Summer is coming, and your first instinct might be to open all the doors and windows to let in the fresh air. After all, you’ve probably been inside most of the winter and spring, so the warm clean air will make your entire home feel like spring. Here are some tips to make sure that your summer air doesn’t come with a fly infestation. Flies in Kentucky can be a big problem, so it’s important that you know how to prevent these pests before the weather gets warm.
Flies In Louisville
House flies are one of the most common invaders during the summer. House flies can range in size from 4 to 8 mm. They are dark grey or black and sometimes have a blueish tint. House flies have clear wings.
Horse flies are the other common Louisville invader. Their wings may be brown or tan, and their bodies are black. They are larger, growing up to 26 mm in length. These flies are known for their painful bites which can be felt immediately. They are quite aggressive and will even chase their victims.
The Problem With Flies
Besides the painful bite of horse flies, there’s a misconception that flies aren’t actually dangerous. However, flies spend a significant amount of time looking for food in decaying materials, garbage, and fecal matter. They may then bring bacteria from these sources into your home. This can contaminate any food or cooking surfaces they touch.
Flies are also problematic because of how quickly they spread. The average lifespan of a housefly is about a month—but they can lay up to 500 eggs in that time. Once flies get inside your home, they can be difficult to get rid of.
Reducing The Flies In Your Home
Because getting rid of flies is so difficult, your best elimination strategy is preemptive prevention. How do you prevent flies from getting into your home? You need to reduce the attracting factors in your home and minimize entry points. Here are three steps you should take to prevent flies:
- Although it’s quite refreshing to open your doors and windows in the summer, you should only do so if you have screens. Check these screens for holes or tears which may allow flies to get inside.
- The next step for fly prevention is to limit the food they can find. They’re attracted to sugars and decaying matter. Make sure that all trash is stored in a sealed container, especially organic trash. Store all food in airtight containers and don’t leave fruits, vegetables, or pet food sitting out.
- Limit their access to food even more by cleaning the kitchen regularly. Never leave dirty dishes out and be sure to wipe down counters and the floor after cooking and eating.
If flies are getting into your home anyway, you should call Action Pest Control. We can help you prevent and eliminate flies. We’ll show you environmental changes you can make to avoid attracting flies and to not give them easy access to your home.
Our treatment results in long-term fly prevention for house flies, horse flies, and other Louisville flies. Enjoy the warm air of summer without fighting the influx of seemingly impossible-to-get-rid-of flies. Call today for help preparing your home.