UK households are being urged to put cucumber slices by windows this summer to help keep pesky house flies away.
Now that the weather is hotting up – and with “heatwave conditions” being forecast by the Met Office by this weekend – it’s natural to throw open your windows and doors to allow some fresh air in. But while it’s nice to enjoy a refreshing breeze, leaving your windows open does invite house flies to come and flit about your home. Not only are the buzzy intruders a nuisance, they also carry more than 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
The flies are known to transmit around 65 diseases and they can contribute to food poisoning by spreading bacteria, so you don’t want them hanging around. Now that summer has arrived and the weather is gloriously sunny, flies come out of hibernation in search of warmth, food and a place to lay their eggs, and unfortunately, our homes provide the perfect environment.
But according to an expert, a cheap and easy way to keep these annoying intruders out is simply by placing slices of cucumbers by your windows.
Cucumbers contain natural chemicals in their skin which release a scent that flies find unpleasant, while the high water content and slight acidity of the fruit can interfere with their sensory receptors.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, says placing cucumber slices at entry points around your home, like on windowsills, can act as a deterrent to keep house flies out. And it won’t cost you much as you can pick up a whole cucumber at most supermarkets for less than £1.
Mr Peskett explains: “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, Mr Peskett says to place the slices near windowsills, doorways and bins, and make sure to replace them every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
And if you’re looking to strengthen your defences, you can also try turning off exterior lights and close your blinds or curtains at night, and ensure you take your bins out regularly as flies are attracted to the food.
Mr Peskett adds: “If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, installing fly screens can be a great way to block flies from getting in while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air.
“If you’re into DIY, you can even build your own custom sized fly screens. Using a stanley knife blade will make the job much easier, allowing you to make a precise cut to fit screens perfectly over your windows or doors.”