Flies are a common nuisance in Houston, and dealing with their presence can be frustrating. No one wants flies buzzing around their kitchen, food, or home. These pests not only disrupt your peace but can also pose health risks.
In this article, we will explore the types of flies commonly found in Houston, the potential dangers associated with having flies in your home, practical tips for preventing their entry, methods to get rid of flies for good, and how professional pest control in Houston can keep your home fly free.
What Types of Flies Are Common in Houston?
In Houston, different species of flies are prevalent and can invade your home. The most common types include house flies, fruit flies, and blow flies.
House flies are gray in color and known for their rapid movements. They are attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, and pet waste. Fruit flies, on the other hand, are small, tan-colored flies drawn to ripe or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Blow flies are larger and metallic blue or green in appearance. They are often found around animal carcasses or in areas with decaying organic material.
How Dangerous Is It to Have Flies in My Home?
Flies are typically considered nuisance pests and more of an annoyance than a danger. While flies may seem harmless, they can pose health risks.
These insects are known to carry and transmit various bacteria and viruses. When flies come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or organic waste, they pick up harmful microorganisms on their bodies and legs.
Once inside your home, they can contaminate food preparation areas and utensils, spreading bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Flies can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals, exacerbating respiratory issues.
How Can I Prevent Flies From Coming Into My House?
Keeping flies out of your home is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. Here are some practical tips on how to prevent flies:
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, paying particular attention to areas where flies are likely to breed, such as kitchens, garbage cans, and pet areas. Remove food spills promptly, seal garbage bins tightly, and clean up pet waste promptly.
- Secure doors and windows: Install screens on doors and windows to prevent flies from entering. Ensure the screens are free from holes or tears, as flies can easily squeeze through even the smallest openings.
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for gaps or cracks in doors, windows, and walls. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent flies from finding their way indoors.
- Store food properly: Keep your food securely stored in airtight containers to deter flies, especially fruits, vegetables, and any uncovered food items.
- Maintain outdoor areas: Trim your grass regularly and remove any decaying organic matter in your yard, as these can attract flies. Clean outdoor garbage cans regularly and keep them tightly closed.
While these steps can help answer your questions about how to control flies, the best way to prevent these pests around your home is with professional help.
How Do I Get Rid of Flies in My Home For Good?
If flies have already infiltrated your home, you must act quickly to eliminate them. Some DIY fly control tactics include using fly swatters or bug zappers, essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and insecticides. While these methods are effective, the best option for keeping flies out of your home is to partner with us for effective home pest control, which includes fly control.
We will develop a complete home pest control plan for your property. Our trained technicians will work quickly to eliminate any active infestations and schedule follow-up treatments to ensure they don’t return so that you can live fly-free in Houston.