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TEMPERATURE: Flies


Tired of the fly sprays that don’t work? The feed throughs? Fly traps, etc.? How about some prevention as the best approach. Flies can hatch in less than 12 hours after eggs are laid in the right conditions. Stop the flies before they start with these prevention methods. Some you know about, and practice regularly. Some will surprise you - like 6 and 7.


  • Put a lid on it. Flies love open garbage pails and manure buckets. Keep a tight lid on trash cans and compost manure immediately. If your dog does his business, clean up after him immediately.

  • Let spiders have at ‘em. Unless spider webs stretch across an area you’ll walk through or reach into, leave them be. Hungry arachnids will devour any flies they can snare.

  • Plant fly-repelling herbs. Surround your patio or barbecue with the potted herbs that flies hate. That includes basil, lavender, and mint.

  • Watch out for water. Don’t let pools of water sit stagnant. Flies need to drink water and so are drawn to puddles, birdbaths, and soggy patches caused by dripping sprinklers.

  • Mow regularly. Flies often lay eggs in long grass, which offers them moisture and protection. Mow weekly during the peak summer season to stave off an infestation.

  • Down the drain. Flies like to breed in drains and wash rack run-off. Kill drain flies and clean clogs out of your drains at the same time with this remedy. Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, and then slowly pour in one cup of vinegar.

  • Mats and cracks. Flies breed anywhere there is moisture and decaying matter. All those mats, and the cracks in between is fly suburbia. Pick them up and clean them regularly.

  • Manure. Spreading, piling, and storing manure is a breeding ground for flies. They love it. Dispose of your manure daily or compost properly to stave off infestations.

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