How to do it:
Use a DIY prevention method by making a vinegar and dish soap trap. Fill a bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the bowl near areas where houseflies are common.

Result:

• Attracts and traps houseflies
• Reduces fly population indoors
• Protects food and goods from contamination
• Inexpensive and easy to set up

Problem:
This method may fail if there are other strong food odors nearby, if the trap is not refreshed regularly, or if flies have alternative entry points into the area.

How to do it:
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a jar. Add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top. Place the jar near areas where houseflies are common.

Result:

• Attracts and traps houseflies naturally
• Non-toxic and safe for use around food
• Inexpensive and easy to make

Problem:
This method may fail if flies are not attracted to vinegar or if there are other, stronger food sources nearby.

How to do it:
Use screens on windows and doors.
Seal cracks and gaps in walls and around entry points.
Keep doors closed or use automatic door closers.
Install air curtains at entrances.
Remove food waste and clean surfaces regularly.

Result:
Reduces housefly entry and limits their access to food, helping protect goods from contamination.

Problem:
Method may fail if screens are damaged, gaps are missed, or doors are left open, allowing flies to enter.

How to do it:
Use predatory insects like parasitoid wasps (e.g., Muscidifurax raptorellus) to control housefly populations. Place wasp pupae near garbage bins and entry points. Keep doors and windows screened to limit fly entry.

Result:
Reduced housefly numbers and less risk of food contamination.

Problem:
This method may fail if wasps do not establish, if flies breed faster than wasps can control, or if entry points are not properly sealed.

How to do it:
Mix 1 part sugar with 1 part water and a few drops of dish soap. Place the mixture in shallow containers near infested areas. Alternatively, use fly bait containing boric acid, following label instructions.

Result:
Houseflies are attracted to the sweet scent, ingest the mixture, and die, reducing their population and protecting your goods.

Problem:
This method may fail if flies find alternative food sources, if the bait dries out, or if the infestation is too large for DIY control.