How to banish pesky fruit flies in five minutes thanks to a 70p trick – and all you need are three basic ingredients

The Sun

10-05-2025

FRUIT flies are known to invade homes during the warmer months, but keeping your home fly-free doesn't need to be such a headache.
Although there are plenty of tips and tricks out there you can try out, some of them tend to be pricey - but luckily, one savvy man has come to rescue with the ultimate solution.
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What's more, not only will the trick banish pesky fruit flies for good and it costs just pennies - but you most likely already have all the necessary ingredients.
According to the whizz behind this purse-friendly hack, Chris J Carr, the solution is a DIY concoction that costs pennies to make and will give you results in a mere five minutes.
Sharing the game-changer of a trick that's sure to come in handy for millions of frustrated Brits this summer, Chris took to Facebook.
He wrote in the post: ''With warmer weather on the way, I swear by this trick!
''Just put it in the kitchen, and all flies, mosquitoes, and bugs will go away.''
To whip up the cheap and simple remedy, you will need: 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil (or other vegetable oil), as well as 1/2 cup shampoo.
When it comes to adding the latter, there's no need to use your fancy shampoo - any cheap discount store version will work just fine ans save you extra cash.
Start by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl and place it in the kitchen, before waiting for the bugs ''to flock to it''.
Although Chris had caught dozens of teeny fruit flies in just five minutes, he advised to leave ''the mixture out for a couple of hours or until you feel the insects have been caught.''
If you still spot the annoying flies and mosquitos taking over the kitchen, repeat the process, he added.
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The wallet-friendly hack has since taken the internet by storm, winning savvy Chris more than a whopping 22k likes and close to a staggering 6k comments.
One horrified social media user said: ''Good idea..but no way I could have that bowl hanging around on my windowsill with all those dead flies in! Yuk!''
Someone else shared their favourite remedy, writing: ''Apple cider vinegar washing up liquid, bingo.''
''A glass of rosé wine does the same,'' a third reckoned.
What can I do to prevent mosquito bites?
The Fit for Travel website says if you are travelling to an area affected by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, spread by mosquitoes, you should take action to protect yourself.
Some mosquitoes are more active in the day time while others at night - so it is important to protect yourself at all times.
It says: "If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history."
To protect yourself:
Use a good quality insect repellent
The higher the strength, the longer the repellent should prevent mosquitoes landing on you.
An effective repellent contains at least one of; DEET (50% concentration for areas where there is malaria), Icaradin/Picardin (at least 20% concentration, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized (at least 30% concentration), IR3535 (but not for malaria areas).
Apply:
On all areas of skin not covered by clothes
After sun screen
Regularly, particularly if you notice mosquitoes around you
After swimming, washing or excessive sweating
On the face, by spraying the repellent on the hands first
Loose clothing
Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so loose-fitted clothing is ideal.
Consider a high neckline, long sleeves, long trousers and socks.
Remember to apply insect repellent on areas not clothed.
Mosquito nets
Mosquito nets can protect you at night when sleeping and are even better if treated with insecticide.
Check for any holes in the net before using it. If a hole is apparent, then this should be mended.
You should tuck the net under your mattress or ground sheet during the night, and either collapse it down, or keep it tucked up during the day to stop insects flying under and into the net.
Use an electric fan
Most homes already have an electric fan ready for any especially hot days, but did you know you can also use a fan to keep flies away?
Since they're pretty weak a strong current can make it tricky for flies to land on any surfaces, keeping them away from your home.
You could also try to angle an electric fan out of your window to stop them entering your home.
Natural repellents
There are loads of different traps and repellents you can try that don't cost a fortune, and for a lot of them you'll already have everything you need at home.
John Girvan at Alliance Online Ireland said: "The strong scent of dried basil, mint and bay leaves can be simply left where you tend to find fruit flies which should repel them from the area.
"Alternatively, mix water with essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus which can be sprayed as a natural repellent.'