How to Get Rid of That One Annoying Housefly
It kind of reminds me of that movie “Man vs. Bee.”
In the movie, Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr Bean) plays a man stuck in a house with one small bee—and it turns into a big mess. He tries everything to get rid of it, and ends up destroying almost everything around him. All because of one insect.
That’s how it feels with a housefly sometimes. Just one fly buzzing around your home can feel like too much. It lands on your food, flies near your ear, then disappears the moment you try to catch it.
Here’s how to deal with it—without losing your mind.
Why is the fly here?
Houseflies come inside for a few reasons:
- Open doors or windows (especially without screens)
- Food left out in the open
- Trash that’s uncovered
- Dirty dishes or spills
- Pet food or litter boxes
It doesn’t take much. Just a small smell or a bit of warmth and they’re in.
Simple ways to get rid of it
1. Trap it in a cup
If it’s sitting on a window or surface, gently place a cup or glass over it, then slide paper underneath. Carry it outside and let it go.
2. Make a vinegar trap
Get a jar. Pour in apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Flies will fly in and won’t get out.
3. Use a fan
Flies aren’t strong fliers. If you set a fan near a window or in the kitchen, it’ll keep them from flying around that area.
4. Spray with soapy water
Mix water and a little dish soap in a spray bottle. One spray can bring the fly down quickly, making it easier to remove.
5. Cover food and take out trash
Put food away right after meals. Keep trash covered, especially in the kitchen. Even crumbs or a bit of juice can attract flies.
6. Close windows or use screens
Keep doors and windows closed if possible. If they need to stay open, use mesh screens to stop flies from coming in.
Keep them out for good
Once you get rid of one, you don’t want more showing up. Here’s how to help prevent that:
- Wipe down counters daily
- Rinse out recycling and food containers
- Keep drains clean
- Store fruit in the fridge, not on the counter
Houseflies are small, but they can be a real bother. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to stop them—just some care and quick action. No need to chase them around. Just stay calm and deal with them smartly.