'I'm a pest expert - easiest way to banish flies from home takes just 5 steps'

01 September 2023 , 10:37

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Flies are more common in our homes as the temperatures are warmer (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In the summer months, flies never fail to irritate Brits as they swarm homes across the UK. Many will have noticed a spike in the numbers of blue bottles, fruit flies, houseflies and sewer gnats recently.

The pesky insects' breeding season comes to an end in October - so we can look forward to seeing fewer of them around over the colder months. But until then, an expert has offered five tips to keep your home free from flies and reduce infestations, writes the Express.

Georgios Likopoulos of Fantastic Pest Control insists that with "a little thorough cleaning and a few household products, you can keep flies at bay".

Here are his five steps:

1. Find the source

Infestations can occur when food items are overlooked such as a forgotten onion or bag of potatoes.

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Homeowners who find forgotten items of food need to dispose of them correctly to discourage infestations.

2. Empty bins

Normally, homeowners clean bins when they are full, but it's a good idea to do it daily during the warmer months.

Georgios added: "Pay particular attention to compost bins and any other bin containing food waste.

"Emptying and wiping them daily will help reduce the breeding grounds for flies and unpleasant kitchen smells."

3. Drains should be sanitised and closed

Drain flies, also known as sewer gnats, are another pest that can be misunderstood for baby flies due to their similar appearances.

Sewer flies will thrive in stagnant and standing water. To keep drains clean, use bleach, a drain cleaner or a homemade mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to "deep clean" drains.

4. Keep ripe fruit refrigerated

Fruit can encourage flies to enter homes so it's important fruit is washed straight away and kept in an airtight container in the fridge or a fruit bowl to deter flies.

5. Set a fly trap

Georgios also shared a fly trap that works to catch flies and stop them from buzzing around.

Jamie Saunderson