Control the flies without chemicals

Spring has sprung around New Zealand and that means open doors and windows to let the fresh air in.

It also means that some people reach for cans of fly spray or, worse, those automatic dispensers that regularly dose your house with chemicals.  (Not to mention the regular ‘hiss’ of the spray which can be very upsetting to some dogs and that our dogs can smell things we can’t – remember that I only use Fear Free practices).

I’m no fan of chemicals.

A few years ago, a client of mine showed me their temporary fly screen door which they install every year.  It’s quite easy, really.  It comes with tacks and double-sided velcro and strong magnets which close the panels after you walk through it.  Dogs easily learn to walk through the screen, too, which means the panels close behind them as they go in/out (Izzy and her friends that visit have had no problems negotiating the door).

I put my fly screen up about a week ago and it’s made a huge difference.  Here are a couple of photos to show you what it looks like:

The temporary fly screens are available in major hardware stores and through Trade Me at very reasonable prices.

And for windows, good old fashion net curtains help to reduce the entry of flies into your home, too.

So much better than chemicals!

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand