Flies can be a nuisance during the warmer months, but a simple kitchen ingredient may offer a natural solution. Cleaning expert Andre Kazimierski from Sophia's Cleaning recommends using cayenne pepper to deter flies without resorting to chemical sprays.
Kazimierski suggests mixing one tablespoon of cayenne pepper with two cups of hot water. Once cooled, the solution can be poured into a spray bottle and applied around windows, doorways, and kitchens. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper creates a strong, spicy scent that irritates flies and masks food odours that attract them.
However, the spray may irritate pets' eyes, so it is best avoided in households with cats or dogs. As an alternative, apple cider vinegar or cucumbers can be used as pet-friendly repellents.
In addition to using repellents, experts advise keeping kitchens clean. Nancy Emery, a home and cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, highlights often-overlooked areas that attract flies, such as pet food bowls, sink drains, and recycling bins. Keeping these areas clean can help reduce fly problems during hot weather.
