Flies can be a nuisance at almost any time of year, but you might see them buzzing around your bins in greater numbers in the summer.
Not only are the warmer months the height of their life cycle, but they’re also attracted to rotting food, and the waste you throw away will break down and decompose faster in the heat. It doesn’t take long for a couple of flies to turn into an infestation, so getting rid of them as quickly as possible is vital.
Thankfully, though, one home expert has said there’s an easy hack that keeps flies away with almost no effort, just by adding a couple of items to the bottom of your bin.
In a TikTok video shared by Don, who regularly posts home, health, and wellness hacks on his account, he claimed that by adding cayenne pepper and cinnamon to the bottom of your bin, you could keep flies away.
What’s more, he even said the trick works to repel mice too, so it can be an excellent trick for your indoor bins and your outdoor wheelie bin if you don’t want pests nibbling at your waste.
Flies in particular hate spicy smells, so they will avoid cayenne pepper. However, you should be careful when using it around your home as the spicy scent can cause sneezing or eye irritation in humans.
Handle your rubbish with care to protect the bin men from potential dust hazards. Stashing it inside a tied-up wheelie bin liner on collection day is a smart move that keeps everything, including any added spices, securely wrapped up.
The aroma of cinnamon can deter flies just as well, yet it’s milder than cayenne pepper and thus more manageable for humans. Should the stronger scent of cayenne not be to your liking, consider using just cinnamon to fend off those pesky flies.
Don shared numerous other nifty tips in his video for keeping a whole host of bothersome bugs at bay. He touted that peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls on windowsills drive away pesky spiders and ants, while tucking bay leaves into pantry shelves is said to thwart invading moths.
Viewers couldn’t help but express their gratitude for these savvy solutions, with an outpouring of relief from those pestered by insects at home.
One viewer was eager to test the peppermint oil against spiders: “Thank you for the information! I’m trying the peppermint oil for spiders immediately.” Meanwhile, another intended to combat their ant annoyance: “Trying the peppermint oil one for ants, thank you!”
How to keep flies out of your home
1. Keep Doors and Windows Closed or Screened
- Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors.
- Repair any holes or tears in existing screens.
- Close doors quickly and avoid leaving them open unnecessarily.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Don’t leave pet food out for long periods.
- Take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
3. Remove Breeding Sites
- Clean drains and garbage disposals regularly.
- Don’t let fruit or vegetables over-ripen on counters.
- Empty and clean recycling bins frequently.
4. Reduce Attractants
- Avoid leaving standing water in sinks, buckets, or trays.
- Clean up pet waste in your yard promptly.
- Move compost bins away from doors and windows.
5. Use Natural Repellents
- Place basil, mint, or bay leaves near windows and doors – flies dislike these scents.
- Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or citronella can help deter flies.
6. Outdoor Maintenance
- Keep outdoor garbage cans sealed and away from doors.
- Clean up fallen fruit and animal waste in the yard.