Stop flies coming into your home this summer with expert's clever trick
Temperatures are soaring across the UK this week, with the mercury set to hit a scorching 30C.
While the heat may delight keen sunbathers, the glorious weather will naturally bring with it a pesky problem. This blazing heat means there's a strong likelihood we'll witness more flies invading our homes and buzzing about outdoors this weekend, causing no end of annoyance for those who've decided to throw a barbecue.
Indeed, many households are already witnessing a surge in fruit flies swarming their properties, and know all too well what a nightmare they can be to eliminate. Fortunately, there are straightforward remedies available that won't break the bank. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
The Met Office forecasts that, this week, "a combination of high pressure and a southerly airflow will see temperatures rise for much of England and Wales in the first half of the week, with temperatures reaching in excess of 30°C for some on Monday and likely peaking towards the mid-30s in London on Tuesday".
Given these sweltering conditions, it's hardly shocking that countless people are battling flies, leading many to seek online remedies, reports the Express. Responding to this demand, horticultural specialist James Higgins from Grass247 has revealed three proven methods to banish flies from your garden, allowing you to relish your outdoor haven without the irritation.
1. Essential oil candles
For his initial recommendation, James champions using specialist candles.
Describing this approach as "one of the best ways to deter flies when you're outside," James explains that it can also disguise food aromas from treats or barbecues. He revealed: "Flies hate citronella, so placing a citronella candle on any garden dining tables or around seating areas can be a great way to keep any flies away."
"Pine and lavender can also be great ways to combat flies in your garden. Candles with these scents will deter flies, and are a more aesthetically pleasing option for your garden. However, bear in mind that while flies dislike the smell of pine, pine essential oil is toxic to pets - so it's best to stay away from using these if you have any furry friends around."
2. Attract bees and other insects
If you're trying to get rid of flies, one natural method is to attract other, less bothersome insects like bees to your garden. And there's a simple reason for this. The expert explains: "Flies will avoid bees, so planting bee-friendly plants will not only help your garden's ecosystem, but will also keep any flies out of your garden.
"Bees can see purple flowers better than any others, so plants like lavender, verbena and catmint can be a great way to attract bees. In general, encouraging more wildlife in your garden can attract beneficial predators like spiders and frogs that feed on flies. This makes it an effective and natural way to prevent flies from taking over your garden."
3. Use fly traps
In his final piece of advice, James encourages those seeking a "quick solution" to use fly tape. This method is effective in any home as it can be hung around high-activity areas in your garden and even indoors. Flies tend to perch while they rest, making fly tape an ideal trap for these pesky insects before they invade your outdoor dining area. "Just be sure you replace them regularly to keep them effective," James concludes.
Did you also know that flies are repelled by the strong scent of basil and mint? Placing a few small plants on your windowsills or near doorways could help deter flies from entering your home.
Polly Shearer, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, warned: "The UK is predicted to experience a heatwave this week, with some places expected to see temperatures reaching 34C.
"The heat leads to an increase in flies and means that house flies are more likely to multiply in hot weather. This could result in tens of thousands of flies swarming around BBQs and kitchens in the UK this week. We recommend using preventative measures to stop flies and insects breeding in your kitchen this summer."
According to YorkshireLive, basil or mint plants can be purchased for as little as 65p from Asda, £1.30 from Ocado, or around £1 at most reputable garden centres.
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