With warmer weather here, now is the perfect time to open up all the windows, let in the fresh air and enjoy the sun. But summer doesn’t just bring higher temperatures and longer days – it also brings an uninvited house guest or two – flies.
Flies are extremely irritating but more than that, they can also be dangerous for your health. Houseflies carry over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They’re known to transmit around 65 diseases, and some can even lead to food poisoning, making them a serious threat to your health. As temperatures rise, these nasty bugs come out of hibernation and start looking for places to lay their eggs, and unfortunately, our homes provide the perfect environment for them.
While chemical sprays and treatments can work to exterminate flies, they can be pricey and a pain to use – as well as leaving a horrible chemical smell behind. Luckily, there’s a gentler alternative that costs a fraction of the price.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, said: “When it comes to keeping flies out of the home, many people turn to chemical solutions, but a simple, natural remedy can work wonders.
“Cucumber slices are a surprisingly effective way to repel flies. Flies hate the scent of cucumbers, particularly more bitter ones, so it’s a natural deterrent for flies.”
By placing cucumber slices around your home, you’re creating a natural barrier that flies can’t stand. To get the best results, place slices near windowsills, doorways, or any other areas where flies tend to gather, like the bins. Make sure to replace the slices every few days to maintain the effectiveness.
Another way to keep flies out of your home is by keeping doors and windows shut and limiting the lights you keep on at night. Flies are attracted to light, so turn off exterior lights and close your blinds/curtains at night time so they’re not seeing an open invitation to come in.
It’s also crucial to take your bins outside regularly – flies are attracted to the food they can find in the bins, and fly larvae often develop here, so it’s important to dispose of them often.
