What attracts a fly to your home largely depends on the species. However, flies are generally attracted to warm, moist environments with decaying organic material. This is why flies are commonly seen swarming around trash cans or near animal feces.
But there’s more to what attracts a fly than meets the eye. In this blog, we cover all the possible reasons for why a fly might be attracted to you. We’ll answer:
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- What smells attract flies?
- What attracts flies to humans?
- What plants attract flies to the yard?
- What plants repel flies?
- What attracts flies to kill them?
What Smells Attract Flies?
There are two types of flies that homeowners most commonly experience in Massachusetts: the housefly and the fruit fly. House flies are attracted to the smell of decaying organic filth, such as rotting meat, feces, and trash. On the other hand, fruit flies are more attracted to sugary smells and substances, such as overripe fruit, soda, and alcohol.
What Attracts Flies to Humans?
Flies are attracted to humans for several different reasons — none of which have anything to do with being dirty or smelly. In fact, the biggest reason why flies are attracted to humans is because they are drawn to carbon dioxide, which humans breathe out. However, flies may also be attracted to:
- Dead skin cells
- Open wounds
- Oily hair
- Hairless skin
- Certain body odors
- Fruity fragrances
What Plants Attract Flies to the Yard?
Many gardeners will intentionally grow plants that attract certain types of flies to the yard. This is because these types of flies are good for killing off other pests that may be harmful to the garden. These plants include:
- Dill: Known to attract ladybugs, hoverflies, and ichneumonid wasps, dill actually draws in the good kinds of flies that kill off aphids and other pests that can harm your garden.
- Fennel: Butterflies, ladybugs, and many other aphid-killing flies are drawn to the powerful aroma of fennel. Just be sure to empty any standing water in the fennel saucers after watering your plants as this can attract the wrong type of fly.
- Parsley: Hoverflies and tachinid flies loves the smell of parsley. While they might look like the common housefly, tachinid flies are actually a natural enemy of many garden pests.
What Plants Repel Flies?
Just as there are plants that some flies find attractive, there are others that they find downright repulsive. The following are just some of the plants you can add to your landscape that can help keep the flies away:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Mint
- Pennyroyal
- Catnip
- Bay Laurel
- Marigold
- Sage
What Attracts Flies to Kill Them?
Now that you understand what flies find attractive, you can use this knowledge to create several different DIY fly traps. The most effective home remedies for killing flies naturally and quickly include:
- Vinegar & Dish Soap: Mixing together about an inch of apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a soda bottle trap is a great way to trap flies in the home.
- Cayenne & Water: Combine cayenne pepper and water in a spray bottle and spray around the home to keep flies away.
- Venus Fly Trap: This carnivorous plant eats insects that dare to land on its bright pink center, breaking them down over a period of 5 – 12 days.
If DIY fly traps aren’t doing the trick, the best way to get rid of flies in your home is through professional pest control. GreenHow offers a free fly inspection to all homeowners within 24 – 48 hours of their call to our team. Contact us at (617) 964-4733 to request your free fly inspection today!
