How to Get Rid of House Flies with Cloves

Author Info

Last Updated: June 22, 2023 Approved

While there are many deterrents used to get rid of pesky house flies from your home or other surroundings, cloves are among the most popular. To get rid of house flies with cloves, simply poke 20 to 30 whole cloves into an apple, place the apple in the middle of the area, and watch the flies disappear shortly thereafter. This fix should work both indoors and outdoors.

Steps

Download Article

^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
^{[2]
X
Research source}
You will be amazed to see how all of a sudden all the flies disappear in a short time. They simply hate the subtle smell of the cloves^{[3]
X
Research source} and will never come again to “share your meal" as long as you have this ornamental clove apple on the table. Enjoy your food.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Would this work for fruit flies?

Community Answer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 29
Question

Can I use an orange instead of apple?

Community Answer

Orange has citric acid, but an apple is something different. Therefore, the result would be something different.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 39
Question

Where can I get cloves?

Community Answer

Buy them from your nearest grocery store or farmer's market.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 35

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Clove oil can be used when cleaning as another source of repelling houseflies indoors.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Whole cloves can also be wrapped in small squares of cheesecloth and tied up, then hung wherever the flies are entering the house or hovering, such as in doorways or windows. To release more of the scent, simply squeeze the package now and then.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
There is a fly in your house and you want it out! As the sun goes down, turn off all the lights in the house and turn on the bathroom light. The fly will go to the bathroom where you can swat it.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1