Can you paint over fly poop?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

You can technically paint over fly poop, but it is not a long-term solution to the problem. Fly poop, also known as fly spots or fly specks, can be quite frustrating to deal with, as they can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Many homeowners may think that painting over these marks will solve the problem, but unfortunately, that is not the case.

One of the main reasons why painting over fly poop is not effective is that these marks often burn back through the new paint. This means that over time, the fly spots will become visible again, even if you have covered them up initially. This can be quite frustrating, as it means that you will have to continually touch up and repaint the affected areas to maintain a clean appearance.

Furthermore, fly poop can be quite persistent, and even if you manage to paint over it successfully, the flies will continue to leave new marks. The average housefly poops every five minutes, meaning that they can literally distribute hundreds of fly spots all over your house in a single day. So, while painting over existing fly poop may temporarily improve the appearance, it will not prevent new spots from appearing.

To truly address the issue of fly poop, it is important to focus on eliminating the flies themselves. This can be done through various means, such as keeping your house clean and free of food sources that attract flies, using fly traps or fly paper, or even considering professional pest control services if the infestation is severe.

In addition to addressing the root cause of the problem, there are also steps you can take to clean and remove existing fly spots before painting. This can involve using a mild detergent or cleaning solution to gently scrub the affected area, being careful not to damage the surface. It may also be helpful to use a primer before painting, as this can help to seal the area and prevent the fly spots from bleeding through.

While it is technically possible to paint over fly poop, it is not a long-term solution to the problem. The fly spots may burn back through the new paint, and new spots will continue to appear as long as the flies are present. To effectively deal with fly poop, it is important to address the underlying issue of the infestation and take steps to eliminate the flies from your home.