Put down the fumigator and expensive repellents – a cheap hack that requires just two kitchen items will get rid of those pesky house flies for good – here’s what you need
It’s that time of year were you open your window for a hot second and there’s suddenly a swarm of flies buzzing around your kitchen.
If you’re tired of swatting the little nuisances away, and can’t enjoy a sandwich in peace without hearing them dart around the room – it’s time to take action. Pest Defence says house flies are attracted to ‘all things filthy’. This includes rotting food, faeces, rubbish bins and even decaying animals.
To try and prevent a swarm from taking residence this Spring, the organisation suggests taking out your rubbish ‘regularly’ and ‘promptly’ disposing of any food that is starting to show signs of decay. They also recommend implementing insect-proof screens and electronic fly killers to prevent nuisance insects.
But it turns out there is a natural hack that could save you a lot of faff and expense. In fact, you probably have everything you need lying around the kitchen already.
According to Healthline, a simple mixture of vinegar and dish soap can create the perfect fly trap. Simply mix a generous splash of apple cider vinegar with a ‘few drops’ of dish soap into a tall glass (just remember what’s in it before making yourself a cold glass of water). Then, cover the glass with plastic wrap and poke some small holes in the top.
“Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes,” the publication states. “However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.”
You can pick up apple cider vinegar from a range of online retailers and supermarkets including Holland & Barrett, which is selling a 473ml bottle for £7.99. Similarly, you can grab a bottle of dish soap from all supermarkets; Sainsbury’s, for example, is currently flogging a 320ml bottle of Fairy Washing Up Liquid for just £1.
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Cayenne pepper is another natural method that can deter flies and other insects. Cleaning blog The Maids recommends mixing one cup of water and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a misting bottle and spraying it over entryways whenever you spot a fly zooming around. Just make sure you don’t accidentally spray it into your little ones’ eyes…
“Other natural fly repellents include lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, camphor, and cinnamon,” the site says. “Whether you use these scents in essential oil formulas, potpourris, or other forms, these natural remedies for pest control do an excellent job and leave your home smelling wonderful.”
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