Encountering a swarm of flies every time you open your garage door is not a pleasant sight for any homeowner. Not only are these winged insects a plain nuisance, but they are carriers of multiple, potentially hazardous diseases. While these creatures aren’t the most welcome in the home, they are surprisingly persistent. So, read on to discover how to get rid of flies in garage to keep them at bay for good.
Eliminate Trash
Food sources are the primary draw for flies. A trash can filled with rotten organic fruits or produce, decaying plant debris, or anything that gives off a foul smell could be a welcome sign for flies where they can thrive with plenty of food.
Garbage cans are the perfect spot for flies to breed and lay eggs. Unfortunately, even a few flies sneaking into the garbage can turn into a massive infestation within no time.
If the root cause of flies in your garage is trash cans, the best way to tackle the problem is to keep the bins out of your garage. But if you need them in the garage, keep them sealed with a tight-fitting lid. Flies have an extraordinary sense of smell, so a cover will prevent any odors from enticing them.
Likewise, keep your garbage cans clean by washing and disinfecting them with soap or a water and vinegar solution. Emptying the garbage weekly is also ideal. Taking these steps will clean away old food residue and rotting food at the bottom while eliminating the bacteria and odors that attract flies.
Block Access Points
The first (and perhaps the most crucial) step is to seal potential entry points. Check for any cracks, crevices, holes, or gaps in your garage ceiling, walls, or around windows and door frames through which flies might be getting inside. Fill them up using caulk to prevent more flies from breaching your garage.
Use barriers like door screens if you intend to leave the garage door open for long periods.
Eliminate Standing Water
One of the most effective answers to the question, “how to get rid of flies in garage?” is dealing with standing water.
Like mosquitoes, stagnant water can serve as a breeding ground for flies. Drain flies often seek moist areas to reproduce and lay eggs. With that in mind, keep your garage free of water sources like buckets or puddles of pooling rainwater in or around it. Keep an eye out for leaks by replacing old door seals or sealing them using caulk or foam.
Use Natural Deterrents
A more natural alternative to repel flies is to place certain plants in and around your garage, particularly near the door. Flies despise the scent of plants and herbs like lavender, basil, marigold, rosemary, and lemongrass. Accordingly, they could be just the ticket to fight off these critters without much effort.
Install Fly Traps
If prevention methods are not proving to be effective, consider placing fly traps around your garage. There are various types available at home improvement stores.
Light traps are a great solution to control flies. Using ultraviolet (UV) light, they lure flies towards it, capturing and killing them as they enter through it. Likewise, electric fly killers also use UV tubes as an attractant, using electrocution to deal with the insects.
In addition, you could hang flypaper, which uses a sticky, poisonous substance as bait to attract flies, trapping and killing them as they land upon it. Place the flypaper strips strategically by observing where flies hang around most, such as on shelving.
Use Fly Insecticides
With proper application, insecticides can be a powerful fly deterrent to keep the creatures from entering your garage in the long term. These pesticides contain pyrethrin, an organic compound that is toxic to insects and is used to control various pests, including flies.
When buying residential pesticides, it is crucial to carefully read their label to determine their strength, as they may harm other insects you do not intend to kill.
Moreover, you must follow safety precautions due to pesticide toxicity, which could pose a health hazard. Ensure there are no pets and children around and limit your exposure by wearing a face mask and gloves.
Conclusion
Combating flies in your garage requires some effort but is not an impossible task. But how to get rid of flies in garage? You will benefit from taking preventive measures like sealing access points and using more proactive measures, such as installing fly traps and applying insecticides. With patience, your garage space will be free of buzzing insects in no time.