Flies are non-biting, non-stinging insects that are responsible for spreading a large number of diseases such as dysentery, cholera and typhoid fever. They transmit these illnesses by transporting the disease causing organisms onto food. They pick up these organisms on their leg hair or by eating them and later regurgitating them on to food substances (while liquefying solid food). These tiny two winged insects are found in every corner of the world, and pose to be a serious sanitation and health problem. The entire life-cycle of this insect ranges from about ten to twenty-one days. Twelve generations of these insects can be produced in a single year. The adult female lays about 100-150 eggs, typically in exposed feces, rotting food, garbage or any other moist and warm decomposing organic matter. The female of this species lives for approximately 2 ½ months, during which she lays about a thousand eggs. The eggs once laid, hatch into tiny maggots within 12 hours and grow to about half an inch, after which they burrow in the ground in order to pupate. After 5-6 days the adult fly will emerge.
Here are a few home remedies that can help you get rid of these annoying pests. Keep a mint or lavender plant in your house, this is known to be very effective in keeping away both flies and mosquitoes. Margosa leaves act as an excellent repellant and are great for getting rid of these insects. Flies in particular are known to have a strong aversion to Margosa leaves. Take a few of these leaves and put them in a clay pot. Now set the leaves on fire. Make sure that you smoke out each and every room of the house, only be careful that you do not set fire to any furniture or upholstery. This remedy is known to have lasting effects. You could also use eucalyptus leaves instead of Margosa leaves.
Fill a saucer with white wine and add a teaspoon of your liquid dish detergent. Leave the saucer out, so that the flies can feed on the wine. The detergent present in the wine will have the effect of a poison and will eventually kill them. Mix together corn syrup, sugar and boiling water to make a thick sticky liquid. This should then be spread on a piece of paper (brown paper bag would be ideal). Leave this in the area frequented by the insects; it will serve as an effective fly trap.