A pest expert has revealed the natural methods that you can utilise to deter those pesky flies that love invading your home during the summer.
The housefly is the most common species that is found buzzing around your house during the warmer months.
The Express spoke to pest control expert Jordan Foster from Fantastic Pest Control about what the best and most natural methods are to get rid of these real pains.
Jordan explained what the most common types of flies are to begin with, as he said: "House flies, fruit flies and drain flies are the three types of flies most commonly seen inside houses. The differences between fruit flies and house flies” however, is “their appearance, size, behaviour, and preferred habitats.
"Fruit flies are smaller, measuring about 3-4mm, while house flies are larger, usually around 6-7mm. The body of fruit flies is tan to brownish with red eyes, while the body of house flies is grey with red eyes."
He added: "Fermenting and decaying fruits and vegetables attract fruit flies. It is common to find them near overripe fruits. House flies are drawn to organic materials, which include food scraps, garbage, and faeces."
Read on below to find out how to get rid of these pesky flies, and exactly why they love to hang around your home.
Two natural ways to get rid of house flies
1. Smells
The expert said that scents such as essential oils and vinegar can deter them from your home.
Jordan said: "The strong scent of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella repels flies. Using these oils in diffusers, sprays, or soaking cotton balls and placing them in areas where flies are a nuisance will help eliminate them.
"Using vinegar as a repellent for flies can be effective. Spraying a mixture of water and white vinegar around the house or using it to clean surfaces will discourage flies from lingering."
He also noted that "some herbs and spices" can also repel flies "with their strong aromas".
You can get a full set of various essential oils on Amazon for just £8.99, down from £15.25. Tesco has a bottle of distilled vinegar for even cheaper, at just 35p for 568ml.
2. Plants
Jordan noted that "certain plants can deter flies with their natural fragrances" such as mint, lavender and marigold. The expert said: "Flies are repelled by the sweet scent of lavender. By planting lavender bushes or placing dried lavender sachets near windows and doors, flies can be discouraged from entering.
"Flies tend to avoid mint because of its strong scent, particularly spearmint and peppermint. Marigolds have a characteristic smell that makes flies avoid them. Marigolds can be planted in garden beds and used in pots near entrances to deter flies.
"A rosemary plant's aromatic scent can repel flies. In pots or as part of your landscaping, rosemary plants can serve as natural insect deterrents."
If you don't want to deal with a mint plant in the home then you can grab a bottle of the spice for just £1 from Tesco. Sainsbury's also has a 10-pack of African Marigold plants for £3, which is also part of the two for £5 deal on their flowers and seedlings.
Alternatively, for just £5.99.
Why do flies hang around your house?
Jordan explained: "It is primarily due to food sources and organic materials commonly found indoors that house flies infest houses. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect odours from a long distance. Whenever there is organic waste present in a garbage bin or compost pile, flies are attracted to them."
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He also noted that the pesky insects enjoy damp environments, adding: "House flies breed in moist environments. They are attracted to standing water, leaky pipes, and drains."
The expert also said that the warmer months are when flies are most active. Jordan continued: "Summer is generally when flies are more prevalent. Regions and climates can influence the exact timing, though. As temperatures rise and food sources become more available, their population increases."
House flies are also known for circling under lampshades or lights and Jordan said this was a specific behaviour they follow.
He added: "Flying circles under lights or lampshades is a behaviour known as phototaxis. Flies instinctively move toward lamps and lampshades.
"Flies also exhibit negative phototaxis, avoiding direct, intense light. As a result, flies often hover or circle lights instead of flying into them directly."
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