The UK has been dealing with a sweltering heatwave with 37C temperatures baking massive swathes of the country.
Millions of Brits will be taking the opportunity to spend more time in the garden, though with thunderstorms on the horizon for Wednesday (July 20), it is creating the perfect conditions for some pesky flies.
Aptly named thunder flies, or thirps, they are tiny black bugs that are attracted to your flowers in the garden.
It is the plants' bright colours that lure them in, and with the sun shining, they are already on their way in droves.
There are some ways to get rid of them, though, with easy tricks that won’t break the bank.
How to get rid of thunder flies
Trick thunder flies with sticky cards
This can be a simple trick, not only to reduce the amount of thunder flies in your garden, but also show you the amount you are dealing with.
Strategically placing brightly coloured sticky cards around your garden can lure the flies away from your flowers.
Hang them off outdoor furniture or sturdy plants and before you know it, they should be stuck all over the cards.
Organic plant oils
If you don’t want to use synthetic and unnatural detergents to remove the flies, then natural plant oils can be just as effective.
Neem oil is a particularly effectively way to remove the bugs and the way to do so is simple.
Just mix two tablespoons of soap with four tablespoons of neem oil and a gallon of water.
Put the mixture into a spray bottle and you have a home made insecticide.
Bio-control
Use nature to fight itself by investing in some swirski-mites.
Theses little guys will feed on the thirps, protecting your plants in the process.
They can be useful on plants, trees and any outdoor flower that might be under attack from the thunder flies.
Keep your plants in shape
Make sure you are pruning your plants whenever they need it.
Leaving dead leaves and branches on your flowers will only attract the thirps further.
In turn, pruning your flowers is exactly what they need, regardless of the bugs, so it is a win-win to do so.
Keep on top of weeds
Similar to the last point, it is essential that you remove any and all weeds around your plants.
Not only does it make your garden look worse, but they similarly attract the thunder flies.
Removing them gives the thirps fewer options to feast on in your garden.
