With the summer season underway and temperatures expected to remain above 25°C across much of the UK in the coming days, a cleaning expert has highlighted several often-overlooked kitchen areas that could be attracting more flies into homes during warmer weather.
While most households focus on emptying bins and clearing away leftover food, specialists point to three forgotten hotspots in the kitchen that may become prime breeding grounds for flies as temperatures continue to climb.
Nancy Emery, home and cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, has explained that hot weather combined with open windows, barbecues, and rising food waste can quickly transform kitchens into pest magnets. Sink drains, pet food bowls, and unwashed recycling become havens for unwelcome fly activity.
The specialist advises: "During hot weather, many of us naturally become more aware of things like overflowing bins or food left out on the side. But there are a few easy-to-miss areas in the kitchen that can also attract flies, especially when temperatures rise. Things like pet food bowls, sink drains and rinsing out recycling are often overlooked, but keeping on top of them can make a big difference in helping to keep kitchens fresher during a heatwave."
Sink Drains and Plug Holes
Small pieces of food trapped around plug holes and sink drains can become significantly more noticeable during hot weather and may entice flies to swarm around the kitchen. A quick rinse or wipe of the sink drainer and plug hole with washing-up liquid after cooking or cleaning can keep the area hygienic and reduce foul odours.
Pet Food Bowls
Leftover wet pet food and fragments from dry food can quickly attract flies in warmer weather, especially if bowls are left out for lengthy periods. Nancy recommends rinsing bowls after feeding where practical and possible, along with cleaning the surrounding feeding area daily to cut down on lingering smells and food debris.
Recycling Bins and Food Packaging
Unwashed meat trays, tins, and food packaging placed into indoor recycling bins can quickly begin to produce foul and unwelcome odours in higher temperatures, particularly after barbecues or outdoor dining. Where possible, rinse food packaging before putting it in recycling and move recycling bags or containers outside regularly during warm spells to avoid attracting flies indoors.
