Summer weather means Scots finally can finally open their windows after a long winter to let in the fresh air.
Unfortunately, open house windows means easy access for flies.
The bugs enter homes for a number of reasons, but stay to feast on rubbish, ripe fruit, or other forms of moisture.
Common house flies are attracted to decaying organic filth such as rotting meat, organic waste bins, and pet feces.
On the other hand, fruit flies hunt for sugary substances, feeding on overripe fruit, spilt fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
Drain flies require moist climates and organic materials and will be attracted to drains like kitchen sinks, where they will also lay their eggs.
Flies can be annoying guests and are often hard to shoo, but if left untreated they can spread bacteria such as Salmonella, typhoid and E-Coli.
Yet, there are some ways to deter flies, which are natural cleaning hacks to repel them from entering your home.
Walter Murphy, pest control expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk has shared the smells that should do the trick to banish flies in homes.
Fresh
The first scent the expert shared is essential oils such as lemongrass or peppermint to get rid of flies.
Many essential oils contain insect repellent properties. They are toxic to flies, and insects, and can help get rid of ants.
Walter said: “Anything that contains essential oils such as lemongrass or peppermint will keep flies at bay’ says Walter.
“These natural fragrances give off a strong smell that instantly deters flies from entering your home.
“There are plenty of household sprays and perfumes that contain essential oils.
“You can use them in every room in the house.”
Spice
Cinnamon is also a natural way to deter flies from hanging out in your home.
The smell is overpowering, and some of its components can be toxic to flies.
Walter explained: “Flies hate the smell of cinnamon. You may consider purchasing a cinnamon-infused air freshener to reduce the number of flies in your home.”
It may mean your home smells like a Christmas grotto during the summer months, but it will be fly-free at least.
He added: “Burning cinnamon candles is also another great way to get rid of flies, as the smell will spread easily around the property.”
Potent
While this is an expensive method, vodka can be a great deterrent for house flies.
Walter said: “Flies cannot bear the smell of vodka, so you may want to use a spray that contains vodka to ensure that no flies enter your home.
“You can also place vodka bags around your home, especially in areas like the kitchen, in order to prevent any food contamination.”
Those not a fan of the smell can add basil or lavender essential oil to make it more pleasant.
Sharp
Walter’s final suggestion was to use apple cider vinegar to get rid of lies in the house.
Apple cider vinegar is the store cupboard staple that holds many hidden powers.
The pest expert said: “All you need to do is half fill a jar with some apple cider vinegar, soap and a paper funnel.
“The smell of the fermented apple will attract and trap flies, as they will drink the solution and remain trapped in the jar.”
You can release the flies outside once they are contained in the jar.
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