How to Deal With Flies in the Garage
Flies – with their propensity to spread disease and contaminate food, they should, by all accounts, be more feared than creatures like sharks, lions, and tigers.
While that might sound dramatic, flies are dangerous pests that you don’t want hanging around your home – even your garage.
Unfortunately, these pests make their way indoors in a number of ways. Flies in the garage are far more common than you think, and it’s tough to get them out of an area that’s so exposed to the outdoors.
But rest assured – it can be done. We’ll tell you how.
Why Do Flies Love Garages?
Garages are a fly’s paradise. They offer food, moisture, and shelter. Garbage cans, pet food, and even damp spots attract flies. The clutter in garages also provides perfect hiding spots.
Flies are also drawn to decaying organic matter. This includes garbage, compost, and animal waste. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect these scents from far away.
So, if you keep your trash bins (or even just a few occasional bags of trash) inside your garage, you’re essentially inviting flies and other types of pests over for dinner.
How to Keep Out Common Types of Flies in Garages
Not all flies are the same. House flies, fruit flies, and blowflies are all common garage invaders.
Each type has its preferences and behaviors. House flies often come inside seeking food scraps, while fruit flies are drawn to overripe fruits and vegetables. Blowflies are attracted to decaying meat and animal waste.
Unfortunately, fies are more than just annoying. They can carry diseases like salmonella, E. coli, and cholera. When they land on your food or surfaces, they can transfer these pathogens, posing health risks to your family.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that cleanliness – which costs absolutely nothing – is your best defense against flies. A tidy garage offers fewer attractions for these pests. Here’s how to keep your garage spotless and fly-free:
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- Regular Cleaning Routine: Establish a weekly cleaning routine. Sweep the floors, wipe down surfaces, and remove any garbage. Pay attention to hidden corners where debris can accumulate. Regular cleaning disrupts the flies’ breeding grounds and keeps them at bay.
- Garbage Management: Make sure that garbage cans are tightly sealed. Use trash bags and tie them securely. Take out the trash regularly to prevent it from piling up. Consider using bins with lids to further deter flies.
- Storing Food Properly: If you store pet food or any other type of food in the garage, make sure it’s sealed in airtight containers. Flies can easily get into open bags and boxes. Keep all food items off the floor and in designated storage areas.
- Sealing Gaps and Cracks: Flies can enter your garage through the smallest openings. Sealing these entry points is essential to keep them out.
- Inspecting Your Garage: Conduct a thorough inspection of your garage. Look for cracks in the walls, gaps around windows and doors, and holes in screens. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points.
- Installing Door Sweeps: A door sweep can block the gap under your garage door, which is a common entry point for flies.
- Using Window Screens: If your garage has windows, make sure they’re fitted with screens. Check the screens for any damage and repair or replace them as needed.
How to Repel Flies in the Garage
Sometimes, natural remedies can be just as effective as chemical treatments. Plus, they’re safer for your family and pets.
For example, flies dislike certain essential oils, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint. You can create a fly repellent spray by mixing these oils with water. Spray it around your garage to keep flies at bay.
There are also certain plants, like basil, mint, and marigolds, that naturally repel flies. Consider placing potted plants in your garage or at the entrance. Not only will they deter flies, but they’ll also add a touch of greenery to your space – a win-win!
You can even create your own fly traps using simple household items. A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can lure flies into a container, where they get trapped. Another easy trap involves using a jar with a piece of fruit and a funnel made from paper.
Sometimes, though, natural remedies aren’t enough. When you need a stronger solution, there are several chemical options available.
Fly baits are effective in attracting and killing flies. Place them around your garage, especially in areas where flies are most active. Insecticides can also provide quick relief from a fly infestation, but you’ll want to use sprays designed for indoor use and target areas where flies gather. Remember to ventilate the garage after using insecticides to ensure safety.
For a less invasive approach, you may want to use fly strips, which are sticky tapes that catch flies when they land on them. Hang them in areas where flies are most active. While they can be unsightly, they’re highly effective in reducing fly populations.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
Taking control of a fly problem can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. Join our family of satisfied customers at Hawx Pest Control. Our team of experts can help you reclaim your garage from pesky flies and keep it pest-free all year round.
Say goodbye to flies and hello to a clean, comfortable garage. Contact us today and discover why so many homeowners trust Hawx for their pest control needs.
