Fly Control

Fly Control Troubles in Brevard and Indian River Counties

Here in Brevard and Indian River Counties, we know a thing or two about sunshine, beautiful weather, & fly control. But with that beautiful weather comes another visitor we’d rather avoid: flies. These buzzing pests can turn any outdoor gathering into a swatting frenzy and make enjoying your home a challenge.

For many residents, the recent fly issues have been a noticeable change. Brevard County, after experiencing a period of once-a-week trash pickup, saw a significant rise in fly problems. Thankfully, most cities have since switched back to twice-weekly collections, offering some relief.

However, another factor is contributing to the fly population – the rise of backyard chickens. While these feathered friends can be a delightful addition to your homestead, they also attract flies if their coop isn’t properly maintained.

Indian River County, unfortunately, seems to be learning the hard way. With some areas still on a once-a-week trash collection schedule and the backyard chicken trend continuing, residents are experiencing a full-blown fly invasion.

Thankfully, there are ways to fight back and keep these pesky insects at bay.

Traditional Fly Prevention Measures

First, let’s address the tried-and-true methods of fly prevention. Here in Florida, we’re all familiar with the importance of tightly sealed windows and doors. Even the smallest gap can be an invitation for a fly. Ensure your screens are free of holes and fit snugly against the frames. For extra protection, consider adding fly screens to your doors.

Next, eliminate fly breeding grounds. This means keeping your trash cans clean and sealed. Empty them regularly, especially on hot days. Here’s a tip from grandma’s era: freeze any leftover meat scraps or particularly odorous trash until collection day. This will significantly reduce the attractiveness of your garbage bin to flies.

Speaking of trash cans, a handy product called the Terro Garbage Can Guard can be a game-changer. This small disc attaches to the inside of your trash can lid and dispenses a fly repellent for up to 4 months. It’s important to note that this product won’t work for fruit flies, but it can significantly reduce house fly populations breeding in your outdoor can. These guards are readily available and affordable, costing around $10 at stores like Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.

Backyard Chicken Considerations

If you’re part of the backyard chicken craze, here are some additional tips:

• Maintain a clean coop: Regularly remove droppings and replace bedding to prevent fly breeding grounds.
• Manage your food waste: Don’t leave leftover chicken feed or scraps lying around.
• Consider a compost bin: Properly managed composting can be a great way to dispose of food scraps without attracting flies.
• Don’t allow eggs to pile up: These can greatly increase fly activity.

Don’t Let Dirty Dishes Become Fly Magnets

Most of us have found ourselves seated on the dirty dish struggle bus. Dishes piling up after a long day are a pain, but here’s the not-so-secret truth: dirty dishes are a fly buffet. Food residue, especially sugary or sticky messes, is a major attractant for these buzzing pests.

Let’s be honest, we’d all prefer not to spend our evenings swatting flies away while washing dishes. Here are a few tips to minimize the fly appeal of your dirty dishes:

• Rinse everything immedietly: This will remove all food residue and save you from scrubbing later on. This will significantly reduce the amount of fly-attracting residue.
• Load the Dishwasher Daily: If you have a dishwasher, try to run it at least once a day, especially after meals. This will prevent dirty dishes from sitting out and attracting flies.
• Handwashing Dishwater Duty: If you’re handwashing dishes, don’t let dirty dishes linger in the sink. Wash, rinse, and dry them promptly. Consider filling the dishwashing basin with soapy water while you eat to contain any lingering food scraps and deter flies.
• Quick Cleanup: Even if you plan to run the dishwasher later, a quick rinse of your dishes can make a big difference. A quick rinse removes just enough food residue to make your dishes less fly-friendly until they can be properly washed.

Brevard vs. Indian River County: A Tale of Two Trash Schedules

As mentioned earlier, Brevard County’s switch back to twice-weekly trash collection has helped alleviate the fly problem to some extent. Unfortunately, Indian River County is still grappling with the issue due to their once-a-week schedule. Hopefully, they’ll learn from Brevard’s experience and implement a more frequent collection system soon.

It’s important to remember that trash collection schedules can vary by city within each county. Here in Brevard, even neighboring cities have different service providers.

Cities Under Siege: A Look at Fly Hotspots

While the fly issue isn’t uniform across Brevard and Indian River Counties, some cities seem to be experiencing more problems than others. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Brevard County: Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach
• Indian River County: Vero Beach, Sebastian

The Buzz on Pest Control Companies

Here’s a heads-up for our readers: most pest control companies typically don’t cover flying insects like house flies. So, if you call a pest control company about your fly problem, they might not be able to offer a solution.

Conclusion: Taking Back Your Home from the Flies

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can significantly reduce the fly population around your home. Remember, a multi-pronged approach is key. Keep your trash contained, eliminate breeding grounds, and consider using the Terro Garbage Can Guard for added protection.

With a little effort, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy your home without the constant buzzing annoyance of flies. Now, go forth and enjoy that Florida sunshine – fly-free!

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/flies/house_fly.htm

FAQ’s FLY CONTROL