As the mercury rises, many Brits find their homes invaded by flies seeking shelter from the heat. This is a common but unfortunate occurrence during the summer months, with many people spending half the evening chasing mosquitos out of their bedrooms for a peaceful night’s sleep.
However, pest control experts have revealed a simple and affordable solution to this problem that can be found in your local supermarket for less than £1.
With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s likely that flies will continue to be a nuisance until the end of summer, according to Ideal Home.
Therefore, it’s essential to start taking preventative measures now before your home becomes infested with these buzzing pests.
According to pest control experts, all you need to deter flies is a cucumber – which can be purchased in supermarkets like Tesco for around 89p.
Flies despise the smell of cucumber. ‘House flies are repelled by the scent of cucumbers, especially the more bitter varieties.
The exact reason is not fully understood, but it’s believed that the natural compounds in cucumber skin, such as cucurbitacins, emit a smell that flies find unpleasant and instinctively avoid,’ explains Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.
Fruit flies are known to avoid cucumbers, as they have a natural preference for sweeter fruits. Thus, placing cucumber slices near entrances such as doors and windows, or in areas where flies congregate like your kitchen bin or food waste container, can be an effective deterrent.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the cucumber doesn’t start to rot, as decaying produce will attract flies. Therefore, experts recommend changing your cucumber slices every one to two days.
Georgios Likopoulos, an insect specialist at Fantastic Pest Control, stated: “Using cucumbers as a fly deterrent is simple and natural. It works best for light fly activity. When combined with good hygiene and exclusion tactics, it can contribute to broader integrated pest management approaches. It might not get rid of all flies, but it can significantly reduce their numbers. “.
Glen agrees, describing the method as ‘surprisingly effective’. However, he also emphasises that it won’t eliminate all flies, so maintaining good house hygiene practices, such as keeping windows closed or blinds drawn, is essential.