Get Rid of Houseflies

Posted by Jamie McIntosh Apr 2, 2009

Although I’m celebrating the end of a very long Midwestern winter with much fanfare and unauthorized garden purchases, I’m not looking forward to the return of insect pests. There isn’t much growing in my garden yet, but that hasn’t stopped ants and houseflies from invading my house. The ants are under control, but with three small children opening the door about once every three minutes, the smack of the flyswatter is second only to the noise of the door slamming.

However, I’ve heard about a novel technique for repelling houseflies, without using ugly flypaper, ineffectual “electrocution” lights, or stinky traps. My southern relatives clued me in on a homemade device that exploits a housefly’s keen eyesight. Simply fill a quart-sized zippered plastic bag ¾ full of water, and hang it above the doorway. The subtle movement and shimmer of the water gives the appearance of a possible predator to flies, and they avert their flight pattern. I’ve heard of restaurants and bars with these “fly bags” leaving their doors open, without a single invader onsite. I can’t wait to see if it works for me.