Pests are unwelcome creatures that invade one’s home and pose a health risk if left unchecked. And similar to the medical sense, prevention is better than a cure when it comes to pest infestations.
To start off, we’ll specifically be looking into the common housefly, one of the most common insects that can be found in people’s homes all over the world. They live in close association with humans and, in addition, other fly species have also followed suit and adapted to human settlements. Below, we go over how to nip them in the bud before they become a severe problem for you and your family.
Breeding sites
The first step in combating the housefly pest and others of its kind is to determine the areas in your home wherein they’re likely to breed and reproduce. Having such knowledge allows you to remove or destroy these conducive sites, making your home less welcoming to them.
Listed below are some of the most common objects/areas wherein they prefer to multiply.
Garbage and food waste
Unsecured garbage is the main breeding medium for flies within urban areas. Food waste from the preparation, cooking, and serving of food serves as excellent breeding material for fly larvae to develop into their adult form.
Animal faeces
Animal faeces, typically those from household pets, are also one of the important breeding sites for houseflies and similar species. This is the reason why you commonly see flies buzzing about the faeces dropped by stray dogs or cats.
Sewage
Houseflies and other flies are also attracted to sewage sludge and organic wastes in open drains for their reproduction-conducive attributes.
Plant materials
Decaying plant materials, compost, and other rotting organic material, such as fruits and vegetables, are also good breeding places for flies.
Control measures
Now that you know the likely places where houseflies can breed and multiply near your home, here are four strategies that you can employ to control or eliminate them:
Eliminate their breeding sites
Destroying or removing the breeding sites mentioned above is arguably the best method of preventing their continued proliferation. The easiest way to do so is by ensuring your garbage is well contained and disposed of frequently. The continued absence or inaccessibility of their preferred breeding medium will force them to head elsewhere and avoid your residence for as long as it’s clean and spotless. If you have pets, make sure to look after them whenever you take them out for a walk around the neighbourhood.
Reduce the sources that invite their presence
Apart from breeding sites, houseflies are also attracted to human food, excreta such as sweat and animal dung, and a wide variety of other food substances. Additionally, water is also a necessary part of their diet. Therefore, keeping these food sources inaccessible by storing them immediately after consumption and covering your water containers will make your home significantly less inviting to them.
Hire pest control
As a last resort, you can call on pest control professionals to take care of the issue on your behalf. They can quickly determine where the breeding sites are located, promptly remove them, and kill off the remaining ones that are still alive inside and outside your home. Additionally, they’ll also part with helpful advice that ensures your residence remains fly-free for a long time.
Conclusion
Despite being seemingly just an everyday nuisance, houseflies actually pose a health risk if they’re left unchecked for a long time. Eradicating their breeding sites and calling on professionals to handle common household pests like fly and cockroach pest control ensures you and your family continued well-being.
So, if you’re in need of immediate pest control assistance, PestClinic is only a call away! We offer all sorts of pest control services to help you remove any harmful bugs in your home. Simply leave the bug removal job to us and you’re one step closer to having a cleaner, safer, and happier home!