Known as buffalo gnats or turkey gnats, black flies are small flying insects that can weaken and stunt infested plants by sucking their sap. Their bite creates painful wounds that itch for weeks and take forever to heal.
Some people might even be allergic and end up having severe reactions that eventually lead to death. Luckily, there are many things you can do to get rid of black flies.
Apple cider vinegar is an effective and natural way to get rid of houseflies due to its strong smell, which attracts the flies. ACV has a strong, fermented smell reminiscent of a rotting fruit scent that attracts flies.
When combined with dish soap, the vinegar becomes a powerful fly trap. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar in the solution, prevents the flies from standing on the liquid, and drowns them.
Sticky traps are simple, adhesive-coated strips that capture houseflies on contact. They are incorporated with bright colors and sweet scents, which the flies are naturally attracted to in these traps. The flies land on the trap and become stuck, unable to escape.
To use sticky traps, place them in areas where flies are most active, like near windows, doors, or garbage bins. Sticky traps are non-toxic, making them safe for use around children and pets. They also help you monitor fly activity.
Essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint, are natural substances extracted from plants. Flies hate their strong scent and stay away from places with the smell. Using essential oils is simple and safe.
Mix a few drops of an essential oil of your choice with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture around areas where flies are common, such as kitchen counters, windows, and doorways.
Screens are mesh barriers installed on windows and doors to keep black flies and other insects out while allowing fresh air to flow in. They physically block flies from entering your home.
You can also use adjustable screens for windows that open and close. These screens are especially important in the kitchen as the flies can land on your food and contaminate it.
An electric swatter is a handheld device designed to kill houseflies instantly upon contact. It delivers a small electric shock that zaps the flies when they touch the swatter's mesh. Simply swing the swatter at the fly as you would with a regular fly swatter.
When the fly hits the electrified mesh, it gets killed instantly. This tool is effective because it allows you to target individual flies quickly, ensuring immediate results.
Light traps are devices that attract flies using bright lights. Flies are naturally drawn to light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light. These traps work by luring flies towards the light source.
Place the light traps in areas where flies are most active, such as near windows, doors, or garbage cans. Ensure it is positioned away from other light sources to maximize its effectiveness. Light traps work 24/7, offering continuous control over fly populations.
If you want to get rid of small black flies in house, store food properly. Flies are attracted to uncovered or improperly stored food. Therefore, store food in sealed containers or put it away in the refrigerator.
This practice creates a less inviting environment for flies and significantly reduces their presence in your home. Proper food storage not only helps maintain cleanliness but also reduces the risk of contamination.
Citrus peels deter houseflies because flies dislike the strong scent of citrus oils found in the peels. These peels contain citronellal oil, which is a natural insect repellent that black flies detest. If you are already using citrus fruits, it is a way to put the peels to good use.
To use them effectively, place fresh citrus peels where flies gather, such as near windows, doors, or kitchen countertops. You can also rub the peels directly on surfaces to enhance the scent.
If you do not like the scent of citrus peels, you can always use fresh basil. Fresh basil has a strong aroma that repels black flies. The strong scent also confuses flies' sense of smell, making it harder for them to locate food sources in your home.
You can place pots of fresh basil plants near windows, doors, and other entry points where flies might come in. Alternatively, you can crush a few basil leaves to release their scent and place them in small bowls around your home.
Proper garbage management helps deter tiny black flies by removing their food sources. Flies are attracted to organic waste like food scraps and decaying matter found in garbage.
They also often lay eggs in moist, decaying organic matter. To manage garbage effectively, use tightly sealed bins to prevent flies from accessing the contents. Ensure they are emptied regularly, especially in hot weather when decomposition speeds up and attracts more flies.
For better black fly control, you can also plant fly-repelling plants like marigolds, lavender, and mint around your garden and home. These plants emit strong scents that black flies find unpleasant or confusing.
To use these plants, plant them in your garden or keep potted plants indoors near windows or entryways where flies often enter. Their natural fragrance acts as a barrier, discouraging flies from coming near your home.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae called diatoms. The powder is made up of tiny particles with sharp edges that cut through the flies' outer shells, causing them to dry out and die. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle a thin layer in the soil.
Ensure it stays dry to remain effective. It is safe to use around pets and humans but should be applied cautiously to avoid inhaling the dust. Regular reapplication may be needed after rain or watering.
Attracting bird feeders can help deter houseflies because birds feed on insects like blackflies. By setting up bird feeders in your garden or near your home, you create an inviting space for birds to visit.
Ensure the feeders are stocked with birdseed or other bird-friendly food to keep them coming back. This method reduces the fly population and creates a balanced ecosystem that benefits birds and plants.
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for black flies. Clogged or slow-draining sinks, showers, pet water bowls, plant drainage trays, leaky pipes, compost piles, and artificial containers are some places where water collects. These places are moist and conducive for flies to lay their eggs.
Therefore, eliminating these standing water sources can deter houseflies. Remove sources of standing water around your home and ensure gutters are clean and free of debris to prevent water from pooling.
Properly managing your compost pile can help deter houseflies. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, so keeping your compost pile covered with a lid or a tarp prevents flies from accessing it and laying eggs.
Turn the compost regularly to aerate it, which speeds up decomposition and reduces odors that attract flies. You can also use compost activators to help speed up the decomposition process.
If you want to reduce black flies in the garden, plant a Venus fly trap. The plant lures flies with its sweet-smelling nectar and traps them inside its hinged leaves. When a fly touches tiny hairs inside the trap, the leaves snap shut, trapping the insect.
While the Venus fly trap is effective at catching flies, its impact on reducing housefly populations in a home or garden may be limited. These plants primarily target crawling insects like ants and beetles.
Insecticidal soap is toxic to black flies and kills them. It coats the bodies of houseflies, disrupting their outer layer and causing them to dehydrate and die. It is effective and safe for plants and pets when used correctly.
To make insecticidal soap at home, mix a teaspoon of mild liquid soap, like Castile or dish soap, with a quart of water. Shake gently to blend. Transfer this solution to a spray bottle and apply.
If making the soap is a hassle, you can buy insecticide. Most insecticides contain pyrethrin, which acts as a fast-acting contact poison for many insects. This chemical paralyzes insects and kills them. To use insecticide effectively, follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Spray it in areas where flies gather, such as around windows, doors, and garbage bins. Insecticides are ideal when the infestation is large, and you want a quick solution.
Predatory insects like dragonflies and certain spiders can help reduce the black fly population naturally. These insects hunt and feed on flies, keeping their numbers in check. To encourage predatory insects in your yard or garden, avoid using heavy pesticides that could harm them.
Planting a diverse range of flowers and shrubs can attract these beneficial insects. Additionally, having a small water feature like a pond or bird bath can provide an ideal habitat for dragonflies, which are particularly effective fly predators.
If you do not have the time and energy to deal with the infestation and can afford it, getting professional help is the best thing you can do. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to understand the infestation from where it is coming from to what is causing it.
The treatment plans they recommended are not based on guesswork but are targeted and precise. They have access to tools and equipment that are powerful, quick, and effective which are not available commercially. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is in capable hands.
Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are notorious for causing physical harm to livestock and wildlife. These small, biting insects often swarm animals, feeding on their blood and causing intense irritation.
The bites from black flies can result in painful, itchy welts that can lead to secondary infections if the animal repeatedly scratches or bites at the affected area. In severe infestations, animals may experience stress, reduced weight gain, decreased milk production, and, in extreme cases, death due to toxemia or anaphylactic shock.
Black flies can also significantly impact humans, especially those living or working near infested areas. Their bites are not only painful but can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The irritation and itching caused by black fly bites can be severe, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep.
In some cases, people may develop "black fly fever," a condition characterized by headache, fever, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes. Additionally, the presence of black flies can deter outdoor activities, impacting quality of life and economic activities such as tourism and agriculture.
The environmental impact of black flies extends to the broader ecosystem. When black flies are abundant, they can disrupt the balance of local wildlife populations. Birds and other insectivorous animals may experience changes in their diet and behavior due to the high availability of black flies.
Economically, black fly infestations can lead to increased costs for pest control measures, reduced productivity in livestock, and potential losses in tourism revenue. Managing black fly populations often requires significant resources and can be a continuous challenge for affected communities.
