No doubt many of us will have noticed more pesky flies buzzing around our home as the weather gets warmer. With windows open more often and flies attracted to any sort of ripe fruit, rubbish, veg or moisture we have around, it's easy to see why they seem to multiply in numbers at this time of year.
Different flies will be entering your home looking for different things. Common house flies enjoy nothing more than decaying food like rotting meat, whereas fruit flies look for sugary substances and feed more commonly 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, reports the Express.
What's more, flies aren't just annoying. They can spread bacteria such as salmonella, typhoid and E-Coli. But all is not lost.
There are, say experts, a variety of smells that flies very much don't like that you can use to keep them away. Walter Murphy, pest control expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk, said the first scent to try is essential oils, such as lemongrass or peppermint.
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. 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 said: “Flies hate the smell of cinnamon. You may consider purchasing a cinnamon- infused air freshener to reduce the number of flies in your home.”
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.”
The flies can then be released outside once they are contained in the jar.
