Keep flies out of your home using plant that costs £1 and can be used for cooking

With the temperatures still fairly pleasant many of us are opening lots of windows to cool our homes down. However, this can invite pests into your home, with flies being one of the most annoying.

Even if you only open the window slightly, it often doesn't take long before there are several flies buzzing around your home. They're incredibly difficult to get back outside, making them a real nuisance. But according to one expert, there's a very affordable plant you can buy from the supermarket that will help keep them away.

The handy tip was shared on TikTok by life hack expert @daddybrownn, a father who frequently posts valuable advice on cleaning, cooking and pest control. He recently shared a simple and cheap way to keep flies away from your home using one versatile ingredient that can also be used in many delicious meals.

In the video, he explained that all you need to banish flies forever is a basil plant - which you can buy for as little as £1 from Asda. The pro said: "Basil releases a natural oil that evokes a deep earthy smell and flies hate it. You can keep potted basil plants on your kitchen windowsill. This one stays in our kitchen and we don't have an issue with flies at all," reports the Express.

He also offered an additional tip for anyone who is really struggling with flies at home - planting basil near your front and back doors, or anywhere else that serves as an entry point for the pests.

The TikTokker explained: "This is a very natural method for keeping them away. This is using no harmful chemicals, it doesn't put anything in the air for you to ingest. It's obviously safe for your kids and your pets. And a bonus, you can use it to cook."

Viewers were quick to express their gratitude in the video's comments section, with many eager to test the advice themselves. One viewer commented: "Thank you, I am going to try this. I have tried sugar, vinegar and dawn with no luck."

Another offered a tip: "Having mint plants near front and back door also keeps flies away." "Wow didn't know this, thanks," wrote another appreciative follower.