Summer days, while a welcomed sight, can often bring unwanted guests buzzing into our homes. The hum of houseflies can be annoying and can often get in the way as they fly around our bins and land on any fresh fruit and food that might be out.
But before you reach for those harsh chemical sprays that often come with an intense smell, some natural methods might actually have some surprising fly-repelling powers, and you might already have them lying around. Not only can their buzz be annoying, but they can also have some drastic risks to your health. Flies can transfer bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli around your kitchen and keeping them away can be particularly important in keeping your kitchen clean.
Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop has shared her expert tips on how to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.
Forget chasing blue bottles around with a swatter or lying strips of sticky traps all along your windowsills, these five natural remedies can create that invisible shield that keeps those flies away.
Thorogood’s first natural remedy comes in a spicy form with a homemade spray made from some chilli powder you may already have hiding in your spice cupboard. She suggests mixing one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of water in a spray bottle.
Give your doorways and windows a quick spray down and the spicy smell is set to keep any unwanted flies outside.
The next solution comes from a special plant that many of us may already have growing in our gardens.
Sophie said: “Growing lavender outside, keeping a bouquet indoors or using lavender essential oil near doors and windows will naturally discourage flies.”
The third method can also help to reuse something that was destined for the bin but can have handy use elsewhere in the home.
Reusing the peel from any leftover lemons, limes and oranges can help to deter any buzzing guests. Simply stick them on a plate and leave them in any area of your home where flies gather.
The pest control expert also suggests creating a simple fly trap from apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid.
All you have to do is mix the two liquids in a covered glass with some small holes that can lure in bluebottles and keep them trapped.
Another one for the homecooks, growing a basil plant can not only be great to add to your tomato sauces, but also deter those pesky flies.
She added: “Basil is not only a great addition to your kitchen but also an effective fly repellent. Keeping a pot near windows or entryways helps reduce fly activity indoors.”
