Controlling Houseflies - Clean Options
- Cheryl Lowry
- Dec 19, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2020
Natural alternatives to fly sprays
Following recent summer rain the housefly population increased noticeably. We avoid airconditioning on regular summer days, and since we live in the sub-tropics we are inclined to open door and window screens to catch cooling breezes.
But this means we have to deal with flies in the house. We found an excellent natural fly deterrent using Melaleuca products.
Here’s the recipe:
Spray fly-prone areas (bins, kitchen tidies, kitchen benches, flyscreens etc.,) with a combination of 1 teaspoon of Tough & Tender and 1 capful of Renew Bath Oil in a 500ml spray bottle every day for a week. After the first week, spraying 2 - 3 times a week should control the flies. Spray porches, decks and yards after rainstorms.
Why do we want to replace fly sprays?
A few reasons.
1) We keep our home as toxic free as possible (without being obsessive), and
2) To save money.
What is in fly sprays and how they work
The main active ingredient in most commercial fly sprays are synthetic pyrethroids, such as esbiothrin and tetramethrin. These “knock down” agents interfere with a fly’s nervous system, causing paralysis. A fly’s digestive system can break down these ingredients, which is why some recover. For this reason, some products also contain synergists, such as piperonyl butoxide or N-octyl biocycloheptene dicarboximide (MGK-264 for short). Synergists don’t kill the flies but delay the breaking down of the active ingredients, giving them longer to work.
Parasitologist Dr Allen Heath says, “You must make sure each fly is hit directly by a spray droplet – don’t just wave the spray in the air and hope for the best,”
This is why he doesn’t think automatic dispensers do a great job either. “Most of the spray dissipates without necessarily contacting any flies. And if they do contact flies, there may not be enough spray to knock them down or kill them".
Fast knockdown sprays contain more active ingredient, spray bigger droplets and deliver more spray in a two second dose. (consumer.org.nz).
Price Comparison
Fly sprays can be quite expensive. A price comparison with supermarket prices, at today date is:
Brand Price per 100gm / 100ml
Mortein $2.93
Raid $1.50
Aeroguard Multi Insect Killer $3.67
Mortein Natureguard refill $10.39
Melaleuca deterrent recipe $0.18
More tips for keeping flies away
The best way of keeping flies to a minimum is by making your home as unwelcome as possible. Here are some more tips:
Keep doors and windows closed or install fly screens, especially around the kitchen. (cooler climates)
Switch on fans – flies don’t like getting blown around.
Put outside rubbish and compost bins as far away from the house as possible and keep them covered. Rinse bottles and cans before putting them in the recycling bin.
Keep your kitchen clean. Make sure your inside rubbish bin has a lid and is cleaned regularly. Cover or put food away and don’t leave food scraps or drink spills lying around.
Keep pet food areas clean and preferably outside. Clean pet food bowls every day and clear away faeces.
A big hug, 'til next time,
Cheryl
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