Last Updated on April 9, 2023
Window cleaner does not really kill flies, no matter how many internet tips may suggest otherwise. While some people may suggest using it for this purpose, the reality is that it simply isn’t effective.
Flies are larger and more resilient than most other insects, and window cleaner’s chemical composition of surfactants which increase the surface tension between different substances is not enough to have a fatal effect.
In fact, even ammonia, a substance known for its insect-repelling properties, is ineffective in getting rid of these pesky critters. It can somehow slow them down and irritates them, but it doesn’t kill them.
Ensure all door sweeps are installed correctly to prevent bugs from coming through underneath the door, and seal off any potential entry points around your home with caulk or weather stripping. You can also take steps such as keeping food stored properly in sealed containers and cleaning up spills immediately to reduce overall attractiveness to pests.
For additional protection against bugs, use non-toxic insect traps, sticky flypaper, or natural pest repellents like essential oils. As you can see, window cleaner does not work as a fly killer, but there are definitely other more effective methods that you can use instead.
Take a look at these alternatives if you have been struggling to get rid of flies in your home, and see if one fits your shoes.
The Chemical Composition of Window Cleaners and Its Effectiveness on Flies
Window cleaner is a popular household cleaning product designed to make surfaces clean and shiny. It contains various ingredients, such as surfactants, solvents, ammonia or alcohol, and other ingredients.
- Surfactants lower the surface tension of liquids, which helps them spread easily and evenly across surfaces.
- Solvents dissolve dirt and grime and help the cleaner remain in contact with the surface long enough to do its job effectively.
- Ammonia or alcohol are added for their disinfectant properties, helping to kill any bacteria that may be present on the surface.
- Depending on the manufacturer’s recipe, other ingredients like dyes, fragrances, and preservatives may also be added.
While window cleaner effectively cleans windows and other surfaces, there is some debate over their ability to kill flies. Some sources suggest that it can mildly affect flies when sprayed directly onto them, but many argue that window cleaner has little to no effect on killing flying insects.
They point out that even if sprayed directly onto a fly, it is unlikely that the insect would die immediately due to its size and the fact that most of the chemicals in window cleaners are not neurotoxins or insecticides specifically designed to kill insects.
Ammonia in Window Cleaner and Its Effectiveness on Flies
Ammonia is a common ingredient found in many window cleaners, and its strong, unpleasant smell can help temporarily repel flies. However, it is important to note that ammonia does not directly affect killing flies, as it is not a neurotoxin or an insecticide.
Therefore, while ammonia in window cleaners may be an effective short-term solution for deterring flies from surfaces, it will not provide any long-term benefits for controlling fly populations.
The use of ammonia in areas where food is handled also carries a potential risk of creating toxic fumes when combined with other cleaning chemicals or exposed to heat. Additionally, exposure to ammonia over long periods can lead to respiratory difficulties such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
And the acidity of ammonia can damage surfaces and corrode metals if left on surfaces for extended periods. For these reasons, it is important to take caution when using ammonia-based window cleaners near areas where food is prepared or stored.
Alternatives to Using Window Cleaner to Keep Flies Away
If you are that concerned about getting rid of flies in your home, there are many other more effective methods for doing so rather than relying on window cleaners.
Proper Sealing of Windows and Doors
Properly sealing any gaps and cracks in windows and doors to keep flies away. Sealing these small entryways will prevent the flies from accessing your house.
Luckily, a few tools and materials can help you achieve this goal. Weather stripping and caulk are two of the most effective solutions for sealing window and door frames from pests.
Weatherstripping is a flexible material applied to window and door frames to create a better seal against outside air exchange. This provides additional protection against pesky insects and can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Caulk is another great solution for sealing gaps in windows and doors. It’s a pliable material to fill small openings, preventing air infiltration and insect intrusion.
When applying weather stripping or caulk, press firmly into place, creating an effective seal along the entire frame of your window or door; even the tiniest gap should be sealed tightly.
Installation of Screens on Windows and Doors
Another great way to keep flies away from your home is by installing screens on windows and doors. The type of screens available vary depending on the size of opening they’re meant for, such as metal mesh screens for standard-sized openings or fiberglass mesh screens for larger ones, but all serve the same purpose: providing a physical barrier between outside air exchange and inside living spaces.
When installed correctly, the screen provides adequate coverage across all sides of the window or door frame without leaving any gaps where insects can pass through; mission accomplished!
Proper Food Storage and Cleanliness
Food storage and cleanliness are essential for keeping flies away from your home or workspace. Storing food in airtight containers can help prevent odors that attract flies, and refrigerating perishable items will keep them fresher, for longer.
You should also immediately clean up any food spills or debris to reduce the chances of attracting flies. Regularly wiping down surfaces with soap and water can also help reduce the number of flies in the area.
It’s important to keep trash cans tightly sealed so that odors don’t attract flies.
Air Curtains
Air curtains create an invisible barrier that prevents them from entering by blocking off their path into a room or building. Air curtains also provide an additional layer of protection against outside pests through their continuous flow of air, creating a pressure gradient between the inside environment and the outdoors.
Fly Traps
Fly traps are designed to lure in flies using bait like sugars and acids, which then get stuck on a sticky adhesive surface when they go in for the bait. You can find traps specifically designed for outdoor or indoor use, depending on your needs.
In addition to being relatively inexpensive, fly traps are also relatively safe for humans and animals since they don’t involve toxic chemicals or sprays that could harm you if inhaled or ingested accidentally by people or pets near the trap site.
Sprays and Baits
In addition to traditional fly traps, sprays, and baits are available on the market that can help reduce fly populations around your property as well. These products typically include toxic chemicals like pyrethrins, sulfur dioxide, and permethrin, effectively killing flying insects when used properly according to manufacturer instructions.
While these products may be effective at eliminating existing adult flies, they won’t necessarily prevent new generations of flies from entering into areas where you’ve sprayed them so it’s important to stay vigilant about inspecting potential entry points often if you’re relying on this method of fly control exclusively.
Electronic Insect Repellents
Electronic insect repellents are a great option for keeping flies away. They work by emitting ultrasonic sound waves that are unpleasant to insects but inaudible to humans.
The sound waves create an uncomfortable environment for the pests and drive them away. This type of electronic pest control is very effective in controlling bothersome and disease-spreading pests like flies.
Different types of electronic insect repellents are available on the market, including plug-in models that plug into any standard outlet, portable devices that can be taken with you while traveling or camping, and outdoor systems which cover large areas. Some models also feature LED lights that attract and zap flying insects like flies on contact.
No matter what device you choose, it’s important to ensure that it is designed specifically for the type of pest you’re trying to repel.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can effectively keep flies away without using chemical sprays or other harsh treatments. Essential oils such as lavender can create a pleasant scent in your home while deterring pesky flies from entering.
Add a few drops of essential oil to an oil diffuser or spray bottle filled with water and spritz around problem areas like doorways and windowsills to prevent flies from entering. Citronella candles can also be used outside; these will help provide a pleasant scent while simultaneously driving away annoying insects like flies when lit.
Other natural fly repellents include garlic, basil, mint, and lemongrass, all of which have strong odors that will help keep the pesky pests away without resorting to chemicals or harsh treatments.
Home-Made Fly Trap
Homemade traps with apple cider vinegar and dish soap can also attract and trap flying insects like flies. The vinegar attracts the flies while the dish soap helps to keep them stuck in the solution once they land on it.
These traps should be placed away from any openings and regularly emptied of trapped flies to ensure effectiveness.
Venus Fly Traps
Venus fly traps are plants with modified leaves that have evolved to capture and digest insect prey as a source of nutrition. Venus fly traps are an excellent option for getting rid of flies as they will attract and trap them without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Venus fly traps should be placed in sunny, humid locations and should be provided with plenty of moisture and insects to feed on.
Good Hygiene
Let’s not forget the importance of preventing fly infestations in the first place by practicing good hygiene and sanitation around the house. This includes cleaning up food particles, spills, and crumbs immediately to reduce overall attractiveness to pests.
Keeping garbage cans tightly covered and out of sight from potential pests.
Can you kill fly with Windex?
Windex is not an effective way to kill flies. Flies have a hard exoskeleton that makes it difficult for chemical solutions like Windex to penetrate and kill them.
The most effective way to get rid of flies is to use fly traps or insecticides specifically designed to target flying insects. Additionally, you can try using natural home remedies such as clove buds, apple cider vinegar, or essential oils.
Does Dawn dish soap get rid of flies?
Using Dawn dish soap to get rid of flies is an effective and easy solution. The soap breaks down the protective outer coating of the fly, leading to its death or incapacitation. When using this method, fill a bowl with water, add a few drops of Dawn dish soap and set it near high-traffic fly areas.
The flies will be attracted to the water because they need it to stay hydrated, but once they come into contact with the soap-infused water they will drown or become trapped in the surface tension. This method is particularly useful for outdoor areas such as decks and patios where traditional chemical insecticides may not be ideal.
Window Cleaner: A Safe and Effective Window Cleaning Solution, But Not a Fly Repellent or Killer
In conclusion, window cleaner is an effective cleaning product for windows and other surfaces. While it has been known to kill flies in some cases, there is still much debate over its effectiveness as a fly repellent or killer. Temporary relief may be experienced when spraying the window cleaner on fly control surfaces, but it is not a long-term solution.
To be safe, you should always use insecticides specifically designed to target flying insects, such as flies, when attempting to eliminate them from your home or business space.
Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself from these pesky pests is by preventing them from entering your property in the first place with screens on doors and windows and regular maintenance of outdoor areas where they may lurk.
With a combination of these preventative tactics, you should be able to reduce the number of fly infestations in your home or business space.