As temperatures rise, flies are beginning to invade our gardens and homes.
Fortunately, there’s a simple, economical way to repel them with a product you keep in your kitchen.
With the return of spring and especially the arrival of summer, flies invade our homes and gardens. These little flying creatures can turn an outdoor meal into a constant battle to protect our food. Their presence indoors is just as annoying, especially when they’re attracted by food. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective technique for repelling them with a product we all have in our kitchen.
Flies are particularly active when temperatures rise.
They are attracted by heat and humidity, making them unwelcome visitors when spring gives way to summer. While chemical traps and repellents can be effective, they are not always the most desirable solution. To keep these troublesome insects at bay without eradicating them, it’s best to use a natural, non-toxic method such as the aluminum foil technique.
You’ll need clear freezer bags, water and pieces of aluminum foil. Start by filling the bags with water and adding a few pieces of aluminum foil. Close the bags tightly and hang them around windows and doors. Sunlight will reflect off the pieces of foil, creating a flickering effect that will disorient and frighten flies, keeping them out.
This technique works on the same principle as using CDs hung in trees to keep birds away. The light reflections disrupt the flies’ vision, encouraging them to avoid the area. If you have several entry points into your home, don’t hesitate to multiply the bags to maximize the effect of this method.
Although this technique is effective in keeping flies out, it’s not enough if they’re already inside. In this case, there are other, complementary solutions. Repellent plants such as lavender, mint or basil can help keep flies away with their natural aromas. Homemade traps, such as containers containing a mixture of cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid, can also attract and capture these insects.
Keeping your home clean
Keeping your home clean is also crucial to reducing the attraction of flies. Empty garbage cans regularly, clean kitchen surfaces and store food in airtight containers. A clean house is less likely to attract these pests.
Finally, note that while flies are a real household nuisance, they also play an important role in our ecosystem. They contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, and some species are even involved in pollination. They are also a source of food for numerous predators such as birds, frogs and spiders. So it’s better to look for ways to keep them away rather than eliminate them altogether.
