How to Kill a Fly With Air Freshener

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Flies can be quite a nuisance when they find their way into your home, especially since they always seem to be wherever you are — no matter how big your house. There are a few ways you can work toward getting rid of them, including shooting them down with air freshener. Although this method works, there are easier and more reliable ways to get the job done.

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Swatters and Air Fresheners

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Of course, one well-known method for killing flies is to use a fly swatter. You can also spray flies with air freshener. The air freshener will wet the fly's wings so it falls to the ground where you can easily kill it. The many different chemicals in an air freshener may also overcome the fly and essentially poison it.

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Although swatters and air fresheners can work to kill an individual fly that you see here or there, neither solves fly problems. Both methods are hit or miss. In order to use them, you need to have them handy when you see a fly. You also need to try out your ninja moves to use these methods, as the fly will take off if it sees you coming.

Catch Flies on Flypaper

Hung from the ceiling since that is where flies go when they want to rest, flypaper can catch quite a few flies. It's easy to use, and it works 24/7. Flypaper works best when used in small areas where flies have become a nuisance but should be kept well away from food preparation areas. There are a few downsides to flypaper, however.

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For one, it's just plain gross to look at all the flies stuck to the paper. Flypaper is also hit or miss. It will catch flies that run into it, but it doesn't lure or entice the flies in any way. Either they happen to hit the paper or they don't. Be mindful of foot traffic too when you're hanging flypaper. Otherwise, someone could walk into the paper, and that is just a giant mess that no one wants to deal with.

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Set Fly Traps

Fly traps are one of the most effective methods of getting rid of flies since these traps actively lure flies to them. One popular option is a light trap. These use light to attract flies and then trap them on a glue board. They work best when hung 4 to 6 feet above the floor since this is where flies spend most of their time.

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Other traps use bait to lure flies. You can buy these traps or make your own. Simply cut the top off a 2-liter bottle. Next, place the top of the bottle in the bottom and upside down and add some sugar water or apple cider vinegar to the bottom of the bottle. The flies will go into the bottle opening to reach the bait and then get stuck.

There are two caveats of which to be aware when using fly traps. Bait traps work but only if there isn't a competing attractant. Traps filled with sugar water, for instance, are easily overpowered by a stinky garbage can. Baited traps don't work when there is a tastier treat nearby. Likewise, light traps don't work in rooms where they must compete against brightly lit windows and large amounts of sunshine.

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Clean Things Up

The best flies are the ones you never meet, so preventing flies when possible is better than trying to rid yourself of them after the fact. Make sure you clean your kitchen well after cooking and place a lid on your trash can. Take the trash out frequently, clean the cat's litter box often, and dispose of rotting and spilled food as soon as you notice it. Let cleaning towels and mops dry thoroughly before storing them and keep your drains clean and fresh.

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Keeping things clean will discourage flies. If you do find an overlooked mess, clean it as soon as you do. Flies that don't have food, water, or a place to breed won't hang around long.

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