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The sky darkens and the lights come out to glow in the distance. If you ever notice, at certain time of the day, particularly at night, you would see flies hovering around the lights. Why are flies attracted to lights?
Flies and moths are more commonly seen hovering near lights as they are attracted to lights. Scientifically known as positive phototaxis, these pests have positive response to lights. Is this probably the reason why all fly catcher units emit UV light? And is UV light the best way to trap flies? Let’s explore more…
In fact, mosquitoes are another example of pests attracted to lights. Why are these flying pests, especially flies, most attracted to lights? The more commonly believed theory is that flies utilize lights as their source of navigation and direction purpose.
What attracts flies? They are lights!
How does this impact on our everyday life then? With increased usage and many changing out their old lights to the more energy efficient LED lights, more households and businesses are quick to adapt to this lightings trend.
Well, do you know… flies and bugs actually like these LED lights a lot! The intense beams of UV-A from LED lights attract pests particularly the house flies as their eyes are sensitive to light at that wavelength.
By using the same theory to fly control, this is the reason why all fly catcher units have UV light!
The type of lights and spectrum matter as well when comes to pests’ attraction; for example, attraction level of UV blue light is higher. Hence, there are flying insect control units designed to attract and trap flies effectively.
Short term flies repelling and deterring methods
There are some instances where people would attempt to repel these pests by using more yellow, orange and red tone lights. It is important to know repelling and deterring pests are short term quick solution; however these methods do not resolve the root cause of these recurring pests.
Flies have always been considered as a nuisance and annoying pests, here are some useful FAQ you should be aware of.
- Fly has landed on my food and drinks. Can I still consume them?
- There is a pest myth around usinf reflective discs to repel flies. Does it work?
- What are the common flies species we need to know?
- How do we keep flies away?
Engaging professional flies control specialist
We understand operating and labour costs in rising in Singapore, and pest control is a mandatory converage especially in food establishments in Singapore. Adopting a comprehensive flies control solution can help minimise risks of financial impact and regulatory complaince issues such as penalty and points demerits. Find out more on the latest LED Fly Control Technology, that only covers adequate flies protection and catch rate, but delivers energy costs to your business. In fact, for cafes or food businesses that favour outlook and aesthetics, these fly traps comes in colours too!.
However, there is a common misperception that so long as we install a fly trap unit at our premise, and we are safe! The truth is, these traps only takes care of the flying adult flies around, but not the breeding sources, and often found in grease traps and corners of the kitchen. Find out more on controlling those small flies breeding source here.
Call Rentokil Pest Control at (65) 6347 8138 for a safe, effective and affordable fly control solutions.
Flies FAQ
Why are flies attracted to lights?
Flies have a natural attraction to light called the phototaxis that responses to light easily unlike pests such as cockroaches that reacts negatively. Flies also use light for many purposes including for navigation and safety defence reasons.
Are houseflies attracted to blue light?
Yes, houseflies are attracted to blue light. The intense beams of UV-A from LED lights emitting from Rentokil Lumnia Fly Control attract pests particularly the houseflies as their eyes are sensitive to light of a specific wavelength.
How do you get rid of houseflies fast?
The fastest way to get rid of houseflies is to cut off their food supply. Keep your food and drinks stored away and ensure environment is dry from water spills and leaks. Dispose the food scraps, decomposed matters and garbage regularly and remove grease and grime that attracts flies. Keep kitchen door closed at all times to avoid flies flying in and breeding on moist and damp area.
What smells do flies hate?
Flies resent various strong and pungent scents including essential oils of lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and eucalyptus. In addition, they dislike spices such as cinnamon, pepper, basil and ginger.
How do I get rid of a fly infestation in my house?
Flies are often carriers of bacteria, germs, and diseases that are harmful to humans. It requires an integrated approach to get rid of flies by detecting flies infestation signs actively, eliminate food source, adopt sound and effective fly control programme and finally maintain sanitation and housekeeping diligently.
What is the best indoor fly killer?
Effective fly control is by adopting adequate measures to eradicate flies. This includes regular residual spray and foaming around hot spots to eliminate breeding source and installing effective flytrap units with good coverage rate to control adult flies population. Lastly, the number and correct placement of fly unit is important to ensure sufficient coverage in a targeted manner.
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Formulation to control small flies population
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Lumnia - LED fly control
Rentokil lights the way in fly control with LED technology.