How to keep flies out of your home using 'very effective' natural method

Keep houseflies at bay with this 'very effective' natural method known to 'repel' pests. As the weather warms up and summer draws near, flies are increasingly invading homes, but you can fend them off with simple natural remedies.

These bothersome insects are not only difficult to eliminate but also pose a health risk as they are carriers of diseases, spread bacteria by defecating on surfaces, and can lead to food poisoning by contaminating any exposed food.

While it might be tempting to close all your windows to keep out the rising heat or resort to fly sprays laden with harmful chemicals, there's a more eco-friendly solution that involves using strong scents as a deterrent.

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Pest control specialist Tracy from Merlin Environmental has revealed that citronella "emits a powerful odour" which effectively repels flies, keeping them at bay, reports the Express.

She explained: "Citronella candles and citronella oil not only help to repel flies, but are also useful deterrents against mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and some other insects."

Citronella is effective because it masks enticing smells that attract flies and its intense scent is overpowering for them, causing them to steer clear.

Moreover, compounds found in citronella oil act as a natural insect repellent for both flies and mosquitoes, irritating them and ensuring they avoid areas with its fragrance to escape potential harm.

You can use citronella candles near your windows to keep flies away but often these candles are designed for outdoor use and it is much more effective to use a diffuser or make a homemade natural spray.

Tracy said: "[A] diffuser containing citronella can be ideal for indoors, as you do not have to worry about smut building up or the risk of fire."

"You can also make your own spray from citronella by mixing a few drops of citronella oil into water. If you don't have citronella oil, you can substitute for peppermint, basil, lavender, cinnamon, clove or eucalyptus oil instead."

How to kill flies which may enter your home

However, if you are looking for a natural way to kill flies without turning to bug spray then you can lure and kill them by turning apple cider vinegar into a homemade fly trap.

Tracy said: "Simply pour a little into a bowl and cover it in plastic wrap, secured with a rubber band."

"Poke some small holes into the plastic wrap for the flies to enter. Having flown in, they will be trapped inside. You can throw away the fly-saturated vinegar after about a week."

"You can also pour a little dish soap into a bowl of vinegar as another way to make a very effective trap according to Tracy."

She said: "The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and because dish soap reduces the surface tension, they will sink."

If you have no apple cider vinegar in your home then you could also use old beer or leftover wine which also works to kill these pesky insects.

Tracy advised: "You can either set a trap similar to the above vinegar traps with wine or beer as the lure instead of vinegar."

"Or, simply leave the wine bottle out, as the long narrow neck makes it easy for the fruit flies to enter but difficult for them to escape."