Flies always seem to find their way into our homes, even though nobody wants them there. This is normally during the summer months, too, when we have no option but to open up our windows to let the cool breeze in.
And while there are ways to get rid of flies in the house, it's a well-known fact that prevention is always better than the cure. So, what if you could stop them from entering your home in the first place? It's not as impossible as it seems.
There are so many ways to stop flies in their tracks before they set up camp in your home, and it's well worth trying these expert-approved-hacks in your own house to see for yourself.
1. Place fragrant plants near windows
You may not realise it by looking at them, but flies actually have a very sensitive sense of smell. And there are several fragrances they don’t like, including citronella, which you can use to your advantage by burning this Habitat Citronella Striped Effect Multiwick Candle.
However, many natural plants also offer similar scents that will stop flies from coming into the house. So what you can do is place those fragrant herbs and plants near the home entry points - the doors and windows.
‘You can discourage flies by planting insect-repelling herbs such as rosemary and lavender near windows. This will also make your home smell great, too,’ says Dr Jonathan Kirby, pest expert at NOPE!.
Mint, lemon balm and basil also work well for this purpose. That’s how you keep flies off your houseplants, too - opting for varieties they can’t stand.
2. Use fly screens
If you still want to let a cool breeze in, without inviting flies inside too, opting for fly screening works remarkably well. These inexpensive mesh screens, available on Amazon, can be added to doors and windows and are easy to install and remove if you only plan to have them up during the warmer weather.
They allow you to keep a door completely open all day or evening long on a sunny day, with a magnetic snap closure allowing easy access inside and out, while keeping flies, bees and even wasps from getting in. Alternatively, you could make one yourself, like our Sleep Editor, Amy, did in her bedroom.
If you don't want to buy anything new, though, you could just be tactical with your curtains. As Sean Mac Anbhaird, Managing Director at Core Sash Windows, explains, ‘Simply keeping your curtains closed can make a big difference in preventing flies from accessing the whole of your house.'
You may have to sacrifice a little bit of daylight, but denying them easy access can still be a great way to stop flies from getting into your house in the first place.
3. Keep surfaces and dirty dishes clean
If you’ve left your windows or back door open to let in the fresh air, it’s no surprise that flies naturally gravitate towards where food is being prepared.
Making sure to keep surfaces clean and tidy and taking the rubbish bin out more frequently than you usually would, especially when you’re binning food that will go off, is key. After all, rotten food is ‘the perfect attraction and breeding ground for fruit flies,’ warns Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online.
This means you’ll also want to clean up your pots, pans and plates as soon as you’ve eaten during the summer. The same can be said for the remnants of your favourite cocktail, fizzy drink or glass of wine that may be lingering at the bottom of a glass or two.
Thankfully, regularly wiping down your surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner like this Method All Purpose Cleaner Spray (£4 at Amazon) should be all you need to keep things clean. Make sure you cover any fresh fruit and vegetables properly, too.
4. Ensure your drains are clean
Although flies rarely live longer than a month, they make the most of their short lives and breed quickly. And some of their favourite places to lay eggs are dark and damp, like kitchen and bathroom drains.
Because of this, it's important to keep your kitchen sink drain as clean as possible and remove any standing water as soon as you spot it. This should not only keep flies at bay, but also prevent them from using your home as a breeding ground for more flies.
Rachael recommends, ‘a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate any buildup and deter fruit flies from breeding there. If you don’t have baking soda or vinegar, boiling water could work just as well.’
Our Cleaning Editor, Lauren, also swears by these EcoZone Drain Cleaning Sticks (£9.99 at Amazon) as a quick and easy way to keep her sink fresh and free from flies.
5. Make a DIY fly repellent
It's incredibly easy to make a fly repellent, as there are so many options to choose from. You could use oranges to get rid of flies, or you could use the lemon and clove hack to keep flies out of the house. Amazingly, popping a cucumber on your windowsill can also repel them, as flies hate cucumber.
But one of the easiest methods is to make a fly-repellent spray using essential oils. Polly Shearer, Kitchen Expert at Tap Warehouse, explains, 'The smell of essential oils like mint, lemongrass and lavender is hated by flies,' says Polly from TapWarehouse.
'You can create your own natural fly deterrent spray by adding a few drops of any of these oils to water in a spray bottle. We recommend lavender so the spray will also leave your kitchen smelling fresh. Simply spray the natural remedy around your kitchen throughout the day, and it should deter flies from entering.'
Flies also hate the smell of vodka, so you could also do the same with this alcohol - although, admittedly, essential oils smell a lot nicer. But whichever option you choose, it's well worth investing in these Glass Spray Bottles for Cleaning (£13.99 at Amazon) to help you out.
FAQS
What smell do flies hate in the house?
There are several smells that will naturally deter pests like flies, including:
- Coffee
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Orange
- Cloves
- Basil
- and more!
Why do I keep getting flies in my house?
Flies can get into the house through the smallest cracks and gaps, as well as vents and, obviously, windows. And they can be attracted by various smells, mainly food - both fresh and decomposing.
‘Flies are very small and can get into the home through even tiny gaps in and around points of entry. This is where proofing your home for any obvious gaps and crevices around windows and doors is really important.'
'Flies will be encouraged to enter your home if any food is left lying around, so the cleanliness of your home can play a crucial role in effective pest control. Regularly cleaning up food spills and emptying bin bags to keep the kitchen tidy can go a long way,’ Dr. Jonathan says.
With all this knowledge, you should be able to keep those pesky flies at bay.
