How to Clean Fly Spots and Repel Flies, Naturally
Because Who Wants Flies buzzing & Leaving Fly Spots?
Fly spots—those annoying little dark specks on your ceiling, walls, windowsills and downlights—are the last thing you want to deal with when you’re already swatting at the buzzing nuisances. These marks seem to pop up out of nowhere during the last part of summer, and before you know it, you’ve got a fly poop ‘art gallery’ on your hands! But guess what? Getting rid of them is easier than you think! We’re going to show you how to tackle them in just two simple steps, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Ready to reclaim your spotless ceiling? Let’s go!
So, Why do flies leave spots everywhere?
Well, this is gross to think of, but those fly marks that you can see on your walls and downlights are actually deposits of tiny fly poops. Gross right! And don’t they just seem to multiply out of now where? One day you don’t notice them, and the next they are EVERYWHERE! You’re not imagining it, they do multiply! When fly numbers jump up with warm weather so do the deposits. That’s because the average pesky fly buzzing around with plenty to eat, can leave 10 or more(!) spots in just one hour. So it’s no wonder, as summer rolls on and the flies appear on mass, so do their marks.
Why Bother Cleaning Fly Spots?
You might be wondering why it’s important to clean fly spots right away. Aside from the fact that they’re unsightly, fly spots can actually be a health risk. Flies are notorious for carrying germs and bacteria, which they deposit on surfaces, including your food prep areas! Gross, right?
The other thing is fly spots are acidic, which means if they’re left too long, they can damage your paint over time. Those innocent-looking specks can break down your paint, leaving behind permanent marks and unsightly stains that are tough to cover up (even with a fresh coat of paint!). So, it’s not just about keeping your home looking fresh—it’s about keeping it healthy for you and your family too.
How to Safely Clean Fly Spots (Without Wrecking Your Walls)
Now, you might be tempted to reach for the harsh cleaners or scrub like there’s no tomorrow—but hold up! Scrubbing too hard or using abrasive products can damage the surface you are cleaning, especially if you’re dealing with delicate paint finishes like matte or low sheen. The secret? Soapy water.
Here’s why soapy water is your new best friend:
- Safe for all hard surfaces: Whether it’s painted walls, ceilings, or window sills, soapy water won’t harm your surfaces. Soap offers just the right amount of slip to slide safely over surfaces as you wipe without the need for any scrubbing or abrasives.
- Gentle on your skin: When you’re working overhead or spraying close to a surface like a wall, it’s easy to collect a few drips or spray yourself. Soapy water is skin-friendly—no harsh chemicals here! The very last thing you want is a face full of harsh chemicals that can cause damage and irritation.
- Simple and effective: No need for fancy cleaners or dodgy chemicals. Soap might be an old school cleaner but it has the best track-record when it comes to a healthy, clean home. Soapy water quickly softens the fly spots so they release & wipe away easily, leaving your surfaces spotless and undamaged, and zero fumes to make you choke. Castile soap is easy to dilute into an effective cleaning solution – and can be easily used from a spray bottle or from a bucket. The great thing about Figgy’s Home cleaning Castile soap is that it is formulated for cleaning – that makes it just the right mix of safe and effective!
2 Simple Steps to Banish Fly Spots
Step 1: Spray It Down
Reach for your trusty Everyday Spray (which is our soap based general purpose spray cleaner), or our DIY SOS spray (This is a recipe in our DIY cleaning recipe book using our castile soap). Spray those fly spots, making sure the solution coats the surface well. The magic happens when you let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds—just enough time for it to soften those stubborn spots. Who knew letting a cleaner do the hard work could be so satisfying? It’s almost like pressing a reset button on your ceiling!
The great thing about using a natural cleaner like soap is as you spray up high, you’re not going to get a face full of gross toxic spray cleaner.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with a large area, work in sections so the spray doesn’t dry out before you get to wiping it away.
Step 2: Wipe Away
Now that the spray has loosened up the spots, grab a clean cloth and give them a good wipe. The beauty of using the Everyday Spray or SOS spray is that one pass should do the trick, no scrubbing required. Before you know it, your ceiling is looking as good as new—so fresh, so clean!
Pro tip: I really like using our Eco cleaning cloths to do the wiping—they are a spongey cloth that’s super absorbent, use them well wrung out so they leave the surface you are wiping practically dry. They also have a textured back, which gives just the right amount of gentle grip to release the fly marks in one pass.
Then take a moment to enjoy the fresh, spotless look of your ceiling, walls or windowsills. Doesn’t it feel good to see those annoying specks gone? Plus, it didn’t even take that long—just 20 to 40 minutes tops, depending on the area. And now your home feels fresher already, with those unsightly spots a thing of the past. Win-win!
Keeping Flies at Bay: The Natural Alternative to Fly Spray
Now that your ceilings are looking flawless, let’s make sure those pesky flies don’t come back. Here are some easy, natural ways to keep them away:
- Essential Oils: Flies have a strong dislike for certain scents, especially lavender, mint, and eucalyptus. A few drops of these oils around windows, doors, or even your cleaning cloth can help keep them away. Bonus: your home smells amazing!
- Seal the Gaps: Flies love sneaking in through tiny cracks or gaps in windows and doors. Consider installing screens to block their entry, if you haven’t already. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.
- Cover Food and Clean Up: Flies are drawn to food like bees to honey. Be sure to cover any dishes, clean up spills quickly, and keep your bins sealed tightly to avoid tempting them. A clean, tidy kitchen is your best defence against fly invasions.
- Rubbish Bins and Compost: Make sure your bins and compost are located as far away from your house as possible with lids on! It’s amazing how many flies they can attract. If these bins are close to your house, then it’s your kitchen they’ll land in next.
- Picking Up After Your Dog: It goes without saying that flies are attached to dog poop! Regularly cleaning up will make a big difference, reducing the flies in your garden or yard. This means fewer flies near your home.
- Fly Traps: If you’re using a fly trap, make sure it’s positioned well away from your house. While effective, these traps actually attract flies, so set the up away from your house—this will lure them away and stop them from hovering around your home.
- Fly-Repelling Plants: Did you know certain plants naturally repel flies? Consider planting basil, mint, tansy, sweet woodruff, lavender, marigold, rosemary, or feverfew around your home or garden. Not only will these plants keep flies away, but they’ll also make your space look and smell beautiful.
- Grab a swat: Get back to basics! This might be old school, but it’s also amazing for getting out any frustrations! Keep a swat in easy reach in the kitchen and when you have a moment—like when the kettle is boiling, go on a mission to get some flies. The other best time to get your swat out is once you’ve closed up the house for the night—don’t even let those flies get comfy, dispatch them!
Why Fly Spray Might Not Be Your Best Friend
Sure, fly spray is a tempting quick-fix for those buzzing invaders, but it might be doing more harm than good. Most sprays contain synthetic pyrethroids, which, while effective at knocking out flies, can also cause some not-so-fun side effects for you and your family. These chemicals are known to irritate skin and, with repeated exposure, can build up in your system over time. Some people even experience symptoms like nausea or a burning sensation after using them.
And if you think automatic dispensers will solve the problem, think again. Most of that spray never even hits the flies—it just floats around in the air. So, you could end up inhaling more of it than the flies ever do!
Oh, and let’s not forget about the growing resistance in flies. That’s right, these little pests can develop immunity to certain sprays, making them less effective over time. So, while you’re spraying away, those flies might just be getting tougher.
For a healthier and more eco-friendly approach, natural alternatives like essential oils, fly screens, and good old-fashioned fly swats are definitely worth considering!
FAQs: Your Fly Spot Questions, Answered!
- How often should I clean fly spots?
As soon as you spot them and have the time to clean! The longer they sit, the more damage they can do to your paint. A quick wipe with soapy water will save you a lot of hassle later. - Are fly spots harmful to health?
While fly spots themselves aren’t dangerous, flies can carry bacteria. Cleaning them promptly helps keep your home healthy and fresh. - Can fly spots cause permanent damage?
Yes! Fly spots are acidic and can damage and discolour paint if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to clean them off as soon as possible. - What’s the best way to prevent flies from coming inside?
Keep food sealed, clean up crumbs and spills quickly, and use window screens or natural repellents to keep flies at bay. Also clean up after pets, and keep your compost bin away from your house. - Why is soapy water the best cleaning method?
It’s effective, gentle on all surfaces, and safe for your skin—especially when you’re cleaning spots overhead where drips are bound to happen.
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