When you walk down into your basement and constantly swat away flies while retrieving items, it can be one of the most unpleasant experiences for you.
It becomes even more frustrating when you realize that these flies are a clear indication of hygienic issues that require immediate attention. However, don’t worry! I have compiled a list of simple and effective solutions for the most common reasons why you might be dealing with flies in your basement.
1. Stagnant Pools of Water
One of the primary causes of basement flies is stagnant pools of water. There are various reasons why stagnant water can accumulate around your home. If your house is built on a slope, water can drain down towards your basement, especially if it is a walkout or daylight basement. Additionally, the exit points of your downspouts can collect water, leading to rapid accumulation.
Moreover, stagnant water can result from heavy rainfall, watering your garden, or washing your car.
When water stands still, organic matter begins to accumulate, providing an ideal breeding ground for flies to feed on and reproduce. This will allow these flies to enter your basement easily, causing a truly annoying and uncomfortable situation.
Solutions
To solve the issue of basement flies caused by stagnant water, the first thing to do is to identify the stagnant water source and eliminate it promptly.
Empty out any buckets or containers used for cleaning or gardening immediately after use. Flip them upside down to prevent rainwater from collecting inside and attracting flies.
You need to be aware of your garden watering practices. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to the formation of pools of water. Instead, opt for a watering can, as it dispenses a lesser amount of water compared to a hose.
You need to ensure that your downspouts are directed away from your home’s foundation. Redirecting them as far as possible prevents water from pooling near the foundation and reduces the attraction of flies.
2. The Presence of Trash
Another common reason for basement flies is the presence of trash. If you store your garbage in the basement before taking it out for collection, you may be inviting flies and other pests into your basement.
Decaying food in the trash acts as a magnet for these creatures, providing them with a plentiful food source and an ideal environment for breeding. As the offspring hatch, the larvae thrive by consuming the same decaying food in the trash, causing the problem to rapidly grow.
Solutions
To address the issue of flies caused by trash in the basement, the first step is to keep your trash outside instead of storing it in the basement. This eliminates the potential attraction for flies and prevents them from entering your living space.
To prevent an irritating fly infestation, you have two options: either keep your trash outside the basement or ensure that your trash bag is securely placed in a tightly sealed bin. By implementing either of these measures, you will effectively prevent flies from entering the trash bag and reproducing.
If you had a fly infestation, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the inside and exterior of your trash can after removing the trash. You can use any type of cleaning detergent, but experts suggest using a solution of vinegar and warm water to cure it effectively. Ensure that the trash can is completely dry before refilling it.
Since the flies can easily come to your rotting leftovers, you can prevent flies from being attracted to them, it is advisable to dispose of them either in a garbage disposal or in a separate plastic bag. Ensure that the plastic bag can be easily sealed before disposing of it in an outside bin.
3. Animal Feces
Another factor that can contribute to basement flies is the presence of animal feces. Flies are naturally attracted to anything rotting or decaying, making your golden retriever’s droppings in the summer heat an ideal breeding ground for them to set there and reproduce.
Your dog can choose to relieve itself near the basement window, it creates a prime opportunity for flies to enter. This becomes particularly problematic if you leave the windows open to create a draft, as it allows easy access for the flies.
At times, accidents can also occur inside the house, leading to ‘hidden’ droppings that serve as a warm breeding ground for flies. These flies can quickly spread throughout your home, creating a nuisance.
Keeping your kitten’s litter box in the basement may have seemed like a good idea for keeping it out of sight, but the presence of feces will immediately attract flies into the space.
Solutions
The easiest and most effective solution to prevent basement flies caused by animal feces is to maintain a clean yard. Avoid allowing the feces to accumulate for extended periods, as this provides less time for flies to reproduce and reduces the chances of infestation.
Regularly clean up and replace the kitty litter to prevent continuous fly infestations in your home.
Dedicate a few minutes each day to cleaning up after your pet, as this simple routine significantly helps in preventing the presence of flies in your basement.
4. Undiscovered Animal Carcasses
If you notice an unusual odor in your basement accompanied by a swarm of flies as you go about your laundry, it is possible that there is a hidden dead animal within the space. Unfortunately, locating the exact source of the odor may be challenging for you.
Small animals or rodents may have entered your basement through holes in the outside wall, floor, or drains. Once inside, these animals could become trapped without an escape route or sufficient food, leading to their demise behind drywall or even within pipes.
Flies are naturally attracted to decaying matter as it serves as a food source for them. Once they discover the presence of the carcass, they can rapidly reproduce, posing a potential health risk to your family.
Solutions
To address the issue of undiscovered animal carcasses in your basement, the first step is to inspect any openings in your basement for animal carcasses and remove them immediately. Ensure you wear appropriate protective equipment, such as latex gloves and masks, to safeguard yourself from any potential diseases the animal may have carried.
Place the animal carcass in a plastic bag and tie it securely, minimizing the escape of air. Then, place this bag into another plastic bag and tightly seal it. Dispose of the bag in a closed trash can located away from your home.
Thoroughly clean the affected area with disinfectants to eliminate any remaining contaminants. Depending on the severity of the situation, consider using fans to circulate air and open your basement doors and windows to remove any remaining odor.
After completing the cleaning process, remember to wash your hands thoroughly to maintain hygiene.
5. Dirty Drains
Some flies are specifically attracted to the accumulation of dirt and drain around your home. Whether it’s a dirty drain in your kitchen, where flies are drawn to the buildup of food residue, or in your basement, these areas can become breeding grounds for flies quickly.
Solutions
To prevent flies from being attracted to your dirty drains, it is essential to keep them clean.
Create a solution by combining vinegar and baking soda. Pour this foaming mixture down the drain to remove any accumulated dirt that might be clogging it. Use a piping brush to scrub the drain thoroughly. Additionally, pouring boiling water down the drain a few times a week can help maintain cleanliness
If flies persist despite cleaning efforts, consider using a trusted product like Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains to instantly unclog the drain.
According to experts, you should avoid using pesticides or harmful chemicals in drains as they can flow back into the main water source, potentially harming the living things that live there.
In the kitchen, refrain from disposing of leftover food scraps down the drain. Instead, scrape off any remnants into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it immediately.
6. Stored Food
As we are aware, basements often serve as a convenient storage space for items that you do not want to show or lack sufficient room on the main floors. However, if you store any extra food in the basement, there is a risk of attracting flies, as they are naturally drawn to food sources.
The integrity of container seals can be compromised for various reasons, providing an opportunity for flies to access them and breed. Perhaps your kids removed a cookie from a container and failed to properly close it afterward, or the containers themselves may be aging and no longer seal as effectively as before.
Some individuals also use their basements, or a portion of them, as root cellars to store fresh produce. While the environment is typically well-regulated, even a single decaying potato at the bottom of a crate can lead to issues
Regardless of the cause or the size of the opening, flies only require a tiny entry point into a container to infest it.
Solutions
If you see that your food has been infested with flies, you have to dispose of it instantly as these insects can carry harmful diseases.
To prevent such infestations, it is highly recommended to store food in airtight containers. The Airtight Food Storage Container Set CINEYO offers an affordable option to keep various types of food fresh and protected from pests.
To minimize the availability of food for flies, consider purchasing smaller quantities of food to avoid leaving it unused for extended periods. In the case of root cellars, implement a system to regularly check for spoiled items and ensure proper ventilation.
Furthermore, it is important to inspect shelves and ensure that boxes or containers have not left any crumbs behind, as these can also attract flies.
