Soaring temperatures are a welcome relief as we make the most of basking in the sunshine but what might not be a welcome part of the heat is the addition of pesky flies taking over kitchens.
Hotter temperatures make kitchens a breeding ground for flies but don't fret we've got you covered.
A cleaning expert has come forward with some top tips to keep flies well away from your kitchen with simple and cheap solutions, as reported by The Mirror.
Polly Shearer, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, said: “The UK is predicted to experience a heatwave this week, with some places expected to see temperatures reaching 34°C.
“The heat causes an increase in flies and means that house flies are more likely to multiply in hot weather! This could see tens of thousands of flies buzzing around BBQs and kitchens in the UK this week.
“We recommend using preventative measures to stop flies and insects breeding in your kitchen this summer.”
1. Make your very own fly deterrent spray, using natural ingredients
Unlike humans, flies detest the scene of soothing essential oils like mint, lemongrass, and lavender. Therefore, by simply mixing a few drops of one of these oils with water in a spray bottle, you can have your very own fly deterrent spray.
It’s recommended that you spritz your all-natural concoction around the kitchen area throughout the day, or anywhere else where you’re making or eating food. As a bonus, a lavender spray will also help keep your home smelling fresh.
2. Make sure to keep any fizzy drinks in your fridge, and clean up any spills at once
The carbon dioxide found in fizzy drinks is as tempting to flies as it is to humans in need of refreshment and may cause them to gather.
Therefore, it’s advised that you pop any soft drinks straight into the fridge, wiping up any spillages immediately.
3. Keep your kitchen bin dry using baking soda
Food put in the bin will rot at a speedier rate in the summer months, and will naturally attract a greater number of flies. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you clean and empty your bins as regularly as you can as the heat rises.
Baking soda sprinkled at the bottom of your bin before a new bag is put in will absorb any smells and potential leakages, helping to keep flies from hovering around.
4. Don’t leave your dirty dishes by the sink
As tempting as it may be to leave your dirty dishes for later, it’s particularly important to keep on top of your washing up during periods of hot weather.
If dishes are left lying around encrusted with leftovers, flies could well contaminate them with bacteria and may even lay their eggs on the surfaces of your plates.
5. Make sure leftovers are fully sealed in storage bags and tubs
As flies prefer to lay their eggs in warmer places, leftovers shouldn’t be left uncovered, even when you’re waiting for them to cool down.
Instead, people are urged to keep leftovers in a sealable bag or tub, ensuring flies can’t touch them.
6. Buy a bottle of apple cider vinegar for as little as 80p to deter fruit flies
If fruit flies have taken a liking to your kitchen, you should fill a glass halfway up with apple cider vinegar, covering this with cling film with holes poked through.
The fruit flies should then be attracted into the glass, allowing you to set them free outside, well away from your fresh salad.
7. Keep a basil plant in your kitchen
Basil is known to repel both flies and mosquitoes, meaning it’s a brilliant option as a kitchen plant. Plus, you’ll have a readily available ingredient for tonnes of summery recipes.
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