Flies can be a persistent nuisance in the summer, but a simple two-ingredient remedy using a lemon and dried cloves can keep them at bay for under £1, according to a home hacks expert.
Dilek Rebke shared her method on Instagram, explaining that rolling a lemon to make it juicy, then inserting 10 to 20 dried cloves into the fruit creates a natural repellent. Placing the lemon on windowsills or near entry points deters flies with its scent.
Common house flies carry over 200 pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, which can be transferred to uncovered food, posing a health risk. This hack offers a budget-friendly alternative to commercial sprays, which can leave dead flies to clean up.
Rebke notes that after a few days, the lemon dries out, but gently heating it with a match or lighter revives the aroma. Other natural scents disliked by flies can also be used, and keeping kitchens clean and food covered helps prevent infestations.
