Common 52p kitchen food helps keep flies out of home as is perfect for heatwave

Common 52p kitchen food helps keep flies out of home as is perfect for heatwave
The UK is currently basking in a heatwave with temperatures only set to climb further - but the hot weather can bring unwelcome guests to our doors in the form of flies
The balmy weather can bring annoying flies into our homes
(Image: Getty )
The UK is currently enjoying a heatwave, with temperatures predicted to rise even further. Most of England has been issued yellow heat health warnings, with the mercury expected to reach up to 33C by the weekend.
However, the warm weather often brings along unwanted visitors - flies. Not only do they create an irritating buzz, but they also spread germs and act as carriers, picking up pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites from unsanitary places like waste and decaying matter.
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It can be quite bothersome having to continually ward off flies from your home during the summer, but there's a simple solution to permanently rid your home of these pesky insects. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
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A common kitchen ingredient costing just 52p can help deter flies due to its potent scent. Basil, a fragrant herb, contains oils and aromatic compounds that flies find disagreeable, making it a natural fly repellent.
Basil can help deter pesky insects for good
(Image: Getty )
This everyday ingredient also contains a very strong oil and proves useful in the kitchen for keeping small gnats and flies away from food, reports the Express.
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Used for centuries as a natural method to repel flies and other insects, this culinary herb can be planted in pots, used as a border plant, or even grown indoors near windowsills to help keep flies at bay.
While basil doesn't kill flies, it does prevent them from contaminating the kitchen and food, and being non-toxic, it makes for a handy product.
You could also concoct a water and basil spray to use around your home by steeping basil leaves in water for 20-30 minutes.
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A fresh pack of basil from Sainsbury's will only cost you a mere 52p, and you can get 30g of cut basil for the same price at Tesco.
ASDA's 'Wonderfully aromatic basil', on the other hand, is slightly pricier at 60p.
Other common household items such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender can also serve as natural fly deterrents.
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