for a vegan repellent since oil-including products are normally plant-based.
Talking about their efficacy compared to more synthetic products, they are, indeed, as active and useful. However, due to their natural origin such repellents can be less lasting and more prone to disruption by sweat or water.
FAQ
What Does a Gnat Bite Look Like?
It depends on a person’s own immune system. Generally, a gnat bite has a resemblance to the one a mosquito would do. But it’s definitely bigger, the damaged area becomes scarlet red and, in time, swells a lot.
Does Citronella Repel Gnats?
There have been no scientific studies to prove this fact, but the oil does possess certain properties that repel insects. On the other hand, if you find yourself swamped by a swarm of these annoying beasts, it’s always better to get yourself a proper insect repellent for gnats.
What Do Gnats Hate?
Just like most insects, gnats are repulsed by the smell of an array of natural oils produced by plants, like lemongrass, peppermint, vanilla, etc. and they are driven away from dry and cool areas since they can’t breed properly there. The insects will always avoid any scent of alcohol as it’s a death sentence for them should they get in contact with it.
Bottom Line
Knowing your enemy and what you can expect from it is always better than facing it bare-handed. Gnats can be a real evil for your household, cattle, and more importantly, for your health. Make sure to avoid an infestation of these insects by being aware of how to repel gnats from your body, how to drive them away from your property, and how to fight back when it’s already too late.
What’s your experience with gnats? Maybe, you’ve found a different way to scare them off? Feel free to comment below on the topic. Stay safe!
References:
Insect bites and stings (Health Direct): https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings
Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html
DEET (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet
Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oils from Different Plants Against Three Stored-Product Insects (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3014752/
Have you observed all gnat control techniques, but your problem does not seem to go away? Perhaps, it is in the summer when insects are flying around, and it irritates you. It is time to consider a gnat killer. With so many types of these products, it is no wonder that most people have always wondered which one to choose.
If you are pondering about the best way to catch gnats, find out below about the different types of products available to eliminate these pests.
Top 8 Gnat Killers of All Time
The following is an analysis of gnat killers that may help you eradicate the bugs that are giving you sleepless nights.
1. Bonide BND951 – The Best Gnat Killer for Indoor Plants
Target Species: Mealybug, Termite, Aphids, Japanese Beetles, and more
Do bugs affect your indoor plants? Not only do these gnats stunt plant growth, but they can even damage roots if left unchecked. With Bonide, you can enjoy up to 8 weeks of protection for your plants. Simply pour the granules into the soil of containerized plants and water to facilitate absorption.
This insecticide not only protects against common pests like termites, mealybugs, and aphids, but it will have your plants thriving in just two months. If bugs persist, simply reapply for continued protection. Keep your indoor plants looking their best with Bonide.
Discover the ultimate solution for eliminating fungus gnats with Bonide’s odorless insecticide. Say goodbye to harsh chemical smells that can harm your health and damage your furniture.
Unlike other regular chemical insecticides, this gnat killer is safe for use in your home and garden. Use it on your flowerbeds, shrubs, and even roses without worrying about the risk of cancer, irritation, or organ damage.
But be careful, this gnat killer should not be used on edible plants. Keep your fruits and vegetables safe, and protect your pets and beneficial insects like bees by avoiding the use of these plants.
Traditionally, bug zappers are quite large devices that take up a lot of space and buzz quite loudly. But not the Crioxen Indoor Plug-in Bug Zapper. It works the same way as full-size appliances but is much more compact and can even be plugged into the outlet next to your bed. If you are tired of fighting flies and mosquitoes, this model will be a real godsend for you.
The device is compatible with any 50-60Hz / 100-120V power outlet. One unit is sufficient for use in areas up to 500 square feet. It is not the highest for bug zappers, but good enough for a tool of this size. If you need to kill insects in several rooms at once, it is better to buy several devices. It is very quiet and has a night mode so that its bright light does not irritate you.
It uses an LED lamp that emits ultraviolet light to attract insects and an electric charge to kill them. As it kills on direct contact, it is indeed effective against many flying insects. It is non-toxic and safe for pets and humans. The upper grill reliably protects against accidental contact and electric shock. This product is easy to use: you just need to plug it into an outlet where you want it and press its power button. But it should be regularly cleaned of insects that accumulate in a special compartment. The item comes with a brush for easy cleaning of a grill from flies and mosquitoes.
Pros:
Cons:
compact design;
quiet;
eco-friendly;
a brush is included.
small coverage area;
cannot be used outdoors.
3. KATCHY Indoor Insect Trap – Best Indoor Gnat Killer for a House with Pets
Introducing the revolutionary Katchy Insect Trap – a game changer in the battle against fruit flies and gnats. Say goodbye to messy sticky traps and hello to the power of UV light technology. This sleek and stylish design not only attracts pesky insects with its powerful UV light, but also captures them in its powerful fan, ensuring they can’t escape. The included sticky glue boards provide an extra layer of protection, making sure they stay trapped. Each pack comes with four glue boards, and replacements are easily available on Amazon.
Designed specifically for indoor use, the Katchy Insect Trap is perfect for use in your kitchen, living room, or near houseplants. For best results, place it in a dark area and keep it close to where insects typically hide, such as near the trash bin. And, with its safe and harmless design, you can even use it in homes with pets and children. Say goodbye to pesky insects and hello to a bug-free home with the Katchy Insect Trap.
Katchy’s innovative product effectively reduces the quantity of pesky insects in your home. While it may not completely eliminate them, it’s a great complement to your regular bug control system for a comprehensive approach to bug elimination. A small downside to note is that it may not be as effective for larger houseflies. But overall, a great addition to your insect control arsenal.
Pros:
Cons:
the package comes with multiple glue boards;
it is pet and child-friendly;
it has a high insect trap power.
ineffective at solving severe infestations.
4. Indoor Plug-In Zapper – The Best Zapper to Kill Gnats Within Your House
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.01 x 10.92 x 3.12 inches
Target Species: Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, No-See-Ums, Gnats and other flying insects
This bug zapper works through electricity and a UV light that removes gnats like flies, bugs, moths, and even mosquitoes. A zapper like this one works by luring these kinds of gnats into the light and then killing them with a deadly electrical current. This zapper can cover up to 20 square meters meaning that bugs will be long dead before they attack you or anyone else even in a large room.
The use of a bug zapper, in my opinion, is the best way to kill gnats in house. You can always reuse it, unlike other methods like a gnat spray killer and a physical trap. You only need to clean the zapper after use and wait to apply it at any additional time when you wish. Conversely, you might need to keep replacing the traps until your gnat problem goes away. You can use this bug zapper for a full year.
Besides, it is the best gnat killer for indoors because it emits no odor. Thus, you do not need to fret when using it in a room with someone who is allergic to strange smells. Also, it produces no noise when working. This allows you to sleep soundly and leave it to fight the nights for you. It is also ideal for use in a home with small babies as it is safe. Further, it is environmentally-friendly.
Another thing that makes this product the best bug zapper for gnats is the way it is designed to veil the bodies of the gnats it has killed within a given period. You will not see them until you have switched it off and opened it for cleaning. Thus, it maintains high sanitary standards in your home.
Target Species: White Flies, Mosquitos, Flying Insects
If you are a believer in organic products and methods when it comes to the elimination of pests, then you should consider purchasing the Trappify sticky traps. They do not have harsh chemicals, insecticides, or herbicides. They work by removing small pests naturally. These traps are yellow. The color is efficient that the gnats are attracted to the yellow paper unto which they get stuck once they land on them.
To ensure that you trap as many gnats and pests as possible, I suggest that you place several of them around and in your house. Alternatively, you can stick them inside your plant pots. If you have a serious infestation, consider purchasing the packet that contains 25 sticky traps instead of the one with 12. When flies and other pets cover the traps, remove the stickers. Remember, you will need a newspaper in which to enfold them before disposal.
These gnat traps are covered with strong adhesive glue on both sides, meaning that you can stick them on either side, and they will stick. I would suggest that you avoid touching them once you peel their outer covering to prevent sticking on your hands, as they are quite sticky. They also have self-shaping hooks, which allow you to hang them if you prefer that way. It also implies that you can hang them on branches and stems of the affected plants.
Pros:
Cons:
suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
the double-sided design aids in the catching of more pests;
Includes: 12 packs of 7 traps for a total of 84 traps
Item Weight: 0.06 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 0.2 x 3.9 x 7.5 inches
Target Species: Fly, Thrip, White Fly, Gnat
If you have been wondering about the best way to kill fungus gnats that invade your houseplants, then your answer is this gnat killer by Safer Brand. One pack of this fungus gnat killer contains seven stakes and seven traps. It gives you the freedom to choose how to set it up, depending on how grave the infestation is. You could choose to use one or two papers or traps per stick.
This Safer Brand product is the best fungus gnat killer because it is harmless. It does not contain pesticides. It works by drawing the pests towards it like a magnet. They are attracted to it because the traps are made using the yellow color. The first thing to do when you open the pack of this gnat killer is to assemble the stakes. To do this, mount the sticks onto each other to your ideal length.
The next step is to peel the yellow-colored traps so that the glue on them is exposed. You may unpeel your chosen number of pitfalls. Once the glue is exposed, take each of the assembled stakes and insert it into the soil supporting your houseplants. You can go further and shake your plant to release any hidden pests so that they fly towards the traps.
The fungus gnat trap is also easy to dispose of. You need to wrap them with a newspaper before discarding, as this is the best and safest disposal technique. Besides, you can reuse the stakes whenever you need to entrap more gnats.
Pros:
Cons:
it has no hazardous chemicals;
simple to dispose;
it works on various flying insects.
unsuitable for open-air use.
7. Synergized Permethrin – Best Professional Gnat Killer
No products found.
Specifications:
Active Ingredients: Permethrin 20.6%, Piperonyl Butoxide Technical 20.6%
Item Form: Spray
Item Volume: 1 Quarts
Time to Kill: 30 minutes
Target pests: Adult Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Gnats, Biting and Non-biting midges, Stable Flies, Horse Flies, Deer Flies, Sheep Flies, Horn and Heel Flies and Houseflies
Another way through which you can get rid of troublesome gnats is by purchasing an insecticide in the concentrated form. You then dilute it with water and achieve an optimal solution that you can spray on your plants. Synergized Permethrin insecticide by Control Solutions Inc. that comes in a bottle with a capacity of 946 ML is one of the products you should consider. With permethrin as its active ingredient, it is designed to target a variety of insects and termites.
You can use it around your home, for example, on the perimeter of lawns. Also, people who own recreational facilities can use this gnat killer to get rid of insects and termites. If you have an athletic field that is also affected by insects, you could rely on this insecticide to get rid of them.
Finally, it can also be used in commercial areas to terminate insects and other pests that hide in cracks, ornamentals, and other indoor spots.
Besides use on plants and open spaces, you can also spray this insecticide inside kennels to get rid of fleas that attack your dogs. It is also an efficient product for use in your cowshed to eliminate ticks and other insects. However, you need to beware that when using this insecticide, it is critical to dilute it well to achieve the optimal solution. You can get up to 20 gallons of liquid from this concentrated insecticide.
Further, you should first read all the precautionary instructions on this product before use. For example, parts of the instructions reveal that the use of this product to control subterranean termites may be constrained by restrictive requirements in some states in the US. Therefore, you need to consult a pest control agency in your state before using it for the same purpose.
Pros:
Cons:
it is a highly concentrated solution;
suitable for use against ticks and fleas;
usable in various areas, recreational spaces included.
unsafe for handling around children.
8. Bonide BND022 – Best Gnat Killer for Organic Gardening
This product is a three-in-one fungicide, miticide, and insecticide
Item Volume: 32 Fluid Ounces
Item Weight: 4.5 pounds
Item Form: Oil
Package Dimensions: 12.09 x 5.75 x 5.2 inches
If zappers and traps are not your preferred way to deal with gnats, you could opt for this insecticide spray by Bonide. It is ideal for dealing with various types of pests, including flies and mites. Besides, if you are worried about the productivity of your crops due to a fungus gnat infection, you should try and use this 3 in 1 product by Bonide.
The research shows that fungi destroy a third of all food crops every year. You do not have to wait for your food crops to be part of these statistics if you have this gnat spray. I have to admit that I love the versatility of this product for two reasons. One is that it destroys insects no matter what stage of growth they are in.
Besides, it also works to prevent fungal attacks on your plants’ tissues. Also, it aids in the protection of your plants throughout all seasons. Thus, you do not have to keep purchasing and using it because its effects are long-lasting.
You may note that on the package, Bonide argues that this spray can be used for organic gardening. As a natural substance, it is safe for use around your garden, on your vegetables, and even on your houseplants. In other words, it is a multipurpose gnat killer. You can also use it around other people and your pets without worrying about their safety. I would not trade anything for a product that eliminates the fear of security for my family and pets.
Pros:
Cons:
safe around pets and people;
it is a 3 in 1 gnat killer;
it is convenient to use.
you should spend some time spraying it.
FAQ Section
What is the Best Fungus Gnat Killer?
As I mentioned in my article above, I undoubtedly give this title to Bonide BND951. The reason is very simple: I do not like chemical smells, as they can be the cause of various negative consequences for your health. But this remedy is completely odorless.
I strongly recommend you to take a closer look at Trappify sticks. Despite the fact that they are perfectly suitable for outdoor use, these sticky traps are completely organic and do not contain harsh insecticides or chemicals. Besides, the price is very affordable, just about $10.
Which Gnat Killer Should You Go For?
The question of what is the best way to kill gnats has lingered in the minds of many concerned homeowners. The answer to this problem depends on the kind of gnat infestation that has been bothering you. It is also dependent on the effort that you wish to put into eliminating the pests.
From my reviews, it is evident that you can get a zapper, an electric gnat trap, a non-electric gnat trap, or even a solution for termination through spraying.
What you should note is that the electric traps and zappers are a little more costly than the traps that you set by yourself. This is because the electric ones require minimal effort. You only have to plug them into a power source and let them do the work for you.
The traps that you have to unpeel and stick are also effective, although you have to set and then throw them away when the work is done. So, I would suggest that you pick the best gnat killer from my list depending on your preference.
Do you know how to kill gnats? Have you used gnat killers before? Is there a particular one that you feel deserves to be on my top seven list?
Bug Zappers (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors): https://www.nachi.org/bug-zappers.htm
How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats(WikiHow): https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fungus-Gnats
The Still Underestimated Problem of Fungal Diseases Worldwide (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379264/
Fruit flies are known to cause discomfort as they fly around. People identify them by the compact bodies. They usually congregate in places with a sweet aroma. Therefore, you will see them near the ripening fruit that you placed on your kitchen counter.
They are also common to be found in bottles that carry beverages with high sugar content. The thought of seeing them hovering around can be disturbing. Therefore, you need to know the best way to trap fruit flies effectively. They can easily contaminate your food if you leave it around.
Are you searching for the best fruit fly trap for bar, house, or office, but have no idea what to pick? I can help with that. I am an experienced entomologist by the name Nicholas Martin. Being a pest control professional with knowledge in agricultural and urban pests, I know how these products work.
Whether you need the best fruit fly trap indoor or outdoors, you can rely on this review to know what really works. Below are the best brands, their features, description for the way they work, pros and cons.
1. RESCUE Indoor Non-Toxic Reusable Fruit Fly Trap – Best Prefilled Trap
As soon as you mention the word ‘Rescue’ concerning fruit fly traps, people are aware of what you are talking about. This is because the brand is well-known on the market, as the manufacturer has the reputation of selling effective fly traps.
The product is designed with a food-based lure solution. With that, you are assured of the safety of the product. If fruit flies breed near your food, fruits, or vegetables, this brand would be the ultimate solution. The trap eliminates them fast, making your space more habitable. Moreover, it catches these flies 8 times faster than the other fly traps. Therefore, purchasing this product provides the results you need. It is considered the best trap for fruit flies.
Pros:
Cons:
emits a sweet scent making it suitable for an indoor environment;
has no poisonous chemicals;
the lure solution lasts long (2 months).
to some people, the trap design may be unattractive.
2. KATCHY Indoor Insect Trap: the Best Fruit Fly Bait – Best Child/Pet Safe Trap
Are you looking for something unique in a bid to deal with the fruit flies? Then this trap is what you should buy. Unlike the other glue traps, this brand uses UV light as a way to bring the fruit flies closer. As soon as the flies approach the light, they are attracted to a fan. The insects are pulled to a board made of glue and get trapped. There is no way for the flies to escape after they have been captured.
This fruit fly trap is very powerful when it comes to handling the flies. Is it safe to use? Yes. You can use it even if you have kids or pets without harming any of them. Therefore, this is a trap that you can purchase without second thoughts when it comes to safety. Moreover, it is odorless, and you have the freedom to place it at the position of your choice.
There are several places you can place this fruit fly trap at home to ensure you get maximum results from it. These places are: the bedroom, area around the garage, or the kitchen. It can also be used in the office.
The unit is made of a fan that needs to be operated. Adjusting it to your wall socket makes it function. Alternatively, you can use a power bank to operate it. A USB source of power can also work out.
The wavelength of the UV light ranges between 360 nm and 390 nm. One of these traps can work effectively within an area of around 330 sq. feet. Additionally, the company offers you a 1-year refund in case the trap is ineffective.
As a buyer, you have freedom when using this product. For instance, there is an “Automatic” mode that you can set so that the trap only goes on when the flies appear. With that mode, the trap only works when needed.
Pros:
Cons:
effective in the elimination of fruit flies as it uses a fan;
two modes to choose, manual and automatic;
has many glue pads.
may be less effective for gnats.
3. RSVP Endurance Fruit Fly Trap – Best Design for Regular Use
Have fruit flies become a bother to you, and you are looking for a way to finally eliminate them completely? This is the best bait for a fruit fly trap to help you keep these insects away from your space. Apart from the trap being pretty, it is easy to use. All you need to do is to add a mixture of vinegar in a cup. The flies will be attracted to the cup and will enter through the perforations.
The product is safe for use. To ensure that it functions properly, place it near your fruits to be certain there are no insects around them. Empty and refill the can periodically to enhance its effectiveness.
The trap is beautifully designed and works effectively. No one will notice that you are using it if you do not tell them. It is also made of stainless steel which makes it durable. Within no time, the kitchen flies, such as house flies or gnats, and the fruit flies are eliminated. Therefore, you have the surety that you are using an effective trap. It also comes with clear directions on how to use it. This fruit fly trap is a great option.
Pros:
Cons:
can effectively deal with many insect types;
affordable;
beautifully designed;
safe and easy to use.
you have to refill it frequently to be effective.
4. Trappify Sticky Fruit Fly and Gnat Trap Yellow Sticky Bug Trap – Best Outdoor Sticky Trap
Target Species: Fly, Fruit Fly, Mosquito, White Fly, Gnat
This is the product you should purchase if you are looking for convenience and safety. It is sold with 25 disposable glue traps. The product is effective for different insects, including fruit flies, gnats, whiteflies and mosquitoes. Purchasing it is cost-effective as you deal with several insects by using one product.
The effectiveness of the traps is determined by the number of products you use. Using many is more effective than using a few. The best fruit fly trap is used by placing in strategic locations. Many users select places such as gardens, kitchen tops, and counters as well as near a houseplant. You should not worry about how to place the trap because it has a hook. The hook enables you to conveniently hang the trap on the chosen location, including walls and other areas.
Do you intend to catch larger insects? You should not worry when you have this trap. This brand uses extra-strong adhesive material that can capture these significant insects effectively. Moreover, the fruit fly killer is designed elegantly. Whether you want to use this trap in an indoor or outdoor location, it is possible.
Is it safe to use the product in any place? Yes. Whether you have a child or a pet, you can still use the trap without the worries of negative effects. The trap is 100% safe and usable in any place of your choice.
There are upgraded versions of the trap that are even better. For instance, they are resistant to UV light and water. As such, you can use it in an open location. Consequently, they can trap these pests for long without their effectiveness wearing out.
Pros:
Cons:
effective for a variety of insects;
more flies can be trapped thanks to a double-sided design;
made of strong adhesive material which is effective for flies.
the glue can easily stick to your hand.
5. Indoor Plug-in Bug Zapper – 3.5 W / 110v – Best Fruit Fly Zapper
No products found.
If bugs have become a nuisance for you, this zapper can help. With this product, you are guaranteed protection in your home, office environment, or any other location that matters to you. You do not have a reason to tolerate annoying insects anymore. It effectively works for many insects such as gnats, mosquitoes, and fruit flies.
Have you been wondering how to catch fruit flies? Purchase this brand’s product for the best results. This zapper is designed with UV light capability and is meant for indoor use. I can attest that it is highly effective since I have purchased and used it. It covers an area of approximately 20 sq. meters indoors environment.
Are you worried about the safety of product use? The portable trap has environment-friendly features such as being odorless, noiseless and effective. Therefore, you can use it even if you have pets and children within your space.
It is easy to use. You only need to plug it in and switch on the power button. While switched on, it can work all-year-round without any issues. That ensures you enjoy convenience and peace of mind as you use it.
Fruit and drain flies can be annoying when there is an outbreak in your house or office space. You should get rid of them if you want to live peacefully. People often ask how to get rid of drain flies with no fuss. Green Gobbler Fruit Fly Killer is what you need when it comes to drain fly infestation. The main ingredient in the product is called citronella — a repellent that occurs naturally and is found in lemongrass leaves. Apart from killing the flies, the treatment destroys the laid eggs.
Where can the product be used? It is ideal for your home space, hotels, restaurants, and any other places with fruit flies. Thus, you can use it anywhere.
There are several precautions you need to take to make the product work effectively. You should first identify what is causing the infestation within your space and work on it. It is also crucial to remove stagnant water from the area. The best thing about this particular treatment is that it prevents re-infestation when used in the right way.
Voracious flies should not make your life difficult when you can easily eliminate them using BarPro. The product keeps your home safe from these insects. It is a good alternative for those who have been struggling with the sprays made of chemicals or those who do not like the sticky traps. Buyers love it because of safety, cleanliness while using it, and being odorless. That makes it a good trap to use.
It uses vapor technology. In addition to the fruit flies, it can also effectively eliminate other insects, including stubborn cockroaches, scary spider mites, beetles, and mosquitoes, among others. Therefore, you only pay money once and have all the benefits of the best fruit fly killer.
What makes this brand better than others? Its trap is made of a special strip that enables it to function the same way as air fresheners. The formula that is contained in the plastic strip becomes effective with exposure to air. Vapor is released periodically. Through diffusion, the vapors protect your home all the time. The effect of the product can last up to four months.
Moreover, the trap is easy to use. It has a large hook used for hanging the trap strip over the needed area. The vapor is effectively released up to a 200-feet area. Therefore, it reaches the flies no matter where they are hiding. Apart from eliminating the flies that are currently in your home, the product prevents infestations that may come in the future.
There are many locations to place the strip, like garages and places near the trash cans. The precaution is that you should not use it in a place with food or where people stay for long periods. That’s why I advise this product only as an effective treatment for outside use. As the buyer, you have the freedom to purchase a one-pack, a five-pack, or a ten-pack.
Pros:
Cons:
can eliminate many types of insects, including moths;
uses smart vapor technology;
acts fast;
works for a long time (4 months).
restricted to use in specific areas.
As a Buyer, Which Options Do You Have?
Although some of these insects may not bite, they can be a cause of disturbance to you. That is why you need an effective fruit fly catcher. You should know that the fruit flies are mostly found near vegetables, fruits and in grocery stores. Dealing with them is essential if you want to live peacefully.
The products that I have discussed above are effective in trapping fruit flies. They prevent the trapped flies from escaping. However, their level of effectiveness varies depending on the specificity of the infestation. There are various options when you need to buy these products:
Fruit fly sticky traps
The traps in this category are small. They are most effective when used in flower pots. As the insects crawl around, they can get stuck in the tapes. After a while, your space can be free from these annoying insects.
Liquid lure traps
The products use vinegar or other food-based lures. Apart from eliminating the fruit flies, they also work well for other insects around your home. The brands in this category are designed stylishly, which makes them attractive to the buyers.
Electric traps
Wondering how to trap fruit flies in a house or any other place? This type of trap simplifies everything. Being a UV device, it eliminates flying insects and all the other microbes. They are designed with a sticky sheet inside them. The sheet is meant to collect the microbes that are in the room.
The main goal of such traps is to eliminate the spread of insects around food. That is why they contain chemicals that smell like food, such as vegetables, fruits, bread, but are poisonous to insects.
How Do Fruit Fly Traps Work?
Fruit flies are really attracted by the food smells. That is why smelling it, they fly in and sit in a trap. Here is where fly traps start to work. Some traps use UV light to kill fruit flies, some use vinegar, and so on. Anyway, insects die very quickly after they eat or smell poison.
Closing Remarks
Your choice should be based on what suits your purpose the most. You should not pick a product that is not made to solve your specific problem. The best fruit fly trap to buy is one that is effective, affordable, and safe. From the reviews above, you may have noticed that most of the products are safe to use in different environments. Noteworthy, some are only effective when used in an indoor environment; others can be used outdoors, while some suit any place. It is good to pick one that suits your particular needs.
Have you bought the disposable fruit fly traps before? What was your experience with them? Do you think they are more effective than DIY remedies? Give your response by leaving a comment below.
References:
How to Identify a Fruit Fly (Hannah Madans doityourself): https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-identify-a-fruit-fly
Fruit Flies (by Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture): https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef621
Oil of Citronella (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html
An Introduction to Drosophila melanogaster (The Berg Lab Drosophila University of Washington): https://depts.washington.edu/cberglab/wordpress/outreach/an-introduction-to-fruit-flies/
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