Keeping My Home Fly-Free: DIY Solutions for Busy Moms

I'm a busy mom with two young, energetic kids who are constantly running in and out of the house. While I love their energy and playfulness, what I don't love are the flies that often come buzzing in with them. So, I've made it my mission to find natural and kid-friendly ways to keep those pesky flies away from our home. Here's a peek into my DIY fly-repelling journey, complete with three homemade fly repellent sprays, a fun flypaper project, and my trusty apple cider vinegar trap.

1. DIY Fly Repellent Sprays:

Option 1: Citrus Burst Spray

As a mom, I always have a bunch of citrus fruits around for snacks. To create a simple fly repellent spray, I use the peels from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.

Ingredients:

• Citrus peels (from 2-3 fruits)

• Water

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Collect the peels and place them in a pot of water.

2. Simmer the pot on low heat for about 20 minutes.

3. Let the mixture cool, strain it, and pour it into a spray bottle.

4. Spray this citrusy goodness around the house, especially near doors and windows.

The fresh, zesty scent keeps those flies at bay while giving your home a lovely aroma.

Option 2: Herbal Eucalyptus Spray

Eucalyptus not only smells fantastic, but it's also a natural fly repellent. This spray is perfect for our home.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

• Water

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Add the eucalyptus essential oil to the spray bottle.

2. Fill the bottle with water.

3. Shake well to mix the oil and water.

4. Spray this concoction around entrances and wherever flies seem to gather.

I find the herbal scent refreshing, and the flies decidedly do not.

Option 3: Sweet Vanilla Spray

This one's a hit with my little ones because it smells like cookies! Plus, it's super easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1 cup of water

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix the vanilla extract with water in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well before using.

3. Spray it near doors, windows, and anywhere flies sneak in.

My kids think it smells like baking cookies, and I'm happy to have fewer flies in our home.

2. Homemade Flypaper:

This project is a fun DIY for the kids and a great way to catch those pesky flies.

Ingredients:

• Brown paper or cardboard

• 1/4 cup of sugar

• 1/4 cup of honey

• 1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Cut strips of brown paper or cardboard.

2. Mix the sugar, honey, and water to create a sticky solution.

3. Dip the strips into the solution, making sure they're well-coated.

4. Let them dry for a bit.

5. Hang the homemade flypaper strips near fly-prone areas.

The kids enjoy making these, and we all love watching the flies get caught in our DIY traps.

3. Lemon and Cloves Trick:

Another simple trick we use is placing sliced lemons with cloves stuck in them on a plate or in a bowl near our doors and windows. Not only does it keep flies away, but it also adds a refreshing scent to our home.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap:

For those pesky flies that just won't go away, I set up an apple cider vinegar trap. Here's how:

Ingredients:

• A jar or cup

• Apple cider vinegar

• Plastic wrap

• A rubber band

• A toothpick

Instructions:

1. Fill the jar or cup with apple cider vinegar.

2. Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.

3. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick.

4. Place the trap near fly-frequented areas.

The flies are attracted to the vinegar, crawl through the holes, and can't find their way out.

So there you have it, my fellow busy moms! These DIY solutions have made a significant difference in keeping our home fly-free, even with our little ones running in and out. Plus, they're natural and safe, so I can focus on creating a healthy and happy environment for my family. Cheers to a fly-free home and more time to enjoy with our kiddos!