July is peak season for flies, but a surprisingly simple method can keep them out of your home so you can enjoy open windows without the constant buzzing. Flies become particularly troublesome during summer because their eggs hatch far more quickly in warmer conditions, and they are not only searching for food but also seeking safe spots to breed.
Why Flies Invade Your Kitchen
Many people do not realise that flies frequently settle in dark corners of the kitchen, and once they have made their way inside, getting rid of them can prove tricky as their eggs can hatch in under 24 hours. While it might seem sensible to simply spray them with insect repellent, these products typically contain harmful chemicals that can remain on surfaces — far from ideal if you have young children or pets around.
Fortunately, you do not need to wait until the cooler autumn months to solve the problem. William from Pest Buddy has shared that regularly checking your sink drain is far more effective. He explained: "Flies, and drain flies in particular, breed in the moist, organic film that builds up inside drains and plugholes. Clean and disinfect drains regularly to remove a hidden breeding site and food source that is easy to overlook."
The Hidden Danger in Your Sink
Flies initially enter homes because they can detect food from considerable distances, which is precisely why keeping your kitchen spotless is the single most effective way to keep them at bay. Most households are already wise to covering up fruit bowls and regularly emptying the bins during summer, as fermenting food rapidly draws in unwanted pests.
However, sinks tend to accumulate leftover scraps, crumbs and vegetable peelings on a daily basis, which gradually build up into a greasy sludge that clings to the inside of pipes. Not only can flies easily locate food waste lurking in a sink, but the drain itself is warm and tucked away, making it an ideal spot for them to lay their eggs.
How to Keep Flies Away for Good in Summer
Keeping a sink drain clean could not be simpler — just pour boiling water down the plughole, as the heat will break down any food residue and eliminate any flies already lurking there. It also helps to pour washing-up liquid or soda crystals down the sink, as both are particularly effective at cutting through grease compared to other cleaning products.
Aim to clean your sink once a week throughout summer, or even every day if you suspect a fly infestation, to prevent odours building up and luring flies in. It will also make a significant difference to wipe down kitchen surfaces, sweep the floor and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink, as even the tiniest crumb can be enough to attract flies.
A fly-free kitchen does not have to mean buying yet another product or gadget — simply taking a few minutes to clear away food debris is sufficient to put them off for the remainder of the summer.
