Pest control expert Vicki Hall shared the tip during a recent appearance on This Morning, explaining that spreading coffee beans on a baking tray and roasting them for around 10 to 15 minutes creates an aroma that deters flies. She said: "You put coffee beans on a baking tray and spread them out. Then you put them in the oven for about ten to 15 minutes. The aroma of the coffee will stop flies from coming in, so if anyone out there has been to a coffee shop and not seen any flies, then this could be the reason why."
Apple cider vinegar trap
Another hack Hall shared uses apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid, two items often found at home. Simply pour a little apple cider vinegar into a bowl or mug and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Flies are attracted to the vinegar, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink.
DIY bottle fly trap
Hall also suggested creating a bottle fly trap using a recycled 2-litre plastic bottle, sugar and a simple DIY funnel. The method involves removing the bottle cap and cutting the top off the bottle, around two or three inches from the neck, then adding apple cider vinegar and water to the bottle. Turn the top section upside down and place it inside the bottom half to create a funnel. Flies can enter the bottle but cannot escape.
Magnetic fly screens
Hall's final tip is to use custom-fit magnetic fly screens on open windows, allowing windows to stay open during hot weather while keeping flies out. She added: "I use mesh screens all the time - I live next to a woodland so I am surrounded by insects all the time! And I’m living proof these are golden!"
