Latest news with #IdealHomes
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to leave out 65p fruit to keep flies away
Fly infestations are the one downside of finally getting a blast of warm weather - luckily this surprising fruit will keep these disease-spreading pests far away from your home Flies are an unequivocal nuisance as soon as summer rolls around – but don't whack out the fly swatter just yet. It might sound mad, but experts say leaving out this one fruit will keep them at bay. Of course, leaving out food is usually a bad idea when it comes to attracting flies. These airborne nuisances will feed on a wide array of decaying matter, from vegetables to meat to even faeces. This means that they put you at a high risk of consuming harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli – which can be deadly. However, while flies are usually drawn to fruits for their high sugar content, there is one that they find off putting. All you need is to pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are famous for their mild taste and high water content. In fact, they're often used as a palate cleanser between meals given their neutral flavour. But fortunately, this sentiment isn't shared by flies. 'House flies are repelled by the scent of cucumbers, particularly the more bitter varieties,' explained Glen Peskett, a DIY expert from Saxon Blades. He told Ideal Homes: 'The exact reason isn't fully understood, but it's believed that the natural compounds in cucumber skin, such as cucurbitacins, produce a smell that flies find unpleasant and instinctively avoid.' They also work to repel the dreaded fruit fly infestation, as they typically prefer sweeter fruits. Simply place cucumber slices next to entry points in your home, like doors and windows. It's also a good idea to place them in other areas where flies like to congregate. This includes bins, which are usually an insect hotspot due their large amounts of decaying matter. Beyond being versatile, cucumbers are also incredibly pocket-friendly. You can pick up a whole cucumber from Sainsbury's for a bargain 65p, making it cheaper than chemical fly killers. Although, be warned not to leave your cucumbers out too long. Once they begin to rot, they will begin to attract flies rather than repel them. For this reason, they should be replaced roughly every two days. Of course, while it serves as an effective deterrent, cucumbers on their own won't stop a fly infestation. It's vitally important to practice good hygiene in your home. This means covering fruit bowls and avoiding leaving food out on your counters. You should also make sure to wipe down surfaces, including floors, to get rid of bacteria. It also helps to keep your windows and doors shut when possible, to stop flies from sneaking in. If you have blinds, it's best to keep them drawn.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households with robins in the garden are urged never to do one thing
Robins are a national favourite among bird species, representing hope, but enthusiasts who want to spy the red-breasted birds have been warned to do so from a distance Robins are a beloved British bird, characterised by a bright orange-red breast, a brown back, and a dumpy shape. They are commonly found perched on a garden fence and are known as the garden birds that sing throughout the year to proclaim their environment. While their appearance may be cute, they are highly territorial and can exhibit aggressive tendencies, often driving away unwanted guests. Therefore, robins are often best appreciated from a distance. These birds are renowned for nesting almost anywhere. From flower pots to post boxes, there's really nowhere that a robin can't nest. They are one of the earliest birds to start building their nests, usually beginning in March to commence their breeding season, laying eggs around mid-April. If you see robins beginning to pile up materials like leaves and moss, chances are they are preparing to build a nest. While it might seem like a fun idea to keep an eye out for these nests during this season, households are advised not to. Robins are known to abandon their nests if they feel humans have discovered it or if they sense the nest is no longer safe. Despite being a popular garden bird, Robins are incredibly cautious of human activity. If they sense a potential predator, they will abandon the nest entirely to protect the eggs and their young. However, if gardens are considered a nest, it's best to wait a few days before approaching as they tend to return. Additionally, robins can have multiple broods each season, returning to the same nest for every brood unless something makes it feel unsafe. Brits are also reminded that, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all birds, along with their nests and eggs, are protected by law. Causing any disruption to these is a criminal offence. However, for Brits wanting to welcome these little birds into their backyard, it's important to invest in the correct bird box. Gardening expert James Ewens told Ideal Homes: 'Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view.' He notes that robins tend to keep a close eye on their surroundings, as they often nest lower to the ground, making them more susceptible to predators than other birds. It's also important to consider what material your birdbox is made of. Robins are attracted to natural wood because it mimics the habitats they would naturally settle in, such as log piles or tree hollows. So, this nesting season, be prepared to welcome some robins, but be sure to keep your distance
