Latest news with #flies
The Sun
3 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
The 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer mixing kitchen staple with soap – it works in minutes
EXPERTS have revealed a 35p hack to banish flies from your home this summer. Summer is finally here, and according to the Met Office, a heatwave is "likely" to occur this weekend. 2 2 However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of irritating pests. House flies can be an incredible annoyance at this time of year, as they sneak in through open doors and windows. Fruit flies are also a real problem during summer, as they are attracted to foods which decay quicker in heat. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. However, according to experts there is a simple purse friendly hack you can use to banish the critters. All you need is some big standard washing up liquid and some vinegar. Healthline writes: 'A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help you trap flies such as fruit flies.' To try out the hack, simply mix equal parts water and vinegar in a glass. Then, add a few drops of washing up liquid to the mix. Cover the glass with clingfilm, and then poke some small holes in the top. I'm a plumber and your spider problem could be caused by your toilet 'Flies will be attracted to the vinegar in the glass and will fly through the holes", Healthline said. "However, the dish soap causes the flies to sink instead of being able to land on the vinegar.' Flies are attracted to the scent of the vinegar as it is similar to that of decaying fruit. Vinegar also contains acetic acid, which is a chemical that builds up during fermentation. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. You may already have a bottle of vinegar in the kitchen, but if not, you can pick it up from Sainsbury's for as little as 35p. If you don't want your home to smell of vinegar, This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, recently shared a sweeter-smelling hack. "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go.
The Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 20p hack that makes flies turn around and fly back out of your house – they hate the smell & it lasts for weeks
SOAKING up the sunshine is one of the best parts of summer, but with the hot weather comes a whole host of pests to deal with. One of the more common pests households deal with are flies, which can take over gardens and homes. 2 2 Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune on gadgets to try and get rid of them, this simple trick will work wonders. It was shared by This Morning pro, Nancy Birtwhistle, and at just 20p you can't go wrong. Her hack is perfect for keeping bugs at bay, and better yet, it's an eco-friendly option that won't harm the environment. First, Nancy warned to keep food away from areas flies might gather, including waste in bins, which can be covered with a lid. "They [flies] hate the smell of citrus and they hate the smell of cloves," she said, explaining how easy it is to keep them at bay. With this in mind, she suggested creating a DIY method to deter the pesky insects. All you need to do is cut a few lemons in half and then stick the cloves into the juicy part. Although the fresh scent is lovely for us humans, the flies can't stand it and will find somewhere else to go. "They just hate it," the pro said as she explained how she keeps a just one in her conservatory, and in other rooms around her house. "My husband just didn't believe this until he saw a fly come in, see this, turn around and fly out," she added. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails After around a week, the lemon scent will begin to fade, so you can take the cloves out and reuse them with fresh lemons, to keep your home smelling fresh and keep the flies out. And since a bag of lemons from Asda will set you back just 99p, as will a bag of cloves, this back works out at just pennies. If, like most people, you like to leave windows and doors open during the warm summer months, you could also stick one of the clove lemons there too, to deter them from coming inside. "But two easy solutions can be to regularly pour hot water down your drain (every three-five days) which will effectively clean the drains and kill the eggs, larvae and any adult flies." What are house flies? House flies got their name by being the most common household fly. With their hairy black bodies and translucent wings, these insects can be found worldwide. They generally live for between 15 and 25 days and can survive without food or water for two to three days. What causes a lot of flies in the house? House flies are highly attracted to manure, and can often be found around farms. They generally stay within a mile or two of their birthplace, but they have been known to travel up to 20 miles. House flies enjoy being in the sun, and will perch in sunny spots around your home. Bright lights at night can also attract flies. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The 2C method which stops flies plaguing your home and ruining your BBQ and there's ZERO chemicals involved
THERE'S nothing more annoying than setting up a barbecue to enjoy in the sunshine, with flies swarming your food as soon as you start cooking. But one woman has shared a clever way to stop the pests ruining your outdoor feast this summer, and it's entirely chemical free. 3 3 3 Her '2C method' involves using a cupboard staple, and something you'd already be using for the BBQ - namely ground coffee, and a hot piece of coal. Dil took to her TikTok page to share her hack, as she shared a video demonstrating just how effective it can be. The clip showed a cup sitting on the table, with smoke coming off it, as Dil explained she was shown the clever trick when she went to a restaurant in Kıbrıs, Cyprus. "Little hack for you, a little bit of Turkish coffee and coal when you've got the barbecue on stops the flies coming around your food," she said in the video. And while Dil used Turkish coffee - a finely ground coffee known for its texture - for the hack, you can use any ground coffee for it to work. People were quick to comment on her video, with one writing: "Wow ...that's for sharing...I hate flies!" "Yes, they taught us that in Cyprus too- it really works," another added. "My mum did that but I forgot about it," a third admitted. "Thank you for reminding me." "We do this on hols in Cyprus," someone else commented. Expert's warning over common barbecue myths that pose 'dangerous health risk' as Brits' grilling blunders revealed "Great idea darling," another said. With someone else asking "can we use Nescafe?". "I don't see why not!" Dil replied. "They use strong Turkish coffee in Cyprus as it's always to hand." Meanwhile, another expert has explained that as well as being annoying, flies can pose a serious health risk - as they can transfer bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli onto food and preparation surfaces. According to Pest-Stop 's technical training manager Sophie Thorogood, there are some tips to follow to keep the unwelcome guests at bay. Why do flies come out in summer? Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE! The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures. Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours! In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days. The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months! Firstly, it's important to keep your home - and your garden - clean. "Flies are drawn to food residues and moisture," Sophie said. "Make sure to wipe down surfaces, clean up spills and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink or on countertops. "They also breed in decaying waste, making household bins a prime hotspot. "To reduce fly activity, make sure rubbish is removed regularly and bins are kept tightly closed." And if you're planning a barbecue in the evening, it's important to turn off your outdoor lights. "Flies are attracted to light sources, especially at night," Sophie added. "Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights or switching to warm-coloured bulbs can help reduce the number of insects hovering around your home." However, you can use a light to trap the little insects, as it's another natural way of dealing with the problem. 'These devices use energy-efficient LED lamps to attract and capture flies, helping to maintain a cleaner, more hygienic environment," she continued. 'For best results, install light traps just above eye level and away from ceilings, where they'll be most effective in intercepting flying insects."
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi's £3 buy keep pesky flies out of your home all summer – and it smells amazing too
ALDI is selling a £3 product that will keep flies out of your home all summer long, and make your house smell amazing. Summer is finally here, and according to the Met Office, it's set to be a scorcher. 2 2 However, although there are so many positives to summer, from warm weather to longer days, it also has its downsides, such as the emergence of irritating pests. House flies can be an incredible annoyance at this time of year, as they sneak in through open doors and windows. Chasing them around with rolled-up newspapers and makeshift fly swatters can seem an endless task, and can ruin your summer's evening. However, according to experts, a quick and easy way to get rid of them is to plant pest-repelling herbs in the garden. Although lavender is one of the most beloved scents for humans, flies can't stand the scent of it. Therefore, if you plant the fragrant flower near the entrance to your home or on the windowsill, it will act as a barrier against flies. Plus, lavender also attracts bees, which will give your garden a wildlife boost. Anyone wanting to try out this simple hack won't have to fork out much, as Aldi is launching a lavender plant for just £3.79. The bargain bloom will be available at stores across the UK from June 12, so flower fans had better set their alarms to be in with the chance of snagging the product. Another plant that flies hate the scent of is cooking staple basil. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free Purchasing a pot and placing it on the windowsill will keep the insects at bay. Plus, you can pull of a leaf or two and add it to pastas, pizzas or salads to enhance their flavour. Mint is another plant that flies can't stand due to its sharp refreshing scent. Plus, it works great as an addition to summer cocktails such as mojitos. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. How to Care for Lavender To get the most out of your lavender, plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Once it's settled in, it won't need much watering – in fact, it prefers to stay on the dry side. French lavender typically flowers from late spring into early autumn, with a peak bloom period between May and September. Some varieties, like Lavandula stoechas "Papillon" and "Tiara", are known for their continuous flowering from late spring to early autumn. After French lavender flowers, you should trim the spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and keep the plant compact. You can also prune the plant back in late summer or early spring to rejuvenate it and prevent it from becoming woody.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Aldi launches £2.49 buy that will banish flies, wasps and mosquitoes from your home this summer – it works ‘instantly'
IF you've noticed an army of flies and wasps entering your home, fear not, you've come to the right place. There's nothing more annoying than relaxing on your sofa or enjoying a freshly-cooked dinner, only to have an irritating insect that won't leave you alone. 4 4 Flies tend to thrive in the warmer weather and reproduce quickly - and while this is great for them, it may not be so positive for us. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. But fear not, luckily for you, Aldi has now launched an incredibly effective solution that will banish the annoying pests from your pad in no time. Not only is it said to work 'instantly', but it also gets rid of mosquitoes too. And if you're on a budget, then you'll be pleased to know that this supermarket buy is incredibly affordable. So if your purse is feeling the pinch and you're searching for a solution that won't break the bank, you'll need to get your shoes ready and move quickly. Thanks to Aldi's latest drop of Specialbuys, shoppers can now get their hands on the Zero In Fly & Wasp Spray. It's priced at just £2.49, making it great for those looking to pocket pennies where possible. It's been described as a 'fast acting killer' that works to 'instantly stop wasps and flies'. This 'fast action formula' will 'kill flies, wasps and mosquitoes' and is intended for indoor use. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack This affordable spray works to banish insects on contact and you must make sure to thoroughly shake it before use. Spray directly at insects from a distance of 60cm to 90cm. Shoppers should note that this bargain buy contains Permethrin, Tetramethrin and PBO. Why do flies come out in summer? Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE! The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures. Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours! In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days. The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months! It's important that users avoid direct contact with soft furnishings, carpets and polished areas. It is also not for use on clothing or bedding. It is available to buy from Aldi stores nationwide, while stocks last. But you'll need to get to your nearest Aldi fast if you want to nab it, as like all middle aisle finds, it is sure to sell out incredibly fast. Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.
