Flies are particularly unwanted insects in our homes. To keep them away, it is essential to know the smells that attract them in order to avoid letting them settle in your home. Discover these 6 little-known smells that attract flies and how to control them to keep your home free of these pests.
The rotting apple: a real treat for flies
An overripe or rotting apple is a real invitation to flies, especially fruit flies. These insects are attracted to thesweet smell and fermented released during the decomposition of the fruit. So be careful not to leave your fruit lying around on the kitchen counter for too long and throw it away as soon as it starts to spoil.
How to avoid this smell?
- Store your fruit in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Discard damaged or rotten fruit immediately.
- Regularly clean the surfaces where the fruit is stored to prevent the residue from developing an odor attractive to flies.
The smell of apple cider vinegar: a fly magnet
Apple cider vinegar releases a sweet and sour smell which is very attractive to flies, especially fruit flies. They are attracted to the acidity of vinegar and can quickly invade your space if you leave an open jar or bottle lying around.
How to control this smell?
- Close your bottles and jars of vinegar tightly after each use.
- Store apple cider vinegar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid spilling vinegar on work surfaces and clean up immediately if this happens.
Animal feed: an unexpected feast
Pet food, whether kibble for dogs or pellets for fish, often gives off strong and enticing smells for flies. To prevent these insects from taking an interest in your pets’ food, be sure to follow a few good practices.
How to limit this smell?
- Empty and clean your pets’ bowls regularly.
- Do not store pet food near open windows or doors.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent the smell from spreading.
Fragrant plants: a natural trap
Some indoor or outdoor plants, such as basil, geranium or lavender, give off pleasant smells which can also attract flies. Although these insects are generally less numerous around these plants than the other sources of odors mentioned above, it is still necessary to remain vigilant.
How to deal with this smell?
- Arrange your fragrant plants away from open doors and windows.
- Implement natural fly control solutions, such as chemical-free fly traps or natural predators (e.g. spiders).
- Prune your plants regularly to limit their development and therefore the amount of odors they give off.
Wet laundry: an unsuspected attraction
Damp laundry, if not properly dried, can give off a musty smell which attracts flies. To avoid this problem, take care to hang up your laundry after washing and dry it quickly.
How to prevent this smell?
- Dry your laundry quickly in the open air or in a clothes dryer.
- Avoid overloading your washing machine so laundry can be properly washed and spun.
- Do not leave damp laundry lying around in the bathroom or other damp rooms.
Household waste: an essential source of attractive odors
Food waste, soiled packaging and other objects thrown in the trash can quickly give off unpleasant odors that attract flies. To prevent these pests from multiplying around your garbage, it is essential to manage your waste properly.
How to control this smell?
- Change the trash bag regularly and clean your trash can.
- Always close the lid of your trash can to limit the spread of odors.
- Prioritize the composting of your organic waste to reduce its presence in your trash.
By controlling these 6 little-known smells that attract flies to your home, you’ll increase your chances of keeping your home free of these unwanted insects. Do not hesitate to put in place these few tips to keep flies away and enjoy a healthier and more pleasant space to live in.
