Flies are filthy and transmit many diseases.
Although it's impossible to eliminate every fly from the face of the earth, you can minimize the harm they do with these practical steps.
Keep your home and surroundings clean.
Don't use open spaces, yards and vacant lots as toilets.
Get rid of garbage properly.
Cover outdoor garbage containers with a tight lid to discourage flies and other insects from breeding there.
Wash them frequently as the need arises.
In the absence of a garbage disposal system, burn, bury or recycle garbage.
Screen your home to prevent the entry of flies and other insects.
Repair holes in door or window screens promptly.
Maintain a sanitary toilet and dispose of feces properly.
The toilet should be separated from eating and cooking areas.
In the absence of toilets or latrines, defecate away from houses, paths, and water supplies and bury the feces immediately.
Clean animal sheds, stables and pig pens regularly.
Wash hands with soap and water after defecating, before handling food, and after cleaning a baby or child who has just defecated.
Drink only municipally-treated water.
If that's not available, boil water for a few minutes to eliminate germs.
Keep the boiled water in a clean container.
Cook food properly and keep it covered.
Don't eat in places where food is constantly exposed to flies.
Once flies are inside the house, use a fly swatter or fly paper to get rid of them.
Clean the swatter from time to time and wash your hands afterwards.
Fill up areas where stagnant water accumulates.
(Tomorrow: Diseases from roaches.
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