A ‘plague’ of flies is swarming UK homes — here’s how to get rid of them

House flies can be annoying at best, unhygienic at worst (Picture: Getty Images) Amid the fourth heatwave of 2026 (so far), UK homes are being invaded by an increasing number of flies. There are a number of reasons for this so-called ‘plague’, but summer climes plays a particularly pivotal role. For one, as temperatures rise, fly eggs can hatch in less than half the time it takes normally. Plus, because flies are cold-blooded, if it gets hotter outside they’re inclined to look for shady and moist spots — like your humble abode — to lay their eggs. The results of this is a house full of pests, and as one female can lay up to 500 eggs within their 30-day lifetime, you’ll need a way to prevent being overrun. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Here’s how to get rid of flies in your house, prevent infestation, and stop them coming back indoors. Keep on top of hygiene While flies in the house aren’t necessarily a sign of a dirty home, ensuring good hygiene is key to stopping their breeding efforts. Good hygiene is crucial in preventing infestations (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Flies typically lay their eggs on moist substances, which means dirty dishes, open bin bags, or any other exposed foodstuffs are all prime targets. Paul Blackhurst, head of technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, says: ‘To help prevent infestations, it’s important to dispose of food waste quickly, cover food compost caddies, and keep kitchen doors and windows screened properly or closed.’ When it comes to food waste specifically, self-described ‘binfluencer’ No1 Binman recommends keeping containers out of direct sunlight. ‘When it starts cooking and heating up, it attracts more flies because of the smell of it, so try and put in the shade,’ he said in a recent Instagram video. ‘And if you want to get rid of some of them, you can put salt in your bin — it’ll also stop the maggots.’ Assess where they’re congregating Because flies thrive on moisture, you’ll typically find that they’re buzzing around in certain spots where this accumulates. It could be a window that gets a lot of condensation, or a puddle left by a leaky tap. Either way, if you take away their moisture source they’re less likely to set up shop in your house. Once you know how they’re getting in, you can also try to cut off the access point. Alongside fly screens, Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, says ‘sealing gaps around windows, and fixing cracks in brickwork’ can make a big difference. Use a vinegar solution If you’re against killing flies, please look away now. According to Paul, a DIY fly trap using vinegar can be a good first defence. Sorry mate (Picture: Getty Images) Fill a shallow dish with an inch of vinegar (apple cider if possible), then add in a tablespoon of sugar and a squirt of fruit-scented washing up liquid. You can leave this uncovered or cover with cling film and poke holes in the wrap. The insects should fly into the bowl — attracted by the scent — and be unable to get out. Buy an electric trap Rather than swatting bugs all day, an electric trap is the best shop-bought method to stop flies in their tracks. Indoor zappers can be bought from most hardware stores, or from specialists like Rentokil. Just ensure you keep them at between four to six feet high and away from windows. This gives you the best chance of catching them. Get advice on pesticides There are plenty of fly sprays and solutions out there but — particularly if you have pets or kids in the home — it’s not a great idea to spray them about willy nilly. This is partly because they can be toxic without adequate ventilation or if ingested, and also because there are a number of different types of fly. Some species, for example, can become resistant to pesticides, while others may be more susceptible to certain types. If in doubt, speak to a pest control specialist. They will be able to identify the specific issue you’re having, and how to do deal with it. For the most part, flies are unhygienic and annoying, but not a severe issue if they buzz in and out. Call in the professionals if you notice swarms of them, though, as it could indicate a bigger pest issue. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch at MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk. Arrow MORE: Nearly 3,000 people in UK die from extreme heat in two months Arrow MORE: Boob sweat is totally normal — so why are women still being shamed for it? Arrow MORE: This is what sleeping with a fan on all night does to your body