Spring means open windows and fresh air, but also unwanted flies buzzing indoors, but there is a simple method to deter them without using harsh chemical sprays.
Spring brings with it the welcome relief of throwing open the windows to let in some fresh air, but unfortunately, this also creates an open invitation for flies to venture indoors. Flies become a genuine nuisance in April, growing active once temperatures consistently reach 15C, and with the UK basking in plenty of sunshine this week, you’ll likely notice them buzzing around your home already.
Many households reach straight for the insect repellent spray to tackle the problem, but this can fill rooms with harmful fumes while leaving harsh chemical residues on surfaces. Instead, experts at Time For You, a professional cleaning company, have revealed that there are highly effective yet entirely natural methods to repel flies by simply placing certain items on your windowsill.
The expert advised: “You don’t have to douse your house in fly spray to keep them at bay… scatter orange or lemon peel near open windows or by the bin. It smells nice to us, but flies aren’t fans.”
It may sound surprising, but flies possess a remarkably sharp sense of smell that they depend upon heavily to locate food and suitable spots to lay their eggs.
They use their antennae to pick up scents, detecting rotting waste or sugar from considerable distances, which explains why kitchens are such a frequent target.
Citrus fruits, however, contain high concentrations of limonene, a powerfully scented oil that disrupts flies’ ability to navigate effectively.
Orange and lemon peels work by masking the scents that attract flies, tricking them into thinking there’s no food around, prompting them to search elsewhere, reports the Express.
Citrus oils also irritate flies, signalling that an area poses danger or isn’t suitable for breeding, causing them to immediately seek out safer surroundings.
How to naturally deter flies and keep them out of your home
Simply save any peels after enjoying an orange or lemon and bend them to release the oils.
Position them on windowsills, around bins or near fruit bowls. Swap them out once they’ve dried, or every few days to maintain their effectiveness as a deterrent.
If you’ve got leftover fruit, it’s also worth cutting a lemon or orange in half, pushing cloves into them and keeping them near a window.
The combined aroma from the cloves is stronger and can easily overpower flies.
Some people also boil the peels in a pot of water, then transfer the solution into a spray bottle to create a homemade air freshener that doubles as a pest repellent.
Many plants also contain oils that flies can’t stand, so it’s beneficial to place basil, mint, lavender or even rosemary on a windowsill.
Keeping flies at bay can be straightforward once you understand which scents repel them, making your home less appealing so you can leave your windows open throughout spring and summer without concern.
