The house fly, also referred to as housefly, house-fly, or common housefly, is called Musca domestica Linnaeus by the scientific community. As the name suggests, it is the most common fly fluttering in homes. It also carries, spreads, and transmits various bacteria and diseases. House flies tend to congregate and are quite difficult to disperse. They are responsible for over 100 diseases, including cholera, typhoid, bacillary dysentery (Learn how to get rid of dysentery, tuberculosis, anthrax, Salmonella (For salmonella elimination, learn how to get rid of salmonella), ophthalmia, and parasitic worms, to name a few. Liquid or semi-liquid substances are often the source of food, if not the food itself, of house flies. House flies also feed on solid materials that have been softened by vomit or saliva. Since the intake of food from house flies is quite high and constant, so is the quantity level of feces deposited, which evidently makes house flies dangerous carriers of various diseases. Although house flies are technically domestic flies that are often confined to human habitations, they are capable of flying for long distances from the breeding place. House flies are only active during the daytime and rest at night in areas such as ceilings and corners of rooms.
House Fly Control Tips
A house fly is considered a pest, that is why all households should get rid of them. They should be kept out at all times to maintain a healthy lifestyle and household.
•House fly control begins with the trash. Trash is one of the breeding grounds of house flies. It is important to keep dumpsters and trash receptacles, especially outdoor ones, far away from the house. Any form of trash bin should have its lid tightly shut. By occasionally dusting borax on dumpsters, people could expect house flies to be at bay.
•Use a compost heap. By creating compost heaps around the vicinity but relatively far from the house, people could expect house flies to be swarming around the heaps and not in houses. House flies are an integral part of the decomposition process, which make compost heaps a welcome sight for the pests. This house fly control method is like hitting two birds with one stone.(Guide on how to make a compost)
•Properly sealed window screens prevent house flies from dwelling inside. People should make sure that their windows and doors are not kept open for extended periods of time. For those who utilize screen frames, it is important to ensure that there are no tears or holes within the protective screens.
•A clean kitchen greatly contributes to house fly control. House flies have an affinity for sugars and sweet food. People should make sure that kitchens are always kept clean. Messes from meals should be cleaned quickly with water, at least, but preferably with bleach solution.
•Trash maintenance is simple and effective. By taking out the trash regularly, houses are kept clean and the resulting clean air circulation is good for the body, but more importantly, house flies are not to be expected anywhere inside the house.
•Avoid stagnant water development. Stagnant and unclean water sources are often breeding grounds for house flies. People should be careful not to leave water unattended for long periods of time. Water sources, from faucets to water dispensers, should be checked regularly. Formation of stagnant water could start anywhere. Other areas or appliances that could develop stagnant water, such as refrigerators and sinks should be constantly monitored as well.
•A clean drainage system is an effective form of house fly control. Drainage systems are places where disposed food and water are mixed, which may result to a dirty mess. People should flush bleach down the drains regularly to prevent house flies from residing in those places.
House Fly Elimination Approach
Fly traps, fly strips, sticky strips, and other fly killers as tools for house fly control. These effective products are often the first and most effective line of defense against house flies when preemptive control fails, especially for indoor settings. The products could be the most practical solution if none of the natural and organic control strategies work. Some are toxin free, making them safe and non-poisonous. The composition of house fly control products should be carefully studied, since poisonous products may cause other illnesses for households aside from the potential diseases of house flies. Though fly traps and fly strips are not effective in controlling other flies such as black flies, dog flies, and gnats, these products are definitely effective in controlling house flies. Since house flies often dwell in higher areas where they are not harmed by humans, fly traps and other similar products are normally hung from ceilings or placed in areas of the house where activity is low.
Conclusion
Though house flies are pests that nature has generously gifted the human race, the control and prevention of diseases from house flies lie in the hands of humans. By simply advocating cleanliness and practicing clean and healthy living, pests such as house flies would not be such a burden. If you enjoyed reading this article you'll probably enjoy reading how to get rid of fruit flies.