The UK is currently basking in a heatwave with temperatures only set to climb further. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for most of England, with temperatures likely to climb as high as 33C by the weekend.
But the hot weather can bring unwelcome guests to our doors, in particular, flies. As well as creating an annoying buzz, flies spread germs and act as vectors, picking up pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites from unsanitary environments like waste and decaying matter. It can be frustrating having to constantly shoo flies away from your home in the summer, but there is an easy way to get rid of these pesky insects for good.
One common 52p kitchen food can help deter flies due to its strong aroma. Basil, a pungent herb, contains oils and aromatic compounds that flies find unpleasant, making it a natural fly repellent.
The common ingredient also contains very heady oil and is useful in the kitchen to keep small gnats and flies out of food.
Used for centuries as a natural way to deter flies and other insects, the culinary herb can be planted in pots, used as a border plant, or even grown indoors near windowsills to help repel flies.
Although basil doesn’t kill flies, it does prevent them from contaminating the kitchen and food and is non-toxic making it a useful product.
You could also create a water and basil concoction to spray around your home by steeping basil leaves in water for 20-30 minutes.
A pack of Sainsbury’s fresh packed basil will set you back just 52p and 30g of cut basil costs the same at Tesco.
Meanwhile ASDA’s ‘Wonderfully aromatic basil’ costs a little more at 60p.
Other household items including eppermint, eucalyptus and lavender can naturally deter flies.