Flies may not sting like mosquitoes, but these pests can still transmit diseases and buzzing around you, constantly annoying you, making it hard to catch or shoo them away, leaving you feeling frustrated. Fortunately, experts have shared natural methods to drive flies away, simply by placing a certain vegetable at home, causing them to turn around and say goodbye to you.
As temperatures rise and food sources increase, from now until the end of summer, people may encounter flies darting around, even swarming in groups, buzzing loudly.
According to the US website “Healthline,” flies are primarily attracted to substances where they can lay eggs. If your home has these substances, flies may be attracted to them – (1) rotting materials, including kitchen waste and other trash; (2) animal feces; (3) fertilizer.
Additionally, since flies are phototropic, bright lights used in your home at night can also attract them.
Reported by the UK website “Ideal Home,” pest control experts say that all you need is a regular cucumber to drive flies out of your home. This is because flies dislike the smell of cucumbers.
Glen Peskett, a DIY expert at the UK tool specialty store “Saxton Blades,” stated: “Houseflies will be driven away by the smell of cucumbers, especially the bitter varieties. The exact reason is not entirely clear, but it is believed that natural compounds in cucumber peel (such as cucurbitacin) produce a scent that makes flies feel unpleasant and instinctively avoid it.”
Fruit flies also steer clear of cucumbers, as they naturally prefer sweet fruits. Therefore, you can slice cucumbers and place them near entryways in your home, such as doors and windows, as well as near areas where flies tend to gather, like kitchen trash cans or compost bins.
However, it is important to avoid cucumbers from rotting, as decaying produce attracts flies. Experts recommend changing cucumber slices every one to two days.
Georgios Likopoulos, a pest control professional at the UK pest control company “Fantastic Pest Control,” mentioned that using cucumbers to drive away flies is both simple and natural. When combined with good hygiene habits and other fly-repelling methods, the effectiveness can be enhanced.
Likopoulos said, “It may not get rid of all the flies, but it can significantly reduce their numbers.”
Peskett agreed, calling this method “very effective,” but acknowledged that it may not eliminate all flies, so implementing other preventive measures concurrently, like closing windows or curtains, is necessary.
The cucumber placement method is best used in conjunction with other fly-repelling methods. If you are unsure of other methods, you can refer to the following suggestions.
“Healthline” website offers other natural methods to repel or trap flies, including planting carnivorous plants, using vinegar and dish soap, and using natural baits.
Planting Carnivorous Plants:
Carnivorous plants are insect-eating plants. If you grow them outdoors, they will naturally consume flies. Indoors, you may need to feed them flies every one to two weeks. When flies enter the trap of carnivorous plants, they wrap them up and secrete digestive fluids to dissolve the soft insides of the flies. It will decompose the flies in a few days or weeks, then regurgitate the exoskeleton.
Planting Herbal Plants:
You can plant herbal plants and flowers to prevent flies from entering your home, like basil, marigolds, lavender, and parsley. These plants emit strong fragrances to repel flies.
Additionally, planting mint, rosemary, and cloves, or using peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass essential oils in diffusers or sprays, can also achieve the same effect.
Using Vinegar and Dish Soap:
A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can be used to trap fruit flies and other flies. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a glass, then add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the glass with plastic wrap, secure it with a rubber band, and poke some small holes in the top of the plastic wrap. Flies will be attracted by the vinegar in the glass and will fly into it through the small holes. The dish soap will make the flies sink rather than land on the vinegar.
Using Natural Baits:
You can also use natural baits to lure flies into traps. These baits include sugar (such as syrup or brown sugar), wine, beer, and fruits (such as bananas or apples).