If there’s one thing everyone wants to know in the summertime, it’s how to get rid of flies.
With barbecues, beach parties and the sun, what’s not to love about the summer? Pesky flies, of course. These nasty insects can spoil your summer fun. So how can you get rid of flies and keep them away?
Over the years, savvy homeowners have come up with ways to keep these resilient household pests at bay. The remedies are many, and efficient.
How to get rid of flies with this useful lifehack
Make A Simple Anti-Fly Device
You don’t have to run all the way to the DIY store to get a tool that will get rid of flies. And expert handyman skills aren’t necessary. Here’s what you can do to make one that will rid your beautiful garden of flies, now.
You will need:
- A few pennies
- Some water
- Some salt
First of all, pour 2 1/2 cups of water into a small bowl. Include significant amounts of lime juice and salt. A homeowner recommended two to three teaspoons of it, but there’s no exact number. Though it resembles clear water, its effectiveness lasts.
Then, mix all of that together with a spoon. Carefully tip the mixture into a plastic sandwich bag until it’s almost full. But before you zip the bag shut, drop in your pennies.
Now, combine these ingredients with a spoon. Pour the mixture into the sandwich bag, almost filling it. Put in your pennies in it before zipping it up. With that, you have a home-made, anti-fly device.
Your anti-fly device is ready. All you have to do is hang it around your BBQ. To do this, bend a paper clip and stick the end to the back. Everyone agrees that it works.
More Ways to Keep Flies Away
There are more ways to get rid of flies if you stretch your imagination and use what’s around you.
1 . Plastic Water Bags
Plastic water bags are a simple, yet foolproof way to rid your surroundings of pesky flies. All you have to do is fill a plastic bag with water. Though this remedy may seem too straightforward to work, it does.
The flies will see the water bags as traps and not go near them. Furthermore, the water reflects light, which will disorient them.
You need:
- Gallon-sized clear plastic bags
- Water
Steps:
First of all, half-fill the plastic bags with water. Then, knot them at the mouth to secure them. Finally, hang them at your entryways.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is particularly useful for getting rid of fruit flies because it produces a ‘fermented’ smell. Flies can’t resist the smell of fermented apples, especially when they’re heated up.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar
- A Glass Jar
- Paper funnel
- Steps:
First of all, heat up the apple cider in the microwave. You may choose to use a jar with or without a lid. If you’re using one with a lid, create a few holes on it.
Make them big enough for flies to enter. You may use a funnel as well. If you can’t find one, make one out of paper. Fold the paper into the shape of a cone and staple it. Make sure that there’s a hole at the end.
Fill the jar with Apple Cider Vinegar and place it where the flies are. They will fly into the jar because the odor of the cider attracts them. They become trapped once inside.
3. Homemade lavender fly repellent
Lavender oil is another way to get rid of flies. This oil owes its popularity to its nerve-calming qualities. It will please you to know that it not only soothes nerves but also chases flies away. Here’s how you make lavender oil fly repellent.
What you need
- 1/2 cup lavender oil
- A tin can with a lid
- A dish sponge
First of all, dip the sponge in the oil. Then, put it in the can and leave it for 24 hours.
Take off the lid after 24 hours and leave it where most flies go.
Finally, replenish the oil regularly as the air weakens it.
5. Use cloves to repel flies
Everyone loves the smell of cloves in their kitchens, but flies don’t. Cloves, combined with lemon, are effective fly repellents.
You will need:
- 2 Lemons
- And 25 to 50 cloves
Steps:
Halve the lemons.
First, jab six to twelve cloves into each half. Then, make sure to poke with the pointed end. The bud should face upwards.
Finally, put the lemons on a plate. They should serve as an attractive table centerpiece.
6. Lemongrass spray
Try lemongrass spray if you want an aromatic repellent. It works because it chases flies away. It also keeps your home smelling fresh.
You will need:
- 12 drops essential oil
- 1/4 cup hot water
- A spray bottle
First of all, pour the lemongrass essential oil into the spray bottle. Then, pour hot water over the oil. Shake the bottle, and make sure to mix both ingredients. Finally, spray the solution where there are the most flies.
7. Use Wine
You may balk at using wine if you are a connoisseur, but it’s a foolproof remedy nonetheless. Your favorite drink makes an efficient flytrap. Just put a glass of wine where there are many flies. You’ll see them float in it after a time. Wine is a fermented drink, so it attracts them.
There are many ways to get rid of flies. You only need to use the things around you. Also, a little ingenuity helps.