Let’s face it, dealing with around our trash cans can a real hassle. The buzzing, the gross maggots, and worst of all, the potential health hazards they pose. Flies are fast-spreading germs that can easily contaminate our surroundings, leading to several illnesses and. So, what can we do to keep these pesky flies away? In this blog post, we will explore some practical and proven tips on what to put in your trash can to keep flies away for good!
Factors that attract flies to trash cans
Trash can be a haven for flies, attracting them with various factors.
Flies are attracted to food waste and other organic matter that is decaying in the trash cans. Rotten fruits and vegetables, meat scraps, and dairy products are particularly enticing to flies.
Sugary residue left in soda bottles and containers can also attract them.
Besides this, open and unsecured lids and gaps in the trash cans provide easy access to the flies. Once flies infest in the bin, they breed quickly and lay eggs, leading to a worsening infestation. [1]
You Can Use these to Keep Flies Away from Your Trash Can
1- Citronella candles
Citronella candles are a popular and natural way to keep flies away from trash cans and outdoor spaces.
The scent of citronella oil in the candle masks the smells that attract flies, making it difficult for them to locate their food sources.
However, it’s important to note that citronella candles are most effective in smaller areas and need to be placed strategically to achieve the desired results. You should not put the candles inside the trash cans as that will be counter productive. You need room for the waste in the bin.
As a result, it’s recommended to use them in combination with other methods, such as regular cleaning and disinfection, secure lids, and liners, which can help keep flies away from trash cans and other areas. [2]
2- Essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint, or basil
Essential oils are a great natural way to repel flies and keep them away from your trash cans.
Peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and basil are some of the most commonly used essential oils for this purpose.
These scents serve as a strong repellent for flies, keeping them at bay.
You can use essential oils in various ways, such as making homemade sprays or diffusing them in your home.
By combining some of these oils, you can create a powerful mix that will keep the flies away without harming your health or the environment.
3- Homemade Solutions (Using vinegar or dish soap)
One homemade solution to keep flies away from your trash can is using vinegar or dish soap.
The smell of vinegar can be a deterrent for flies, making it an effective ingredient in creating homemade fly traps.
To make a vinegar trap, simply mix apple cider vinegar with dish soap and cover the dish with plastic wrap. Then make small holes in the wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
The flies will be attracted to the vinegar but won’t be able to escape due to the dish soap.
Another option is to make a spray with vinegar, water, and a few drops of dish soap to use around your trash can and other areas where flies congregate.
4- Commercial Fly Traps and Repellents
There are various products in the market for keeping flies out of sight.
These products can be attached to the trash can (inside) which keeps diffusing vapors steadily that will kill insects and flies that are commonly found in and around trash cans.
Pros:
– Traps and repellents can be very easy to use and require minimal effort.
– They can be very effective at catching and killing flies.
– Some traps and repellents are made with natural ingredients, making them a safe and eco-friendly option.
Cons:
– Traps and repellents can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
– Some traps and repellents can be unsightly or emit an unpleasant odor.
– They may not be as effective if your trash can is not properly cleaned and maintained. [3]
Other Practices that Can Help!
1- Food waste and other organic matter that attracts flies
Flies are attracted to the food waste and other organic matter that is left inside your trash can.
Even a small amount of such material can serve as a breeding ground for thousands of flies.
Fruit peels, vegetables, and leftovers can all attract flies, leading to a smelly and unsanitary situation.
To prevent this, it’s important to remove food waste from your indoor trash cans as soon as possible.
Invest in a separate outdoor bin for biodegradable waste and dispose of it properly. Additionally, always use a liner inside your trash can to prevent any residue or leakage that can attract flies. [4]
2- Garbage disposals or separate outdoor bins
Garbage disposals can grind up food waste and send it to a wastewater treatment facility.
Outdoor bins, such as composting bins, allow organic matter to break down into nutrient-rich soil. Proper disposal of food waste can not only reduce the attraction of flies but also benefit the environment. [5]
3- Regular cleaning & disinfection
Flies are attracted to the odor of decaying matter, so it’s important to clean your trash can regularly to prevent residue and leakage. Here are a few tips for keeping your trash can clean:
-Jet spray the inside of the trash can with a hose to remove any leftover debris
-Add a tablespoon of dish soap and a cup of white vinegar to hot water and use a scrub brush or sponge mop to clean the trash can
-After cleaning, rinse the trash can well with water and let it air dry completely
-For an extra layer of protection, use a disinfectant spray or wipe to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses.
By following these simple steps, you can keep flies away from your trash cans and ensure a clean and healthy environment.
4- Using of liners and secure lids
Liners are especially useful as they prevent any waste from actually touching the can.
This helps keep the interior cleaner for longer and removes any breeding grounds for flies. What’s more, if flies do lay eggs in the bin or hang around inside, they will be taken out with the trash on garbage day.
Secure lids are also important to prevent flies from being able to access the waste inside.
This helps to deter all sorts of bugs as well as raccoons. Make sure that your trash cans have secure lids, and replace them immediately if there are any cracks or holes.
