How do I get rid of flies?
Question:I have a Mulberry tree in my backyard. Every year about this time it drops it's berries and the flies gather like crazy. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? I don't want to get rid of the tree it provides the perfect amount of shade. I'm not opposed to chemicals I'm just reluctant because of the limited success I've had in the past, and because I have such limited knowledge about them.
Any suggestions?
Answers:
Get one of the bag traps. They have an attractant inside and you fill it with water. Flies can enter through a one way valve but cannot get out. I have literally seen thousands of flies get caught in a trap like this (I once lived near a dairy).
This is strictly an outdoor product, as it tends to have a bit of an odor. By the way, I have no affiliation with the company on the link.
swat em
Clean up the berries.
or
Buy a ton of frogs.
I have heard that flies are repelled by mint leaves, eucalyptus,
bay leaves and cloves. You could try sprinkling one or some of these all around the area. An old Southern remedy - not sure why this works - is to hang several clear plastic bags filled with water from the lower branches of the tree. ?
Well, I have heard it works, anyway, so don't laugh.
you could sprinkle the area with borax or wood ashes
Flies hate certain types of herbs: basil, rue, mint, penny-royal, tansy, fennel and lavender so plant or place pots or clumps of them close by. Pinch the tops of the herbs such as pennyroyal between paving stones (if you have them) so that its leaves are crushed each time someone walks on them.
This herb suggestion can apply to the house, such as exterior doors, verandahs, doorways, balconies, or even in window boxes.
Hope that helps!
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