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ANGELA PATRONE & Alex Whilding

Cleaning hacks that will get rid of flies from your home this summer

With the weather getting warmer no doubt you will have seen an increase in the amount of flies that are buzzing around at the moment. Of course with windows being open flies and flies being attracted to things like ripe fruit, rubbish, veg or moisture we have around you can see why they want to come inside during these months.

However each fly will be entering your home on the hunt for something different. The common house flies love decaying food like rotting meat, however fruit flies are on the hunt for sugary substances and feed more commonly on overripe fruit, spilt fizzy drinks and alcohol.

Also drain flies need a moist climate and organic materials. Therefore they are more attracted to drains like the kitchen sink and then lay eggs in them, reports The Express.

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We all know that flies are annoying but they also have other reasons why they shouldn't be in your home. They can spread bacteria like salmonella, typhoid and E-Coli.

However, there are various smells that can deter flies, to act as a natural cleaning hack to repel them from entering home. Walter Murphy, pest control expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk has shared the smells that should do the trick to banish flies in homes.

The first scent the expert shared are essential oils such as lemongrass or peppermint to get rid of flies. Many essential oils contain insect repellent properties. They are toxic to flies, 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.”

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.” 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. 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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