A cleaning expert has shared a simple 80p household trick to keep flies and maggots away from bins during the summer heat. Claire, a cleaning expert, posted a video on Instagram explaining that sprinkling ordinary table salt over rubbish bags can stop flies from breeding.
How the salt trick works
In her video, Claire said: "If you've got food caddies like this, make sure you sprinkle loads of salt in it so that the flies just can't breed." She added in the caption: "Stop flies and maggots taking over your outdoor food waste caddy this summer! Even if your caddy lid locks, flies can still lay eggs around the outside and on food before it's bagged. After a week in this heat... those bags can practically walk themselves to the bin!"
Salt works by killing maggots and drying out fly eggs, while also absorbing bin juice and smells that attract flies. Claire advised using this method only on council food waste caddies where waste is taken for biofuel, not on compostable waste.
Viewers praise the tip
Commenters on the post were grateful for the advice. One person said: "I tried it and it's amazing! I can't believe it. Thank you." Another added: "Thank you. Brilliant."
Other natural fly repellents
Natural fragrances can also help keep flies away. Basil and mint plants deter flies and provide fresh herbs. Lavender and marigold plants can repel flies in the garden and near entrances. Roasting coffee grounds in the oven for 15 minutes releases an aroma that repels flies. Keeping living spaces clean and covering food on surfaces also discourages flies.
