HOUSE FLY CONTROL- REMEDIAL MEASURES TO KEEP AWAY

Flies pose a threat to hygiene and are a nuisance to humans and animals. They are carriers of a large number of diseases including gastroenteritis, dysentery, typhoid, salmonella and tuberculosis.

Flies are often seen around fruits, cooked food, fermenting food and decaying stuff too. It becomes most important to keep away flies as they cause major health problems. Children love to use the fly swatters available in the market to attack the flies one by one. In summer and rainy season the flies will come into the houses and make you furious with the buzzing sound.

The movie Eeega in Telugu and the remake in Hindi was a good example to cite the power of a house fly. Flies are always in the air , flying throughout the day and rest at night.

A single house fly can carry over one million bacteria. To keep fly populations under control, you must limit the places where they can breed and feed.

In warmer climates, breeding continues throughout the year. Eggs are often laid in moist decaying vegetable matter and animal waste. The complete metamorphosis cycle can be as short as 7 – 9 days in ideal conditions. Adult flies normally live 1 – 3 months.

The first line of defense will be to control flies from entering the premises be it a home or an office. Close all doors and windows. Place insect screens over doors and windows and check if they are in good condition.

House fly Control:

The three basic principles of house fly control are sanitation, exclusion and non-chemical measures. Sanitation will provide the best long-term control, followed by exclusion and non-chemical measures, which provide shorter-term management.

ü  Sanitation: Flies can’t breed in large numbers if food sources are limited. Don’t allow materials such as manure, garbage or other decaying organic matter to accumulate. Keep trash cans clean and tightly covered. Do not pile garbage for long. Dispose off garbage as vegetable and fruit peels are great attracting items. Eliminate areas of stagnating water .

ü  Exclusion: Flies can be kept outside of homes by the use of window and door screens. Make sure screens are tight fitting and without holes. Keep doors closed, making sure there are no openings at the top or bottom. Check for openings around water or gas pipes or electrical conduits that feed into the building. Caulk or plug any openings. Ventilation holes should be screened, as they can serve as entryways for flies as well. Ensure the closing mechanism / spring of mesh doors slide and close quickly after use.

ü  Non-chemical Measures: The use of devices such as ultraviolet-light traps, sticky fly traps, fly swatters, and baited fly traps can eliminate many flies inside a home, but the fly swatter is the most economical control method for the occasional fly.

Chemical controls:

Chemical control is generally part of an integrated fly control program. Spraying non-residual, contact aerosols that are labeled for flies can provide temporary relief by killing the adult flies. However it does not get to the source, so will not provide long-term control. Residual insecticides, labeled for flies, can be sprayed around door and window casings, onto screens, under leaves or around any other fly entry points.

Remedial measures popularly followed at home:

• A few drops of eucalyptus oil on a piece of cotton cloth will deter flies. Hang or leave in areas where flies are a problem.
• Basil plants placed at the entrance of the home at parking areas will keep away flies. In Indian homes basil plants are placed at the entry of the house or window sills .To keep away flies from the kitchen hang a bunch of Holy basil / Tulsi stems and bruise them occasionally to ensure the smell keeps away flies.
• Use mint as a fly repellent. Small sachets of crushed mint can be placed around the home to discourage flies.
• Bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus wrapped in small cheesecloth squares can be
  hung by open windows or doors.
  

Ideal solution in mechanical control:

UV light traps are a common sight near sweet shops, meat stores and shopping complexes. Ultraviolet light traps are useful and must be properly placed. Right placing is critical. Follow simple requirements for best results:

• Place where it cannot be seen from outside, so it doesn’t attract flies indoors.
• Place not more than 5 feet above the floor – where most flies fly.
• Place away from competing light sources and food preparation areas.
• Place where they are not competing with daytime sunlight.

As a famous quote mentions , It is easier to catch a fly with honey than with vinegar. You can keep away flies and enjoy your time with family.