If your basement is full of flies, it’s time to make a change. In this guide on how to get rid of flies in the basement, we’ll show you why these pests are attracted to your basement and how to eliminate them permanently.
With our simple and effective methods, you can enjoy a fly-free environment. Say goodbye to annoying buzzing and the hassle of swatting flies.
How to Get Rid of Flies in Basement
Dealing with flies in your basement can be frustrating, but don’t worry – our comprehensive step-by-step guide is here to help you get rid of them. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Recognize the Origin
The first crucial step is figuring out where these flies are coming from. The origin of the flies can vary, and how you handle them depends on it.
Step 2: Close the Entryway
It’s time to take action and seal the entryway where the flies are sneaking in. Check for cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, as well as around doorways and windows. Make sure there’s no easy way for flies to enter.
Step 3: Remove the Attractants
Identify the cause of the fly infestation, which could be animal carcasses, trash, stagnant water, or other infestations acting as bait. Eliminate the source by removing carcasses, storing trash in sealed containers, and cleaning your sump pit. If it’s a different infestation, consider reaching out to a pest control specialist for assistance.
Step 4: Illuminate with Light
Flies are drawn to light, so on a sunny day, open a door or window in your basement to let in natural light. Keep the rest of the basement as dark as possible. The flies should be attracted to the light and exit through the open door or window.
Step 5: Apply Conventional Approaches
You can also resort to conventional solutions like flyswatters and flypaper to tackle the flies in your basement. Vacuuming them up is another option, but make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag outside to prevent them from returning.
Step 6: Construct Organic Traps
Create DIY fly traps using a bowl, plastic wrap, and bait, such as fruit or apple cider vinegar. Place the bait in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke small holes in the wrap. This allows flies to enter the trap but makes it challenging for them to escape.
Step 7: Harness Houseplants or Essential Oils
Certain houseplants emit scents that repel flies. Consider growing plants like mint, lavender, and basil in your basement if there’s access to sunlight. Alternatively, you can
use essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus by misting them near windows and doorways where flies may enter.
Step 8: Administer Insecticides
If necessary, you can turn to indoor insecticides as a last resort. Look for products containing permethrin, which tend to be the most effective. Ensure the product is labeled as safe and non-toxic for indoor use.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a fly-free basement. Remember, patience and persistence are key to successfully managing a fly infestation. Good luck!
Why Are There Flies in My Basement
Flies can be quite a nuisance when they invade your basement, and it’s essential to pinpoint the root cause to effectively address the issue. If you’re wondering why you have flies in your basement, it’s likely due to one of the following factors:
Dead Insects and Animals
Certain fly species, like bluebottles, green bottles, and blowflies, are attracted to dead and decaying animals. They use these as a food source and a place to lay their eggs. If you have a fly infestation in your basement, it’s possible that an animal found its way into your home and unfortunately perished there. To resolve this, check for animal carcasses between pipes and behind drywall. It’s crucial to identify and remove any carcasses promptly, as these flies can pose health risks.
Waste
Another common reason for flies infesting your basement is if you store trash there before it’s collected. Flies are often introduced into the basement when garbage bags containing waste, especially food remnants or rotting meat, are brought down from the kitchen. Gnats and small flies can lay their eggs near this organic material, and within days, their larvae hatch and start feeding on it. Once they mature, they leave the trash bag and venture into your basement. To prevent this, consider storing your trash outside or using trash containers with sealed tops.
Standing Water or Organic Material
If your basement has a sump pit, it may accumulate stagnant water and organic matter, especially if it’s not regularly maintained. This environment becomes an ideal breeding ground for flies, gnats, and other insects. To prevent this issue, make sure to periodically flush, pump, and clean out your sump pit to remove standing water and organic debris.
Other Infections
Houseflies and similar species lay their eggs in manure, which could indicate another infestation in your basement, such as rodents like mice or rats. Check for signs of animal droppings in your basement, as these can serve as a breeding ground for flies. Addressing the underlying pest problem will also help eliminate the fly issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tackling a fly infestation in your basement is entirely achievable with the correct knowledge and approach. By following our “How to get rid of flies in the basement” guide, you can say farewell to those pesky pests. If you found this helpful, don’t miss out on more insightful blogs from Pestweek. Your pest problems, solved!
Calina Mabel has over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism and communications. Currently, Calina Mabel is the Content Writer for categories such as Cockroach, Ants, Bed Bugs, Mosquito, Rodent, Termite, and Flies on Pestweek.com. She aims to build content for these categories with a focus on providing valuable and accessible information to readers, in order to create the world’s largest knowledge community about Pests.
All content written by Calina Mabel has been reviewed by Emily Carter.