Summer is here, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than hosting friends in the garden, whether you're firing up the grill or simply enjoying the sunshine.
Yet, it’s incredibly frustrating when pesky flies start buzzing around your outdoor dining table or swarming indoors in their search for something to eat.
While I’ve tried everything to get rid of flies — from fans and citronella candles to homemade vinegar traps, these only provide a temporary solution before they come back with a vengeance.
But an expert has shared a clever hack that can help to banish flies. Surprisingly, this involves a few household ingredients and costs almost nothing, as the solution is sitting right in your freezer tray — ice cubes (yes, really).
So before you reach out for those toxic fly sprays, try this ice cube hack that may prevent flies from ruining your backyard enjoyment.
So what exactly is the ice cube repellent hack?
Essentially, this method involves freezing aromatic, citrusy elements that naturally repel these insects directly into your ice cubes. The idea is that adding them to your drinks outside will release a fresh scent that repels flies and should keep them away from your outdoor dining area.
“Most people have a lemon, some mint or even a few cloves tucked away in the kitchen, so you can just throw them into an ice cube tray and give it a go,” states expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools. “The fresh smell can help make your garden table less appealing to flies when you're sitting outside."
"It's not going to completely stop flies from appearing, especially if there's food left uncovered nearby, but it can be a useful extra step when you're having drinks or eating outside."
How to make fly-repelling ice cubes
To test this yourself, begin by slicing some citrus fruit like lemon or lime, or gather some fresh mint.
Next, place these zesty pieces into your ice tray, fill with water, and let them freeze solid overnight. Alternatively, you can make this up in a glass before pouring into your tray.
Once ready, you can drop these cubes directly into your beverages or simply scatter them across your garden table to keep the area smelling fresh and fly-free.
“The trick works best when used around areas where flies are most likely to appear, such as outdoor dining tables, patios and seating areas”, adds Peskett.
Of course, aromatic ice cubes alone won’t be enough to keep them away all day, and Peskett recommends combining the ice cube hack with other simple habits that make gardens less attractive to flies.
Maintaining habits such as keeping food and sugary drinks covered when eating outside, wiping down tables after meals, and clearing away leftovers as soon as possible can help to prevent flies from being attracted to your yard.
"Flies are usually drawn in by food smells, so the biggest thing is removing what attracts them in the first place," Peskett explains. "Little tricks like scented ice cubes can be a handy addition, but keeping your outdoor space clean is what will make the biggest difference."
“It might not be a miracle cure, but for something that takes seconds to make and can double up as a refreshing addition to a summer drink, it's an easy hack worth trying before your next garden gathering.”
Alternatively, you could try placing potted lavender plants near outdoor dining areas, as the strong fragrance is repulsive to flies or sticky traps.
The ice cube hack might not be a miracle cure, but it will take seconds to make and is cost-effective.
So why not try these aromatic ice cubes before your next garden gathering — so those annoying flies don’t ruin your fun.
Let us know in the comments below if this hack really works (or not) for you.
