Cleaning expert, Polly Shearer, has revealed how to keep flies away from your home using two simple plants that won’t destroy you.
Cleaning experts have some great tips for keeping those pesky flies out of your home while still enjoying a nice, fresh breeze through the windows.
This useful solution comes from nature and the simple scent of a plant that can make those pesky flies disappear like dew before the sun.
Basil acts as an effective repellent for flies due to its intense scent.
By placing a basil plant on your windowsill, you reduce the likelihood of flies entering your home.
Another plant, mint, is also believed to keep flies away and can easily be found in supermarkets.
Both mint and basil are affordable plants, so it’s definitely worth a try.
Cleaning experts have also provided advice on how to prevent flies from nesting in your kitchen during the summer. Polly Shearer explains:
“Warm weather attracts more flies as they thrive in warm conditions.”
Here are some more tips to keep flies away from your home:
1. Make your own natural fly deterrent spray
Make your own natural fly repellent spray by mixing a few drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender and mint in water in a spray bottle. Lavender is an excellent option as it leaves a refreshing scent in the room.
Spray this natural remedy around your kitchen throughout the day to deter flies.
2. Store soft drinks in the fridge and immediately wipe up any spilled drops
Fruit flies are attracted to carbon dioxide in soft drinks, so be sure to wipe up any spills and clean the bottles to avoid fruit flies gathering around them.
Storing your fizzy drinks in the fridge will also help to keep fruit flies away.
3. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
Avoid leaving dirty dishes by the sink, especially during the busy summer months. Don’t leave dishes, as it will attract flies.
It is recommended to wash dishes as soon as possible in the summer.
4. Use apple cider vinegar to deter fruit flies
Use apple cider vinegar to deter fruit flies.
If your kitchen is plagued by fruit flies, place a glass half full of apple cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap with small holes in it.
This will attract fruit flies, which will crawl into the glass, after which you can release them outside.
5. Keep your rubbish bin clean
In the summer months, whatever you throw in the bin will start to emit odors due to the hot weather. This will attract flies, insects and maggots.
That’s why it’s important to clean up and empty your trash more often in the summer.
A clever trick is to sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the bin before putting in a new bag. This will absorb odors and liquid that may leak from the bag.
6. Wrap leftovers well
Flies are attracted to warm environments, so make sure to wrap leftovers properly when they cool to prevent flies from laying eggs on them.