Flies are invading more South MS homes lately. Here’s why and how to keep them out
As temperatures climb this summer in South Mississippi, homeowners may start noticing more pesky flies around their home.
“Flies are constantly searching for food, moisture and places to reproduce, and hot weather makes all of those resources easier to find,” Nick Ferrante Jr., associate certified entomologist at Excel Pest Services said in a July 9 statement.
So, how can you keep flies out of your home during the warmer months? Here’s what experts recommend.
Why are there more flies during warmer weather?
Fly season peaks across the United States from late spring through early fall, according to experts at Terminix, a residential and commercial pest control company.
They’re more active during the summer because warm and humid conditions are ideal for fly breeding, experts said. Another contributor is food going to waste more frequently during the summer months.
Why are flies bad?
Besides being mildly irritating and seemingly always in the way, flies are also gross.
According to the Mississippi State Extension, houseflies carry more than 100 human pathogens. They can cause illness when they land on you or your food.
“Houseflies are proven vectors of many food-borne diseases that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea and dysentery,” experts said.
How to keep flies out of your home
Follow these expert tips from Excel Pest Services to keep flies out of your home during the summer:
- Empty your trash cans often and clean them regularly. Don’t leave food scraps indoors for longer than a day or two as heat causes food waste to decompose faster
- Keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator and remove overripe produce
- Regularly clean your sink plugholes, remove food debris and flush drains
- Use fly screens for frequently opened windows
- Wash pet food bowls
- Wipe down or clean up any spills, especially if they have sugary residue
