Fighting fly larvae in the apartment: 8 effective means

Numerous unloved guests cavort in the house and apartment. Some we don't even notice, others are useful. Fly larvae, on the other hand, are just a nuisance. If we don't fight them, you'll soon find tons of flies swarming around. We explain how you can master the larvae and which means really help!

Fight fly larvae

The most obvious approach to getting rid of lavas is certainly to take an active approach after seeing the pesky animals. Since the larvae only represent a stage of development on the way from the egg to the finished fly, Ultimately, there are many more opportunities to get rid of the nuisances from your home once and for all receive:

Fly screens

Although fly screens also protect against fly larvae, they are much better at preventing their origin. If the adult flies that are ready to lay their eggs no longer come into the apartment, the clutches do not produce any annoying larvae:

• Glue the fly screen tightly into the window frame on all sides
• Then check for a tight fit, especially when opening the window
• alternatively: use insect screen roller blinds for permanent easy opening and closing

Essential oils

Essential oils are also suitable for deterring flies. They work primarily for the flies themselves, but also for their maggots. Either used directly as an oil, or in the form of oil-containing herbs, such as rosemary, Lavender and thyme protect sensitive areas such as the fruit basket or the kitchen in general.

• Set up and care for herbal plants, if the infestation is severe, cut branches to allow more essential oils to escape
• Add the oil drop by drop to the water and place the solution in small glasses
• If necessary, use a fragrance lamp and heat the oil-water mixture for better distribution in the air

Eliminate nests

Although flies do not build nests, one always speaks of a nest when eggs are repeatedly laid in one place due to special circumstances. A good supply of food for the larvae is the main cause of such nests:

• Put away leftover food
• Cavities, furniture plinths, etc. check for dead animals
• Especially clean the kitchen, dining table and other rooms and areas connected to food regularly
• Empty the garbage can regularly and then clean it

Note: For the fly, things can also be attractive as food that we do not initially recognize as such. Therefore, a high level of hygiene and cleanliness generally helps to keep the animals away in all their developmental stages from the outset.

Vinegar essence

In the truest sense of the word, fly larvae can be combated with vinegar essence. They kill the maggots and thus interrupt the cycle of reproduction:

• Add 1 part vinegar essence to 2 parts water
• Spray the larvae with vinegar water
• The animals die after a few minutes
• Remove dead caterpillars and disinfect the surface

tip: After spraying the vinegar water, sprinkle salt over the fly larvae! This enhances the effect achieved and the animals dry up due to the osmotic imbalance.

Attention: Sensitive limestone surfaces can be quickly attacked by vinegar and salt and lose their high-quality appearance. Therefore, choose alternative means for worktops or floor coverings made of this material!

Pepper water

Pepper water has a similar effect to vinegar essence. This solution is also suitable for combating the fly caterpillars and freeing living spaces from the plague of flies:

• Boil a liter of water with a tablespoon of black pepper
• Spray the solution on the larvae with a spray bottle
• Death of the animals after a few minutes due to drying out
• Remove residues and disinfect the surface

Note: The disinfection of infested areas after the control of the fly larvae must be carried out. In agony in particular, insects tend to secrete feces and saliva, so that any pathogens that may be present can now really get into the center of your life!

Lime / rock flour

One of the most effective substances against fly larvae is lime. Real quicklime would actually be the most effective, but due to its highly caustic properties it should not be used in the home. Instead, lime or rock flour can be used as a substitute:

• Sprinkle powder over animals
• After a few minutes the animals perish due to intensive dehumidification
• Remove the flour with dead caterpillars and disinfect the surface

Glue traps

For the sake of completeness should also Glue traps are mentioned, although they can hardly be considered up-to-date. Flies are attracted by lures and caught in an adhesive until they die. Since the dead animals remain in the flycatcher until it is disposed of, the spread of pathogens is still given. This type of disposal should only be used in the event of enormous infestation, for example in food processing plants:

• Hang sticky traps from the ceiling with a thumbtack and let them hang freely in the breeze
• Replace regularly

insecticides

If all other methods fail, chemical insecticides can still be used in the event of an intensive infestation. You work reliably and quickly. However, they should only be used in exceptional cases, as the chemical toxins can remain in the apartment and also burden the residents in the long term:

• Spray caterpillars, especially caterpillar nests, with insecticide
• Remove dead animals and thoroughly clean all fogged areas
• Use only according to the manufacturer's instructions!