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It’s a warm summer day and you step into your home to the smell of…something. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but it smells like something died. You start to follow the smell until you reach the source: the cat litter box.
You open the lid to find a swarm of flies. But how did they get there? And more importantly, how do you get rid of them?
One of the most frustrating things about litter boxes is dealing with flies. It seems like no matter how often you clean the box, there are always a few flies hanging around. So, what attracts flies to cat litter boxes? And more importantly, how can you keep them away?
If you have a cat, you’re probably all too familiar with the never-ending battle to keep their litter box clean. While it may seem gross that your cat’s litter box could be attracting flies, bugs and even roaches it’s a pretty common problem.
Let’s take a look at how cat litter boxes can attract flies and what you can do to get rid of them.
Why are there flies in my cat’s litter box?
- If the box is not cleaned frequently enough, the litter can become soiled and moist. That would be a draw for fly species like vinegar flies and flesh flies.
- Your cat’s diet is too high in protein
- You’re not scooping the litter box often enough
- You are not using a covered litter box.
- You are not using the right type of litter.
Why do flies like cat litter boxes?
There are a few reasons why flies might be attracted to cat litter boxes.
- The boxes are often located in warm, humid places, which is ideal for fly breeding.
- Second, the boxes contain food waste and other organic matter, which is a perfect food source for flies.
- The litter itself can provide shelter and hiding places for flies.
- Another possibility is that the flies are attracted to the smell of the litter box itself. Cats have a very strong sense of smell, and their litter boxes can often be quite smelly to humans. The flies may be simply attracted to the strong smell of the litter box.
How do I keep flies away from my cat’s litter box?
- The best way to reduce fly attraction is to cover the litter box with a lid. This will keep the waste inside and keep the flies away from it. Alternatively, get a covered box.
- You should scoop it out regularly. At least once a day, and preferably twice a day, you should remove all the solid waste from the litter box. This will help to keep the fly population down, as well as keep the box cleaner and more pleasant for your cat.
- Keep their litter box clean. Not only is it important for hygiene reasons, but it will also help to keep your home free of flies. Make sure to empty the litter box regularly and clean it with a mild soap and water solution.
- Keep the cat’s box in a well-ventilated area. If the litter tray is kept in an area with little or no ventilation, the flies will be attracted to the smells coming from the box.
- At least once a week, you should scoop out the waste and dispose of it properly.
- Cover the litter boxes with a tight-fitting lid or use a privacy screen.
- You can also try using an insecticide around the perimeter of the litter box area
- Get a self-cleaning box
- Use flypaper or traps around the box
- Line the box with baking soda. Place a drop or two of essential oil on the baking soda then add one tablespoon of vinegar to the baking soda.
Should I use plastic or paper litter for fly resistance?
Plastic litter is often treated with chemicals that help to repel flies. However, these chemicals can also be harmful to your cat if they ingest them.
Paper litter, on the other hand, is completely natural and won’t pose any health risks to your feline friend.
Another factor to consider is that paper litter is more absorbent than plastic, so it will do a better job of containing any odors. If you’re worried about your cat’s litter box being too smelly, paper litter is the way to go.
Should I use insecticide to keep the flies away?
In theory, coating the inside of the litter box with insecticide would work. However, it poses a risk to your cat.
The cat might scratch or lick its fur off after rubbing against the wall in the box. That would deliver a dose of the poison into its system.
Furthermore, cats have a much more sophisticated sense of smell than we do. They can detect chemicals we can’t. They might not die from exposure to insecticides, but it will affect their sense of well-being.
Avoid using air fresheners as well.
Do cat litter boxes attract bugs?
There is some evidence that cat litter boxes can attract bugs. A study in 2012 found that cockroaches were attracted to cat litter, possibly because of the warmth and darkness of the kitty box.
Other studies have found that gnats are also attracted to cat litter. However, it’s not clear how big of a problem this is, or how often it happens.
Some types of cat litter, such as those made from clay, are more likely to attract bugs than others. Additionally, how often the litter box is cleaned out can also affect whether or not bugs are attracted to it. If the litter box is not cleaned regularly, then it is more likely that bugs will be attracted to it.
How do I keep maggots out of my litter box?
Maggots are fly larvae that are attracted to rotting organic matter, such as garbage or rotting food. If you find maggots in your litter box, there is likely some decomposing matter in there that is attracting them. Maggots thrive in dirty environments, so it’s important to keep the litter box clean.
The best way to keep maggots out of your litter box is to keep it clean and free of decomposing matter. This means scooping out solid waste regularly and changing the litter completely every few days.
If you find that maggots are still a problem, you can try adding a layer of diatomaceous earth to the bottom of the litter box. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae and it is effective at killing maggots.
Use a covered litter box. A covered litter box will help to keep flies out, and therefore, will reduce the risk.
How to deep clean a cat litter box
Deep cleaning of a cat’s litter box is important to maintain its hygiene and cleanliness.
The first step is to scoop out the solid waste daily. Then, once a week, empty the entire litter box and wash it with soap and water. Be sure to rinse the litter box thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. Once it is dry, refill it with fresh litter.
Conclusion:
There are a variety of reasons why flies might be attracted to your cat’s litter box, but there are also a few things you can do to help deter them. Be sure to keep the litter box clean, empty it regularly, and cover it when it’s not in use. You might also want to try a different type of litter or litter box. If all else fails, you can always consult a professional to help you get rid of the flies.