Flies can be a real nuisance in homes, but a simple 10-second daily task of pouring boiling water down the sink drain can banish them, according to journalist Katherine McPhillips. Having battled a significant fly problem this summer, she found that the key was targeting the sink drain, which provides an ideal breeding ground for flies due to its warm, damp environment and food debris.
Why Sink Drains Attract Flies
Flies are drawn to the odour of rotting food, and sink drains often contain grease and food particles that attract them. The hidden nature of drains makes it easy for an infestation to go undetected, allowing flies to lay eggs and multiply rapidly. McPhillips caught her infestation within the first day and discovered that pouring boiling water down the drain for just a few seconds destroys any flies or larvae and helps shift grease from pipes.
Simple and Chemical-Free Solution
McPhillips strongly dislikes using insect sprays indoors due to concerns about inhaling toxic fumes and chemicals lingering on surfaces. Instead, she adopted a 10-second morning routine of pouring boiling water down the sink, which has kept flies away. She can now leave windows open without insects invading her home. Occasionally, she pours soda crystals down the drain followed by water to naturally break down grease and prevent blockages.
Additional Tips to Keep Flies Away
McPhillips also ensures no grease, food debris, or anything else is left in the sink overnight. She uses an apple cider vinegar trap near the fruit bowl and on windowsills, which works best when windows are open. She stores fruit in the fridge and replaces the bin bag daily. Since implementing these methods, no insects have been in her home, even during July, the peak season for flies.
According to McPhillips, the boiling water method is most effective when windows are shut, while the vinegar trap works well with open windows. Combining these simple steps has proven remarkably successful at deterring flies.
