Pest control expert Vicki Hall appeared on This Morning and shared a simple kitchen hack to keep flies out of your home: roasting coffee beans in the oven. The powerful aroma repels flies and is far more agreeable to humans.
"You put coffee beans on a baking tray and spread them out. Then you put them in the oven for about ten to 15 minutes. The aroma of the coffee will stop flies from coming in, so if anyone out there has been to a coffee shop and not seen any flies, then this could be the reason why," she said.
Apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid
Another deterrent uses apple cider vinegar and washing-up liquid, two items that are likely already in your cupboards. Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or mug and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Flies are drawn to the vinegar, while the soap breaks the surface tension and makes them sink.
Make a bottle fly trap
Vicki also recommends building a fly trap from a recycled 2-litre plastic bottle, sugar and a homemade funnel. Remove the cap and cut off the top of the bottle roughly two or three inches from the neck, then add apple cider vinegar and water.
Turn the top section upside down and place it inside the bottom half to form a funnel. Flies can get into the bottle but cannot find their way out.
Magnetic fly screens
Her final tip is to fit custom-made magnetic fly screens over open windows. This allows fresh air to come in during warm weather while keeping flies outside.
"I use mesh screens all the time - I live next to a woodland so I am surrounded by insects all the time! And I'm living proof these are golden!" she says.
