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Zap, repel and eliminate flies with these highly recommended products

9PR: Fly repellant hero image

If you've noticed an influx of flies around lately, it's not just you.

Between our recent mild winter and an unseasonably warm start to spring, we've been experiencing conditions that are ideal for flies.

"It has been pretty mild over winter … some of these adult flies didn't die off so they've stuck around for a lot longer adding to the boom we're seeing right now," entomologist Bryan Lessard told 9News.

"Flies – like us – like a cool beverage in spring and fortunately there's a lot of the flowers in spring and they're full of nectar which is high energy," he added. Which means we're set to be swatting flies away more than usual.

What is the most effective way to keep flies away?

There are a few effective methods for repelling flies so that you can choose depending on your preference. Flyscreens and netting will stop flies from entering the home altogether, and while you're outside, you can use either a natural method or a bug zapper – both of which can be found among our recommended products.

While you can also use chemical aerosols to rid your space of flies, these can also smell pretty bad, and lead to a dusting of dead flies on your floor. Try these methods instead.

How to get rid of flies...

Zappers

If you're concerned about the influx of flies at the beginning of the warmer seasons, it may be less effective to try 'repelling' them, and rather just get rid of them. From that point on, you can look into more natural methods. The quickest way to kill flies is with bug zappers, which are mostly quite small devices that work electronically to kill any flies that enter their orbit.

Electric Fly Catcher

9PR: Electric Fly Catcher, Portable Bug Zapper, 4000mAh Rechargeable Mosquito Killer, 2 in 1 Killer with UV Lamp and Lighting Lamp,360° Attract Zap Flying Insect for Indoor Outdoor, Backyard Camping
(9Product Reviews)
Buy yours for $45.99

This nifty zapper attracts flies with its high-intensity ultraviolet rays and kills them with a zap once they get too close. It has a night light mode and a 'mosquito killer' mode, so you can rest assured it'll get rid of other nasties in summer, too. Recharging via a cable, it works as a nightlight for 60 hours, and for 16 hours as a bug-zapper, which would still give you a few days' worth of evenings spent outdoors. 

Coming highly recommended, a number of customers have raved about this zapper. "I love the size of this zapper and it even comes with a little brush to clean off the dead bugs," one reviewer shared on Amazon.

"This is the best and most effective zapper I have owned!" another shared.

Electric Fly Zapper

9PR: Electric Fly Zapper
(9Product Reviews)
Get it now for $22.99

Electric Fly Catcher

9PR: Electric Fly Catcher
(9Product Reviews)
Buy it here for $22

Natural ways to keep flies away

Flyscreen

If you want to safeguard your home against flies in a more natural way, investing in a flyscreen is an excellent start. These can be installed easily for quite a low cost. 

Hoberg Window Fly Screen with Innovative Magnetic Fastening

9PR: Hoberg Window Fly Screen with Innovative Magnetic Fastening
(9Product Reviews)
Buy it for $52.76

This low-cost option can be attached to your window via magnets, with 16 included to ensure it stays in place. The magnetic fastenings clamp the net in place, meaning you don't have to drill or screw anything into place. Given the easy attachment, you can also remove the flyscreen at the end of summer.

Traderight Insect Screen Flyscreen Roll

9PR: Traderight Insect Screen Flyscreen Roll
(9Product Reviews)
$45.99 here

Traps and repellers

The Buzz Fly Catcher

9PR: The Buzz Fly Catcher
(9Product Reviews)
Get two for $42

If you're after a trap that doesn't require power, this twin pack uses insect attractant to collect flies. Two bait sachets are included with the purchase, which are activated by adding water, putting the contents inside the trap, and hanging them in the sun. The attractant works on insects up to 10 metres away.

"If you're fed up with the bluebottle-type flies in your house, hang a couple of these outside," one reviewer said of their experience.

"These traps are excellent value for money, and they work brilliantly."

Outdoor Fly Repellant Fan

9PR: Fly Away - Outdoor Fly Repellent Fan
(9Product Reviews)
Buy yours for $31.70

You can also repel flies naturally with this fan, which uses consistent blade speed to repel insects from its range, pest-proofing the immediate area around it. Perfect for placing by the food at a picnic or barbeque, you can use one or two of these to keep flies out of the immediate area. With soft-touch blades that immediately stop when they touch an object, you can also trust it won't hurt any small hands that come into contact with the fan.

Natural Oils

You can also repel flies naturally with scents they're proven to dislike. Whether you're using a diffuser, or just placing a few drops of natural oils around the place, these are a really affordable way to start ridding your house of flies. Three of the top scents disliked by flies are cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lavender.

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