Many of us welcome the arrival of warmer seasons. Warmer seasons mean outdoor gatherings with friends and family are just around the corner. But, while we daydream about BBQs and summer games, a group of uninvited party crashers plots their attack. In this article, we will discuss some options for the best biting fly bait on the market. So, stay tuned!
I’m talking about flies! Of all the common pests, flies are some of the most annoying and difficult to get rid of. They crop out of nowhere, attracted by the smell of people and food. They circle our heads, taunting us and distracting us from our good time.
No one wants to have a gathering ruined by a swarm of unsightly flies, or worse, be remembered as the relative or neighbor who has a fly problem. Luckily, there are some simple ways to avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of flies, both non-biting and biting.
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Know your Enemy
Did you know there are different types of flies? Understanding what type of flies are ruining your good time is the first step to choosing the best fly bait on the market. For our purposes, we will divide flies into two camps: non-biting and biting.
Non-Biting Flies
Non-biting flies are commonly seen buzzing around trash or excrement because that’s where they breed. When temperatures rise, waste decays more quickly, which attracts non-biting flies. Non-biting flies are usually small, about the size of a kernel of corn, and are generally slow fliers.
All baits, traps, and papers work, albeit to varying degrees, against non-biting flies.
Biting Flies
Biting flies, you guessed it, bite. These flies, such as the deer and horse varieties, bite animals, including humans. Biting flies, unlike non-biting flies, are attracted to animals because they use blood to breed. Flies that breed on filth are gross and can ruin a meal, but their larger, louder counterparts, biting flies, can cause physical harm.
Biting flies are unique. They are not attracted to things like food, garbage, or filth. Not all baits, traps, and papers work against biting flies because of their unique character.
Different Types of Pest Control for Flies
There are a variety of fly baits, traps, and papers on the market that range in price and efficacy. In general, a good fly control should be economical, easy to install, and effective.
Certain fly traps and baits only attract one type of fly. If you are unsure about what type of flies you have in your area, run a quick google search to ensure you purchase the correct type of bait.
Insecticides
An insecticide is a chemical substance that kills insects, such as flies or spiders. They are typically liquid sprays applied to surfaces where pests are known to congregate. Insecticides such as Permethrin can function as both non-biting and biting fly bait.
They are considered to be the most effective form of fly control, however, there is a caveat. All insecticides carry some risk of adverse chemical reactions if used incorrectly. In rare cases, correct use can trigger allergies or adverse reactions in pets and humans.
Insecticides can be an effective form of fly control when used responsibly. Please consult the directions on the back of the insecticide before use. You can also contact a professional exterminator to apply insecticide for you.
Never use fly insecticide on food or surfaces where food is prepared or stored.
Pros of Insecticides
- Potency
- Can protect a large area
- Ability to spot treat
Cons of Insecticides
- Can be dangerous to children and pets
- Can be expensive
Stations and Papers
- Controls all flying insects: traps houseflies, mosquitoes and other flying insects
- Sticky fly paper: once insects land, they never leave
- Use indoors and outdoors: for long-lasting protection, use anywhere flying insects are a nuisance
Stations and tapes use bait, usually in the form of a liquid or gel pheromone, to attract flies. When flies land on paper (or tape as it is sometimes called), they become stuck, which leads to their death. Black Flag Fly Paper is a popular pest control solution with thousands of positive reviews. Please note that flypaper or tape does not work as biting fly bait.
Stations work similarly to tapes in that they trap flies, but have the added benefit of masking the unsightly appearance of fly tape hanging around the house or yard. Some stations come with bait, while others require separate purchases of granular fly bait. Golden MARLIN Fly Bait is a popular bait that kills both biting and non-biting flies.
Bait stations and tapes are great solutions for homeowners looking for a hands-off approach to pest control.
Pros of Using Fly Bait Stations and Paper
- Economical start-up cost
- Low maintenance
- Works as both non-biting and biting fly bait
- Kills flies quickly
Cons of Using Fly Bait Stations and Paper
- Can be dangerous if used around pets or small children
Light Traps
- PROFESSIONAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT OUTDOOR: Bug zapper outdoor. The electronic mosquito killer use a high-effective ultraviolet light to attract...
- SAFE FOR HUMANS AND PETS: Our bug zapper no more pesticides or potentially harmful sprays. Non-irritating odor, non-toxic and harmless to humans. We...
- FREE YOUR HANDS: Hanging hoop make it convenient to hang on the tree, porch and everywhere you want. The flat bottom also makes it stable on the table...
Light traps attract flies using UV light. When flies get close to the light, a small electric current zaps them, effectively killing them. There are a variety of light traps on the market, but the most effective has a tray that catches the flies once they are zapped.
Light traps are a common solution to outdoor fly problems. The light from the trap not only kills flies but helps us see. In general, light traps work best for localized pest problems because flies are only attracted to light when they are close to it.
VANELC’s Bug Zapper is a popular light trap that attracts more than just flies, which is a nice bonus.
Pros of Light Traps
- Can be used to control many different pests
- Effective for local problems
- Low maintenance
Cons of Light Traps
- Expensive
- Ineffective for large-scale infestations
What Type of Fly Control Should I Use?
- CATCH PESKY BUGS: Trap mosquitoes, gnats, flies, horse fly, housefly, nat, lantern fly, knat, and many other irritating flying insect with this...
- PROTECT YOUR HOUSE: Hanging hook lets you place the trap anywhere near common bug infested areas in your home to lure, and catch all pests. Try...
- THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Perfect for porches, garage, patios, gardens, stable, lawn, chicken coop, and any popular hotbeds for flying insects to keep them...
The first thing to consider when deciding on a fly control solution is safety. If you have pets or small children, you will want to limit the use of chemicals in and around your home. Most retail chemicals are designed to be safe when used around humans and pets, still, freak accidents do happen. Do you want a trip to poison control on top of your biting fly problem?
Always err on the side of caution. Flypaper, bait stations, and light traps are all effective forms of fly control that pose minimal risk to pets and children.
If you don’t have pets or children, then consider using an insecticide. Insecticides are a great fly control solution because they work as both non-biting and biting fly bait. Insecticides are also versatile, they can be used to treat a problem spot or coat an entire area.
If you can’t decide on a fly control method, combine a few. Hang some flypaper by your light trap or put a bait station near your trash, but spray the patio with insecticide. Whatever approach you use to control your fly problem, be sure to read the directions on the products you use.
When All Else Fails…
Contact a professional. While there are plenty of fly baits, traps, and papers to use, sometimes our problems are unique and require the guidance of a professional. If you are a homeowner with a large-scale infestation or a complicated situation, do not hesitate to contact your local exterminators.
Key Takeaways
- As pests, flies are divided into two camps: biting and non-biting.
- The best fly bait to use depends on the size of your problem, budget, and comfort level around chemicals.
- In addition to bait, flies can be controlled with light traps and insecticides.
CLICK HERE to shop our complete selection of non-toxic pest control options!
