Getting rid of flies

craigthaagensen

hmmm i think a motion sensor laser fly defence system could work wonders, now all i have to do is build it

sandy2_2

Dreaming_debtfree_dreams wrote: »

With the wonderful weather comes the flies and I'm looking for any suggestions of old style ways of dealing with these winged critters. Any ideas that allow me to open the windows for more than 5 mins at a time would be great.DFD

Here in Spain everyone finds that fly sreens on the windows are the only way, together with beaded curtains for the doors, pretty beaded doillies over the tops of drinks, jugs etc, sugar bowls with lids and tent like net thingies over the tops of plated food

Another tip the local restaurant uses for outside dining...might not be so practical in England. They string a line arount the patio and peg sardines to it, the flies go there and do not bother the diners

prevention is better than cure

hev_2

I'm going to have to post and run, but I really appreciate any advice or help given.

We have two white south facing doors. Flies seem to like to settle on the door and sunbathe :eek: Yesterday when I came into the house I had to chase two flies off the door before I came in!

So, flies are getting into the house, especially when I open the door to go out, because they are settling on the doors. Any ideas how to deter them.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

noonesperfect

I think I read somewhere that if you grow mint on your windowsill by an open window it will deter flies. Maybe you could try growing some in pots by your door.
Dual purpose! lovely with new potatoes and peas in the summer Yum

lil_me

Maybe spray it with repellant? If you search on google there are many 'recipes' like these http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1971

Pink.

Hi hev,

I've found planting a couple of pots of lavender at the back door has really cut down on the number of flies that come in during summer.

There's a recent thread with lots of tips that may help:

Getting rid of flies

I'll add your thread to that one later as it helps to keep all the suggestions together.

Pink

hev_2

I have an eau de cologne mint plant next to my back door which is the love of my life.

I think it cuts down, but last year was horrendous - I think I posted on the last thread!

What does anyone think of rubbing citronella candles over the doors?

pigpen

my mother has a long net curtain on the inside of her door.. attached to the top of the frame rather than the door so if flies do get in the door they cannot get into the hosue as easily.. deters a few.. I loather flies.. I'd remove anything that is nearby that might attract them.. damp moist places for breeding, bins..

I would have to squash them before opening the door.. I couldn't do with the chance they might breed or come into the house.

eucalyptus oil sprayed onto and around the door deters them.. nasty things!

hev_2

Thanks, pigpen, I shall definitely try that.

ubamother

Does anyone have a good way of deterring flies from the house - I love to have all my windows open to let the air blow through on gorgeous days like today, but I usually end up with a bluebottle and a few smaller flies wandering in.

I'm sure I read somewhere that some herbs deter them if you put them on the windowsills - does anyone know which ones - or of any other methods? Many thanks