Flies are annoying pests that can ruin your driving experience. They can buzz around your ears, land on your food, and even bite you. Flies can also carry diseases and contaminate your car with their droppings.
If you have a fly problem in your car, you may be tempted to use chemical sprays or insecticides to get rid of them. However, these products can be harmful to your health, the environment, and your car’s interior. They can also leave behind unpleasant odors and residues.
Fortunately, there are some natural and safe ways to get flies out of car without chemicals. These methods are easy, effective, and inexpensive. Here are seven of them:
1. Clean Your Car Regularly
One of the main reasons why flies are attracted to your car is because of the food crumbs, spills, trash, and other organic matter that may be inside. Flies feed on these substances and lay their eggs on them. To prevent this, you should clean your car regularly and remove any potential food sources for the flies.
You can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any crumbs or debris from the seats, floor mats, and trunk. You can also wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, console, and windows with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner. Make sure to empty the trash bin and ashtray as well.
You should also wash your car’s exterior with soap and water at least once a week. This will remove any dirt, dust, or pollen that may attract flies. You can also use car wax or polish to make your car shine and repel flies.
2. Use Vinegar Traps
Vinegar is a natural attractant for flies. They are drawn to its acidic smell and taste. You can use this to your advantage by making vinegar traps to catch and kill the flies in your car.
To make a vinegar trap, you will need:
- A small jar or bottle with a narrow opening
- Apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
- A piece of paper or cardboard
Fill the jar or bottle with about an inch of apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension of the vinegar. This will make the flies sink and drown when they land on it.
Roll the paper or cardboard into a cone shape and insert it into the opening of the jar or bottle. Make sure there is a small gap between the tip of the cone and the vinegar. This will allow the flies to enter but not escape.
Place the vinegar trap in your car where you see the most flies. You can put it on the dashboard, cup holder, or floor. Check the trap every few days and dispose of the dead flies.
3. Use Herbs and Spices
Some herbs and spices have strong smells that flies hate. You can use them to repel flies from your car naturally. Some of the most effective herbs and spices are:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Bay leaves
You can use fresh or dried herbs and spices for this method. You can either hang them in bunches from your rearview mirror or place them in small sachets or containers around your car. You can also make a spray by steeping some herbs or spices in hot water and adding some vinegar or alcohol.
Spray this solution on your car’s interior and exterior surfaces to deter flies. You can also spray it on yourself or your clothes before getting into your car.
4. Use Citrus Peels
Citrus peels have a refreshing scent that humans love but flies hate. You can use them to keep flies away from your car naturally. Some of the best citrus fruits for this purpose are:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Grapefruit
You can use fresh or dried citrus peels for this method. You can either place them in small bowls or cups around your car or rub them on your car’s interior and exterior surfaces. You can also squeeze some juice from the peels and spray it on your car or yourself.
Citrus peels will not only repel flies but also deodorize your car and give it a fresh smell.
5. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants that have various aromas and properties. Some essential oils have insecticidal or repellent effects on flies and other pests.
Some of the best essential oils to get flies out of car are:
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Citronella
You can use essential oils in different ways to repel flies from your car. You can either:
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a cotton ball or a piece of cloth and place it in your car where you see the most flies. You can also hang it from your rearview mirror or vent.
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spray it on your car’s interior and exterior surfaces. You can also spray it on yourself or your clothes before getting into your car.
- Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser or an air freshener and plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port. This will create a pleasant aroma that will repel flies and other pests.
You should be careful when using essential oils as they can be potent and cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people. You should also avoid using them on leather, plastic, or painted surfaces as they can damage them.
6. Use Fly Paper or Sticky Traps
Fly paper or sticky traps are strips or sheets of paper or plastic coated with a sticky substance that traps flies and other insects when they land on it. You can use them to catch and kill the flies in your car easily.
You can either buy fly paper or sticky traps from a store or make your own at home. To make your own fly paper, you will need:
- A sheet of paper or cardboard
- Corn syrup or honey
- A string or a wire
Cut the paper or cardboard into strips and coat one side with corn syrup or honey. Make sure the coating is thick and even. Tie a string or a wire to one end of each strip.
Hang the strips from your rearview mirror, window, or ceiling where you see the most flies. The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and get stuck on the sticky surface.
Check the strips every few days and dispose of them when they are full of flies.
7. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices are gadgets that emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but annoying to flies and other pests. They can interfere with the flies’ nervous system and make them flee from your car.
You can either buy ultrasonic devices from a store or online or use your smartphone as one. There are many apps that claim to produce ultrasonic sounds that can repel flies and other pests.
You can plug the ultrasonic device into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port or use your smartphone’s speaker. Place it in your car where you see the most flies. The device will emit sounds that will drive the flies away.
You should be aware that ultrasonic devices may not work for all types of flies and may have varying effects depending on the frequency, volume, and duration of the sound. They may also affect other animals such as dogs, cats, birds, or rodents that can hear ultrasonic sounds.
Conclusion
Flies are annoying pests that can make your driving experience unpleasant. They can also pose health risks and damage your car’s interior.
You don’t have to resort to chemical sprays or insecticides to get rid of them. There are many natural and safe ways to get flies out of car without chemicals.
You can try any of the methods mentioned above or combine them for better results. These methods are easy, effective, and inexpensive. They will not only repel flies but also make your car cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable.
Try them today and enjoy a fly-free ride!
