If you believe your home is becoming infested with flies, the time to act is now. Of course, the best way to get rid of them is by hiring a pest control company. However, there are some treatments you can try from home to see if they will help.

For Flies Inside of the Home:

1. Flytraps. There are two different types of traps that may work – soda bottle traps and vinegar and dish soap traps.
   1. Soda Bottle Traps: Clean an empty plastic 2-liter bottle. Cut the top third of the bottle (near where the top of the label used to be) and pour a sweet liquid into the bottom third of the bottle (sugar water is a good choice). Turn the top third of the bottle upside down, creating a cone shape. Place in the opening of the larger portion of the bottle. Flies will be attracted to the sweet liquid and make their way into the bottle; however, they will not be able to get back out.
   2. Vinegar and Dish Soap Traps: Fill a shallow dish bowl with one inch of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of sugar. Next, add some fruit-scented dish soap. Leave the dish uncovered or tightly covered with plastic wrap (with several holes poked in the top).
2. Eco-friendly treatments. If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of flies, here are your options.
   1. Fill a glass jar with apple cider vinegar and insert a paper funnel into the jar. Flies will be drawn to the scent and make their way down into the funnel, unable to escape.
   2. Place 20-25 cloves in lemon halves.
   3. Put several drops of eucalyptus oil onto a ribbon or cloth strips. Hang near your doors and/or windows.

For Flies Outside of the Home:

1. Some plants are great at drawing flies away from your home. These are:
   1. Basil: Low maintenance and can survive in any climate.
   2. Bay Leaf: Grows during warm months and can be brought inside.
   3. Lavender: Hang in bundles around your door or home, or allow it to grow in your yard.
   4. Nasturtiums: This keeps flies, aphids, beetles, and squash bugs away from your home. It promotes the growth of other plants, too. Many homeowners plant nasturtiums along the edges of their garden beds.
   5. Mint: Grow near windows or openings to your home. This plant also keeps mice and ants away.