Lime to Control Flies
Whether you live in a small town, suburb or rural area, flies on your property can be a big problem. Flies are noisy and unpleasant, and some of them pack a nasty bite. Flies also carry disease, so having a lot of them around could even put your health at risk. Lime can be an effective remedy for a fly infestation, especially when combined with other fly-control methods.
Garbage Cans
Sprinkling a circle of lime around your garbage cans is one of the best ways to repel flies and stop them from laying eggs in or around your garbage container. You can also sprinkle a bit of lime on the bottom of the can as a further deterrent.
Stalls and Animal Pens
Many horse owners and farmers lay down a layer of lime in their stalls and animal pens before placing straw or sawdust on top as a bedding. The lime under the bedding can repel flies and reduce the problems they cause. Sprinkling a bit of lime in the stall after each cleaning, and replacing soiled bedding promptly, is another way to prevent the spread of flies around your facility.
Manure Storage Areas
If you keep large animals such as cattle or horses, flies in the area will be attracted to any manure piles on your property. You can reduce the number of flies you encounter by practicing good barn hygiene and proper disposal of manure. Adding lime to the areas around the manure piles can also deter flies, especially when combined with other fly control methods such as spraying and composting. Lay down a layer of lime at the bottom of the area set aside for manure storage, and then sprinkle lime around the manure pile as well.
Combination Approach
While using lime around your property is an effective way to control flies, it is not a panacea. Lime works best in conjunction with other common-sense fly-control measures, such as practicing good hygiene, setting garbage cans well away from the house and cleaning animal pens on a daily basis. Taking a combination approach to the problem is the best way to reduce the number of troublesome flies around your home and property.
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Writer Bio
Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.
