Millions of Brits will have been opening up their windows in an effort to get some relief from the sweltering temperatures in recent weeks. Unfortunately, that action can lead to some unwelcome visitors in your home - flies.
The insects can prove a real frustration as they buzz for hours on end - and of course they come with some hygiene issues, reports Chronicle Live. There are some easy ways to keep them out of your home without resorting to expensive products or chemicals.
According to Jordan Foster, pest expert at Fantastic Pest Control, any problems you're having with flies in your home can be taken care of with some cotton balls and a scent that the pesky insects don't like. Flies are not keen on many of the smells commonly found in essential oils, including peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus.
Citronella is also established an effective fly repellent, with several retailers selling the scent in the likes of candles, incense sticks and sprays to help keep insects at bay. Jordan advised: "The strong scent of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella repels flies."
Other natural and cost-effective fly deterrents might already be sitting in your kitchen, the expert added. "Some herbs and spices, including basil, mint, rosemary, and cloves, repel flies with their strong aromas," Jordan said.
Any households plagued by flies can also do some strategic gardening to keep the unwanted visitors out of the house. Jordan suggested: "Flies are repelled by the sweet scent of lavender.
"By planting lavender bushes or placing dried lavender sachets near windows and doors, flies can be discouraged from entering. Marigolds have a characteristic smell that makes flies avoid them; they can be planted in garden beds and used in pots near entrances to deter flies."
Or, if you're short on planting space, you can pick up a herb plant next time you visit the supermarket and stick it by the door or on the windowsill. "Flies tend to avoid mint because of its strong scent, particularly spearmint and peppermint," Jordan said.
He went on: "A rosemary plant's aromatic scent can repel flies. In pots or as part of your landscaping, rosemary plants can serve as natural insect deterrents."
