Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools suggests freezing ingredients like lemon slices, mint leaves or cloves into ice cubes and adding them to outdoor drinks. The fresh scent is said to repel flies, helping to keep them away from food and drinks during warm weather.
How It Works
The hack works best when used around areas that attract flies, such as outdoor dining tables, patios and seating areas. According to Glen, the simple method uses common kitchen ingredients most people already have available.
"During the warmer months, people are always looking for simple ways to enjoy their gardens without constantly swatting flies away," says Glen. "It's a simple one, but that's what makes it quite handy. Most people have a lemon, some mint or even a few cloves tucked away in the kitchen, so you can just throw them into an ice cube tray and give it a go. The fresh smell can help make your garden table less appealing to flies when you're sitting outside."
Glen notes the hack will not completely stop flies, especially if food is left uncovered nearby, but it can be a useful extra step when dining outdoors.
How to Make Fly-Repelling Ice Cubes
- Slice up some lemon, lime or fresh mint leaves
- Add them to an ice cube tray
- Fill with water and freeze overnight
- Add the cubes to drinks or place them around your garden table
Additional Tips to Deter Flies
Glen recommends combining the ice cube hack with other simple habits: keeping food covered when eating outside, clearing away leftovers as soon as possible, emptying outdoor bins regularly and keeping lids closed, wiping down tables after meals and avoiding leaving sugary drinks uncovered.
"Flies are usually drawn in by food smells, so the biggest thing is removing what attracts them in the first place," Glen explains. "Little tricks like scented ice cubes can be a handy addition, but keeping your outdoor space clean is what will make the biggest difference."
