Flies are back with the warm weather. They buzz around, constantly flitting about, and seem impossible to chase away. You vacuum, clean surfaces, and empty trash bins… but nothing works. What if the problem lies with your household cleaning products? Yes, the very ones you use every day to keep your home clean.
An astonishing revelation is shaking up social media: these products, intended to repel insects, might actually attract them like a magnet. How is that possible? And most importantly, what can you do to finally keep them away?
Why Flies Love Certain Cleaning Products
We often think that cleaning products make flies flee. In fact, sometimes it’s the opposite! Some flies are attracted to the scents of these products.
When you wipe down surfaces with bleach or floor cleaner, you leave a scent in the air that these insects find appealing. It’s not that they enjoy it.
It’s because they have become accustomed to these chemical fragrances. They associate them with food or a safe place to live. That’s why you often find them in the bathroom near cleaning products or even around the kitchen.
A Strange and Worrying Addiction to Pesticides
Over time, flies don’t just become attracted; they become addicted to certain products. A bit like someone who can’t resist a sweet candy.
Scientists have discovered that these insects develop a sort of dependency. For example, flies will seek out chlorine, a substance found in pools or strong cleaners. This addiction stems from the pesticides we use in nature.
These products attack the nerves of insects. However, their brains adapt. As a result, instead of fleeing, they seek them out. It’s as if flies are programmed to return to what is harmful to them. And unfortunately, this also drives them to enter your home.
What to Avoid to Keep Flies Away
If you really want to keep flies away from your home, there are mistakes to avoid. First, steer clear of using overly strong or overly scented products. Even if you like the smell, it can attract insects.
Bleach, disinfectants, and certain floor cleaners are true magnets for flies. Next, never leave food out in the open. Even a small crumb can attract an entire colony.
Also, be mindful of humidity. A damp house is a perfect place for flies to settle. Finally, aerate your home frequently to renew the air and prevent unpleasant odors from lingering.
Natural Methods That Really Work
Good news: there are simple and natural ways to deter flies. No need for chemical products! Some plants emit scents that flies absolutely detest.
This includes mint, basil, or rosemary. You can place a pot near your windows or on the edge of your sink. Flies do not like these scents and will prefer to go elsewhere.
There are also homemade traps. A bit of vinegar in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap that has holes punched in it, will trap the flies. It’s easy, inexpensive, and very effective. And most importantly, it’s good for your health and the environment.
