It can be frustrating having to constantly shoo flies away from your fruit basket in summer, but there is an easy way to get rid of these pesky insects for good. Store-bought fly sprays can provide some temporary relief, but many people do not realise that the chemicals in these products will linger in your home, so it is best to try a more natural method first.
Clare Barker, a property expert from Lovelle has shared a very effective way to keep fruit flies away: have fresh herbs in your kitchen. She said, “Certain herbs, like basil and mint, are natural deterrents for fruit flies. Keeping a small plant in the kitchen can help keep them away.
This method may sound simple, but herbs like mint and basil contain oils known for their strong scent that will interfere with a fruit fly’s ability to sniff out food.
If you place these plants next to a window, they will mask any smells in your kitchen that fruit flies are attracted to and stop them from coming into your home.
Not only do mint and basil confuse fruit flies, but the strong, fresh scent really irritates them, which also helps keep them away.
This is a common technique gardeners use as plants like rosemary and lavender are known to repel pests like slugs, so it will also work in your home to get rid of any annoying flies.
How to keep fruit flies away this summer using herbs
Keeping basil and mint plants in your kitchen is the best deterrent; their smell will be more potent. Most supermarkets sell potted herbs around the fruit and vegetable aisles.
However, if you do not have room, then simply keep some herb sprigs around your fruit bowl, rubbish bin and kitchen sink as they will still have a strong scent that will repel flies.
If you prefer, you can also keep flies away with mint and basil essential oils instead of fresh herbs. Simply mix the essential oils with cold water and place them in an empty spray bottle.
It should be noted that essential oils can be toxic to pets, so it is best to avoid using them and use the plant method instead if you own a cat or dog, as it is more animal-friendly.
Basil and mint are natural repellents for fruit flies, but these insects will keep coming back if you do not address the root cause attracting them to your home.
Fruit bowls are obviously the biggest attraction to these flies, so try covering them with a tea towel and wrapping bananas in tin foil to help dampen the smell.
Rotting food in sink drains and rubbish bins will attract fruit flies, so take five minutes to clean them both out as it will greatly help keep your kitchen insect-free.
Fruit flies will also be scared off by any air movement, so herb plants help by influencing airflow, but using a fan in your kitchen will also keep these pests away all summer.
