THERE’S nothing more annoying than pesky house flies ruining a sunny day.
And as the weather warms up and we start to open our windows and doors to let in the fresh air, the annoying critters – who have just come out of hibernation – are seizing the opportunity to dash into our homes.
While the bugs are irritating, they can also be dangerous, as they can carry up to a whopping 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
They can also transmit around 65 diseases, some of which could land you with food poisoning.
Despite the fact there are lots of different fly deterrent devices on the market, they can often be expensive, or disgusting to clean out.
But there’s a new, simple hack that people are swearing by to keep the flies away – and you’ve probably already got some in the fridge.
It’s cucumber.
“Cucumber slices are a surprisingly effective way to repel flies,” Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, explained.
“Flies hate the scent of cucumbers, particularly more bitter ones, so it’s a natural deterrent for flies.”
To try out the hack, simply slice up a cucumber and place the pieces around your home.
For the best results, put them near windowsills, doorways and other areas where flies tend to gather, such as around the bins.
You should also replace the slices every few days to ensure your “natural barrier” remains as effective as possible.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Our home is so mouldy mushrooms and flies infest walls – it’s making us sick” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6370264011112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Cucumbers aren’t the only way you can keep flies out though.
Fly screens can be another, more permanent, plan.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D111399%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]Glen added: “If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, installing fly screens can be a great way to block flies from getting in while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air.”
You can even try to make one yourself if you’re handy.
He continued: “Using a Stanley knife blade will make the job much easier, allowing you to make a precise cut to fit screens perfectly over your windows or doors.”
To avoid encouraging flies into your home, limit light at night – as the critters are attracted to the light when it’s dark – and to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
You should always remember to take your bins out regularly.
Glen concluded: “Flies are attracted to the food they can find in the bins, and fly larvae often develops here so its important to dispose of them often.”