How to Get Rid of Flies in the Basement: Quick & Easy Solutions!

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!