Flies in the House? Here’s What Attracts Them (And How to Stop It)

Pest Prevention TipsInsect Control
Written By Jeffrey Acheampong

✅ Quick Answer

Flies are drawn to:

  • Food smells, especially sugar and meat

  • Bins, compost, and drains

  • Pet waste and dirty dishes

  • Heat and open windows

To stop them:

  1. Keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry

  2. Seal bin lids and take rubbish out daily

  3. Install fly screens or use natural repellents

  4. Treat drains and hidden breeding spots

  5. Call pest control for fly infestations or repeat problems

📊 UK Facts, Figures & References

  • 🪰 Flies are among the top 3 summer pest complaints in UK households
    (Source: BPCA – bpca.org.uk)

  • A single housefly can lay 150+ eggs per batch, and flies can complete their life cycle in 7–10 days indoors
    (Source: NHS Insect Control Guidelines)

  • Most indoor fly issues come from food waste, drain build-up, or pet areas
    (Source: Rentokil Pest Control UK)

🧠 Detailed Guide: Why You Have Flies & How to Stop Them

At Good News Pest Control, we don’t just spray — we solve the source. Here’s what you need to know and do.

🗑️ 1. Food & Waste – Flies’ Favourite Feast

Flies are most attracted to:

  • Rotting food (fruit, meat, dairy, even crumbs)

  • Spills on counters, bin lids, and floors

  • Pet bowls, leftover BBQs, or dirty plates

✅ Clean all surfaces, especially behind bins and fridges

🚽 2. Drains, Sinks, and Standing Water

  • Drain flies love moisture and sludge in pipes

  • Slow drains or clogged plugholes are fly nurseries

  • Leave boiling water or drain-cleaning gel overnight weekly

🚿 Clean the rubber seals and overflow holes — they’re often missed!

🐶 3. Pet Waste & Litter Trays

  • Cat litter, pet bedding, and even pet hair can host fly eggs

  • Flies also swarm around dog poo left in gardens or bins

🐾 Clean litter trays daily and clear garden waste regularly

🌞 4. Heat, Light & Open Windows

  • Flies are drawn to warmth, light, and CO₂

  • Leaving windows open without screens invites them in

  • They’ll settle near lamps, laptops, or sunny windows

🪟 Fit mesh screens or use magnetic window covers during summer

🧰 5. When to Call a Professional

You may need help if:

  • You’re seeing multiple flies per day

  • You’ve spotted maggots, clusters, or drain activity

  • You run a rental, café, or food business (due to hygiene laws)

  • DIY sprays aren’t working or flies keep returning

At Good News Pest Control, we:

  • Identify and treat breeding grounds

  • Use safe, targeted sprays and baits

  • Offer fly-proofing advice for homes and businesses

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • They may be coming from drains, bins, or hidden areas like under the fridge or behind skirting boards.

  • Flies hate clove, lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, and mint. Use essential oil sprays or fresh herbs near doors/windows.

  • Use baited traps or call a pest control expert. Avoid overusing sprays as they scatter live eggs elsewhere.

  • No — fruit flies come from food and bins; drain flies live in wet, gunky pipes.

  • Yes — we offer seasonal proofing packages, including screens, sealing, and drain treatments.

📞 CTA – Book a Fly Treatment Before They Take Over

Stop flies before they multiply. We’ll find the source, treat the space, and help keep them out for good.

👉 Call now: 07563 872145
👉 Or book online: www.goodnewspestcontrol.co.uk

✅ Same-day callouts available
✅ Safe for families and pets
✅ Mention this blog for 10% off your first service

Jeffrey Acheampong