With spring in full swing, fresh air and sunshine bring a welcome change, but with open windows and doors comes an all-too-familiar problem, houseflies. These buzzing intruders are more than just an annoyance. They carry over 100 pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, posing a significant health risk.
As temperatures rise, flies emerge in search of warmth, food, and suitable spots to lay eggs, often turning homes into ideal breeding grounds. While many people turn to chemical sprays and traps to keep them at bay, DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades suggests a surprisingly simple and natural alternative.
Flies have an aversion to the scent of cucumbers, particularly from more bitter varieties, making the vegetable a highly effective natural repellent. By placing slices around the home, particularly near windowsills, doorways, and bins, homeowners can create a barrier that keeps flies away, according to the expert.
“Cucumber slices are an incredibly effective way to repel flies,” said Peskett. “Flies hate the scent, especially from more bitter cucumbers, making it a natural deterrent.”
To ensure the remedy remains effective, the slices should be replaced every few days to maintain their potency.
Beyond cucumbers, there are additional ways to keep flies from invading the home. Keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible minimises their entry points, while reducing artificial light exposure at night makes homes less attractive to them.
Flies are drawn to waste, so regularly disposing of trash and keeping bins clean prevents them from becoming a breeding ground.
For those looking for a more permanent solution, installing fly screens allows fresh air to circulate while keeping pests out.
Peskett added that homeowners can even build their own custom-sized screens, ensuring a perfect fit for windows and doors with precise cuts made using a Stanley knife blade.
As the weather warms up, flies are an inevitable presence, but with a few simple tricks, homeowners can keep them at bay without relying on harsh chemicals.
