This Vinegar Trick Will Finally Stop House Flies From Taking Over Your Kitchen, According to Cleaners

If you’ve been struggling with house flies encroaching on your space, do not assume that you’ll need to call in a pro to remedy the problem. It’s easier than you might think to get rid of pesky pests with the help of a basic household item: vinegar.

Here, we’re sharing all of the tips and tricks that you’ll need in order to say goodbye to unwanted bugs for good.

How Does Vinegar Work?

If you’re wondering how vinegar, which you most likely already have on hand in your pantry, works in terms of pest control, we’re here to share the ins and outs. Essentially, vinegar’s strong scent overwhelms the finely tuned smell receptors insects rely on, Nicole Carpenter, the president at Black Pest Prevention, says.

“It doesn’t just repel pests, it hijacks their chemical instincts,” Carpenter explains.

The effect that vinegar has on pests varies depending on species. Ants and flies will be thwarted by the smell of vinegar and unable to follow what Carpenter refers to as their “natural GPS,” therefore directing them away from their target. The purpose of using vinegar, she adds, is not to kill pests but more to divert them, which is something that other pesticides do not do.

If a fly doesn’t get deterred by the smell of vinegar, the substance itself will end its life.

“When flies attempt to land in the vinegar, they can become trapped in it and drown,” Greg McKendall, the CEO at Kilter Termite and Pest Control, says.

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How to Get Rid of House Flies With Vinegar

If you’ve encountered house flies in your home and are wondering how to get rid of them quickly, keep in mind that you’ll just have to follow a few simple steps.

1. Carpenter instructs first, grabbing a shallow dish and mixing in some apple cider vinegar along with a few drops of dish soap. House flies will instantly be drawn to this concoction. “The vinegar lures them in with its fruity scent, the dish soap breaks the surface tension so they sink instead of landing,” she says.
2. Another option is to create a mixture of vinegar and mint oil and spray it onto areas of your home that have been attracting flies, such as your trash can or kitchen counter. Mint is a winning solution for a couple of reasons, Carpenter explains—for one, it stuns flies’ nervous system, and its pleasant fragrance will make your kitchen smell good in the process.

Tips for Using Vinegar for Pest Control

• Use fresh vinegar. Carpenter notes that this is key given that vinegar’s smell fades quickly. On this note, you will want to mix your sprays right before use, she adds.
• Warm your vinegar. Using vinegar that is warm, although not too hot, is essential in order to break down soft insect eggs on surfaces. This is especially helpful in gnat-prone areas, Carpenter says.
• Combine vinegar with another material. Pair vinegar with soap or oil to make it even more effective. You can also pair vinegar UV or light traps. “Vinegar draws them in, but light traps finish the job, especially for fruit flies at night,” Carpenter says.
• Spray your vinegar. Make the most of your vinegar concoction’s effectiveness by spraying it along ant trails. door frames, and window sills, Carpenter instructs.
• Practice cleanliness. Finally, you should not plan to rely on vinegar alone to keep house flies and other pests out of your living areas. “Vinegar is a great helper, but it works best alongside good cleaning habits and sealing up entry points,” Carpenter says.
• Call a pro if needed. If your house fly situation isn’t improving with the help of vinegar after a week or two has passed, it may be time to call in a professional who can assist you in dealing with a more serious infestation, McKendall explains. After all, he says, vinegar is only meant to be used as “a temporary DIY solution to house flies.”