Summertime is full of outdoor parties, time in the swimming pools, and barbecues. Unfortunately, with the sun and warm temperatures also come flies. They like to go after our summer foods and be in the middle of the gathering. Houseflies are common household pests that can be quite bothersome. They are small insects known for their ability to quickly reproduce and spread diseases. Does citronella repel flies? It seems to vary but there are different types of citronella to try to see if one works the best for you.
Let’s take a look.
What Are Flies?
Houseflies, scientifically known as Musca domestica, are small flying insects that are attracted to human habitation due to the abundance of food sources. They have a grayish appearance with four dark stripes on their thorax.
Does Citronella Repel Flies?
Citronella is a natural oil derived from various species of grass. It is commonly used in insect repellants, including candles, oils, sprays, and lotions. While citronella is effective at repelling mosquitoes, its effectiveness against houseflies may vary. Some people claim that it helps keep flies away, while others find it less effective. It is worth trying out citronella-based products to see if they work for you.
Types of Citronella to Repel Flies
Citronella comes in various forms, including candles, essential oils, and sprays. These candles are popular for outdoor use, as the smoke and fragrance repel flies and other insects. Citronella essential oil can be mixed with water or carrier oils to create a homemade fly repellent. There are also commercial citronella sprays available specifically formulated to repel flies.
Prevention of House Flies
To prevent houseflies from infesting your home, it is important to keep your surroundings clean and free from potential breeding grounds. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
- Properly dispose of garbage and ensure trash cans are tightly sealed.
- Clean up spills and food debris immediately.
- Keep doors and windows screened to block entry points for flies.
- Regularly clean pet waste and litter boxes.
- Use fly swatters or traps to catch and eliminate flies indoors.
Other Ways to Repel Flies
In addition to using citronella, there are other methods you can try to repel flies:
- Planting fly-repelling herbs such as basil, mint, lavender, and marigold in your garden.
- Using flypaper or sticky traps to catch flies.
- Installing ultraviolet (UV) light traps that attract flies and capture them.
- Hanging clear plastic bags filled with water outside doors and windows to confuse and deter flies. Some people claim that putting coins in the bag of water will keep them away too.
Check out some other ideas in this video below.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about flies and citronella, there are a few other areas to keep in mind. One of those is getting rid of ants in the bathroom. If you find you have ants, find out where the entry points are and why they are attracted to the bathroom.
Another area is hornets and if they are dangerous. Hornets are not usually dangerous unless you are someone who is allergic and stung. They usually will fly right past humans and not bother them.
Lastly, sometimes we may find roaches in our home, even if it is clean. This is because our homes are not sealed shut and they can get in. Making sure to take away their food sources is a great idea.
When Do I Call a Professional?
If you have a significant housefly infestation that persists despite your efforts, it may be time to call a professional pest control service. They have the knowledge and tools to effectively eliminate and prevent further infestations.
Conclusion
Houseflies can be a nuisance in our homes, but there are various ways to prevent and repel them. While citronella may help repel flies, its effectiveness varies from person to person. It is worth trying different methods, such as citronella products, fly traps, and good hygiene practices, to find the most effective solution for keeping flies at bay. If all else fails, seeking professional help can ensure a fly-free environment in your home. While you are trying to repel this pest, you may see some areas in your home that they are finding their way into. It is a good time to reach out to AAA pest control to get your fly and other pest issues under control in Oakland Park, FL, and the surrounding South Florida areas.
