Flies can be a real nuisance during the summer months, but a simple two-ingredient natural remedy may help keep them out of your home for less than £1. Flies are not only annoying but can also pose health risks, as they carry over 200 pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, which can contaminate food left on kitchen surfaces.
Commercial fly sprays are effective but often leave behind dead insects to clean up. However, a home hacks expert on Instagram has shared a budget-friendly alternative that uses just a lemon and dried cloves.
How the Hack Works
Dilek Rebke posted a video demonstrating her method, which she claims "really works" to keep her home fly-free all summer. The hack requires a lemon (around 35p) and a jar of dried cloves (about £1.50). Since only a few cloves are needed per use, the cost per application is under £1.
Dilek explains: "All you do is roll the lemon to make it juicy, then push about 10 to 20 cloves into the lemon. Place these on windowsills or anywhere flies enter, including outdoors when dining. The smell deters them." After a few days, the lemon dries out and loses its potency, but gently heating the fruit with a match or lighter revives the aroma.
Other Natural Fly Deterrents
In addition to cloves, several other natural scents repel flies:
- Basil and mint: Place potted basil or mint plants on windowsills to deter flies while providing fresh herbs for cooking.
- Lavender and marigold: Plant these in gardens or near doors and windows to keep flies away.
- Cinnamon: Place cinnamon sticks near windows to repel flies and other insects.
Keeping a clean home also helps. Always cover food, use sealed bins for food waste, and dispose of scraps promptly in biodegradable bags.
