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The five household items that will keep pesky flies out of your home – clever hack with your fan is just the start

The five household items that will keep pesky flies out of your home – clever hack with your fan is just the start

The Irish Sun2 days ago
NOW that summer has officially arrived and the temperatures have gone up, many homeowners may have noticed more and more flies appearing in their houses.
This is because this is the time of year that pesky bugs
love
the most, as the warmer, brighter days boost their energy levels.
Advertisement
5
Homeowners will notice an increased number of flies in the home over summer
Credit: Getty - Contributor
5
But there are easy ways to get rid of them - including a clever trick with a fan
Credit: Getty
The start of summer marks the start of their mating season and they can all emerge at once to begin reproducing.
Not to mention, there is also increased food availability, meaning they are often on the search for a tasty snack.
So it's no wonder that homeowners across the country will be trying all different tips and tricks to keep them at bay.
But luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune on professional products to banish flies from your home.
Advertisement
Property experts have revealed that five common household items can help keep your home pest-free.
Paul Gibbens, property pro at
The key to keeping flies out is consistency. Use these methods together for best results, particularly during July and August
Paul Gibbens
property expert at housebuyers4u.co.uk
He said: "The summer heat creates perfect conditions for flies to multiply rapidly.
'What most homeowners don't know is that simple items already in their homes can help deter flies better than expensive products.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
Breaking
"The key to keeping flies out is consistency. Use these methods together for best results, particularly during July and August when fly populations reach their peak in
British
homes."
Stressing the importance of basic hygiene, he added: "Keep food covered, clean up spills immediately, and empty bins regularly. These simple habits make your home much less attractive to flies in the first place."
'These miracle bags should be in every home,' says mum who created a cheap hack to prevent flies from entering your home
1. Apple cider vinegar and cling film
This combination works wonders in catching flies in the home and stopping them from travelling from room to room.
All you need to do is fill a glass with apple cider vinegar, then cover it with cling
film
and poke holes in the top.
Advertisement
The flies will smell the sweet, fermented scent and try to get to it by entering through the small holes.
However, they will get confused trying to find their way out and will end up stuck inside the cling
film
.
The experts also added that this mixture works best when placed in areas where flies gather most frequently, such as near fruit bowls or bin areas.
Advertisement
2
. Citrus peels
Most people throw away their lemon, lime, and orange peels - but did you know they can help get rid of flies?
The fruit peels contain d-limonene, which naturally repels the pesky critters.
So before you go tossing them in the bin, rub the pells along areas like windowsills, as this will create a barrier that flies won't cross.
Or, even better,
leave
them in small bowls around the house.
Advertisement
This method works particularly well for house flies and bluebottle flies, which are among the most common household fly types in the UK.
5
Leaving citrus peels around the home can naturally repel the critters
Credit: Getty
3.
Direct fans towards open windows
Fans can become a Godsend in the summer weather, quickly cooling down a room as the temperature rises.
But they also work wonders in helping get rid of flies from the home - and it's a clever trick that requires no prep.
Advertisement
Whether you're lying in bed or working at your desk, all you need to do is direct your fan outside your open window instead of into the room.
Small insects do not have the strength to fly against the wind created by household fans.
So, directing fans out of an open window will blow the flies away, keeping them from getting in.
People are just realising the right way to use your fan to get hot air out of the house
A FAN has become a staple for millions of households across the UK - but while many of us may blow the cool air directly at us, turns out there's another way to use the fan - and it may be more beneficial.
According to savvy
Rather than blasting the cold air at your
This, one savvy man, Simon Johnson, recently explained will ''suck the hot air out of the room''.
To effectively use a fan to remove hot air from a room, position it to exhaust hot air out of a window, while simultaneously opening a second window on the opposite side of the room to draw in cooler air.
For the ultimate cooling effect, you could also snap up an extra fan - and have its cool air blow directly at you.
''I'm definitely not melting tonight,'' said Simon, from South
And it's not just the Welsh lad who's been raving about this easy hack - another TikToker, Alex The Cleaner, shared how she was
She said in the video: ''Whoever posted this hack - thank you. 'I feel like I can breathe the air again.
''This feels so wrong but it works so well the fan sucks the hot air out of the room and honestly it works.''
4. Essential oils can make a natural repellent
Another trick that Paul suggests homeowners should try is to create a simple spray using common kitchen ingredients that repels flies - but without harmful chemicals and an unpleasant scent.
Advertisement
To do this, mix equal parts water and white vinegar with 10-15 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle.
Anything like eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass should work perfectly.
This solution can be sprayed around windows, doors, and other entry points without damaging surfaces or posing risks to children and pets, unlike some chemical alternatives.
These scents not only deter flies but will keep your home smelling fresh, too.
Advertisement
5
Experts suggest mixing eucalyptus essential oils with water and white vinegar in a spray bottle
Credit: Getty
5.
Grow fly-repelling plants
If you don't fancy making your own spray, then an even easier thing to try is to buy plants that naturally repel flies.
Certain plants, including basil, mint, lavender, and rosemary, act as natural repellents for all kinds of insects.
These contain natural compounds that flies find offensive, but humans find pleasant.
Advertisement
Read more on the Irish Sun
Paul recommended placing these plants on windowsills and near doorways where flies typically enter homes.
Plus, they can also work for being fresh herbs in your cooking!
5
Putting lavender plants inside the home can help repel flies
Credit: Getty
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The five household items that will keep pesky flies out of your home – clever hack with your fan is just the start
The five household items that will keep pesky flies out of your home – clever hack with your fan is just the start

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

The five household items that will keep pesky flies out of your home – clever hack with your fan is just the start

NOW that summer has officially arrived and the temperatures have gone up, many homeowners may have noticed more and more flies appearing in their houses. This is because this is the time of year that pesky bugs love the most, as the warmer, brighter days boost their energy levels. Advertisement 5 Homeowners will notice an increased number of flies in the home over summer Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 But there are easy ways to get rid of them - including a clever trick with a fan Credit: Getty The start of summer marks the start of their mating season and they can all emerge at once to begin reproducing. Not to mention, there is also increased food availability, meaning they are often on the search for a tasty snack. So it's no wonder that homeowners across the country will be trying all different tips and tricks to keep them at bay. But luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune on professional products to banish flies from your home. Advertisement Property experts have revealed that five common household items can help keep your home pest-free. Paul Gibbens, property pro at The key to keeping flies out is consistency. Use these methods together for best results, particularly during July and August Paul Gibbens property expert at He said: "The summer heat creates perfect conditions for flies to multiply rapidly. 'What most homeowners don't know is that simple items already in their homes can help deter flies better than expensive products. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Breaking "The key to keeping flies out is consistency. Use these methods together for best results, particularly during July and August when fly populations reach their peak in British homes." Stressing the importance of basic hygiene, he added: "Keep food covered, clean up spills immediately, and empty bins regularly. These simple habits make your home much less attractive to flies in the first place." 'These miracle bags should be in every home,' says mum who created a cheap hack to prevent flies from entering your home 1. Apple cider vinegar and cling film This combination works wonders in catching flies in the home and stopping them from travelling from room to room. All you need to do is fill a glass with apple cider vinegar, then cover it with cling film and poke holes in the top. Advertisement The flies will smell the sweet, fermented scent and try to get to it by entering through the small holes. However, they will get confused trying to find their way out and will end up stuck inside the cling film . The experts also added that this mixture works best when placed in areas where flies gather most frequently, such as near fruit bowls or bin areas. Advertisement 2 . Citrus peels Most people throw away their lemon, lime, and orange peels - but did you know they can help get rid of flies? The fruit peels contain d-limonene, which naturally repels the pesky critters. So before you go tossing them in the bin, rub the pells along areas like windowsills, as this will create a barrier that flies won't cross. Or, even better, leave them in small bowls around the house. Advertisement This method works particularly well for house flies and bluebottle flies, which are among the most common household fly types in the UK. 5 Leaving citrus peels around the home can naturally repel the critters Credit: Getty 3. Direct fans towards open windows Fans can become a Godsend in the summer weather, quickly cooling down a room as the temperature rises. But they also work wonders in helping get rid of flies from the home - and it's a clever trick that requires no prep. Advertisement Whether you're lying in bed or working at your desk, all you need to do is direct your fan outside your open window instead of into the room. Small insects do not have the strength to fly against the wind created by household fans. So, directing fans out of an open window will blow the flies away, keeping them from getting in. People are just realising the right way to use your fan to get hot air out of the house A FAN has become a staple for millions of households across the UK - but while many of us may blow the cool air directly at us, turns out there's another way to use the fan - and it may be more beneficial. According to savvy Rather than blasting the cold air at your This, one savvy man, Simon Johnson, recently explained will ''suck the hot air out of the room''. To effectively use a fan to remove hot air from a room, position it to exhaust hot air out of a window, while simultaneously opening a second window on the opposite side of the room to draw in cooler air. For the ultimate cooling effect, you could also snap up an extra fan - and have its cool air blow directly at you. ''I'm definitely not melting tonight,'' said Simon, from South And it's not just the Welsh lad who's been raving about this easy hack - another TikToker, Alex The Cleaner, shared how she was She said in the video: ''Whoever posted this hack - thank you. 'I feel like I can breathe the air again. ''This feels so wrong but it works so well the fan sucks the hot air out of the room and honestly it works.'' 4. Essential oils can make a natural repellent Another trick that Paul suggests homeowners should try is to create a simple spray using common kitchen ingredients that repels flies - but without harmful chemicals and an unpleasant scent. Advertisement To do this, mix equal parts water and white vinegar with 10-15 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle. Anything like eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass should work perfectly. This solution can be sprayed around windows, doors, and other entry points without damaging surfaces or posing risks to children and pets, unlike some chemical alternatives. These scents not only deter flies but will keep your home smelling fresh, too. Advertisement 5 Experts suggest mixing eucalyptus essential oils with water and white vinegar in a spray bottle Credit: Getty 5. Grow fly-repelling plants If you don't fancy making your own spray, then an even easier thing to try is to buy plants that naturally repel flies. Certain plants, including basil, mint, lavender, and rosemary, act as natural repellents for all kinds of insects. These contain natural compounds that flies find offensive, but humans find pleasant. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Paul recommended placing these plants on windowsills and near doorways where flies typically enter homes. Plus, they can also work for being fresh herbs in your cooking! 5 Putting lavender plants inside the home can help repel flies Credit: Getty

The Chase star shocks fans as he posts snap in his PANTS to show off weight loss
The Chase star shocks fans as he posts snap in his PANTS to show off weight loss

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

The Chase star shocks fans as he posts snap in his PANTS to show off weight loss

THE Chase's Shaun Wallace has shocked fans by posting a snap in his PANTS to show off his weight loss. The 65-year-old, known as The Dark Destroyer on the hit ITV quiz show, took to Instagram on Friday with his trademark suit nowhere to be seen. 4 Shaun Wallace from The Chase ditched his trademark suit for his latest social media post Credit: ITV 4 Shaun has been documenting his weight loss in recent months Credit: Getty 4 His latest post saw him pose in just a pair of Hugo Boss Y-fronts Credit: Shaun Wallace Instead, Shaun posed in just a pair of grey Hugo Boss Y-fronts to reveal his slimmed down physique. He wrote alongside the surprising clip: "It's time to get down to the naked truth and see if I've lost any weight. "Weight Down, confidence sky high. Thanks Jane Plan for making this all possible!" His shocked followers were quick to comment, with one writing: "Seeing the Dark Destroyer in his underwear was certainly not on my bingo card. You look great, keep it up." Read More on The Chase Another added: "Never be able to look at you in the same way now. Looking amazing." A third joked: "Shaun i can see your dark destroyer x." In the video, Shaun stepped on the scales and revealed he was down to 104.1kg, or 16 stone 3lbs. Back in April, Shaun first revealed he was following in the footsteps of fellow Chaser health and fitness regime. Most read in News TV Shaun continued by standing on scales and revealing he'd managed to lose three kilos. The Chase's Shaun Wallace shows off impressive weight loss in topless bathroom video His weight loss journey comes as the star recently revealed that he Shaun gave fans a rare update on his personal life away from the hit ITV game show. Speaking on the "I suppose I'm married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I'm happier," the quizzer explained. The Chase: Current lineup of Chasers on the ITV show The Chase first premiered on ITV back in 2009 and has become a firm favourite among viewers since then. The roster of professional quizzers ('chasers') has grown significantly since the show's launch. Mark Labbett (2009 - present): Known as 'The Beast', Mark is a former Maths teacher and previously won £32,000 on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Mark has also reprised his role as a Chaser in the US and Australian versions of the show. Shaun Wallace (2009 - present): Shaun, a barrister and former Mastermind champion, goes by the 'Dark Destroyer'. Shaun has appeared on the Australian version of The Chase. In 2008, he finished as runner-up to Barry Simmons in Are You an Egghead?, a contest to find a new member of the then-BBC quiz team. Anne Hegerty (2010 - present): A former contestant on Mastermind, Fifteen To One and Are You an Egghead?, Anne goes by 'The Governess'. Since joining The Chase, she appeared on I'm A Celebrity... in 2018. Paul Sinha (2011-present): Comedian and qualified doctor Paul joined the Chaser line-up in 2011, taking the nickname 'The Sinnerman'. He has appeared on The Weakest Link, University Challenge and Brain of Britain. In 2018, Paul starred in series 8 of popular game show Taskmaster. Jenny Ryan (2015 - present): Known as 'The Vixen', Jenny was previously in a winning team on Only Connect. She also appeared in Mastermind, The Weakest Link and Fifteen To One before joining The Chase in 2015. Darragh Ennis (2020 - present): A postdoctoral researcher, Darragh joined The Chase in 2020 as 'The Menace'. He is the first former contestant to join the line-up, having been part of a winning team against Paul Sinha in 2017. However, the hosts did continue to press him about the possibility of having a relationship. The star eventually confirmed: "Yes, I'm in a relationship." 4 Shaun said his confidence is soaring Credit: Instagram @Theshaunwallace The Chase airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX .

I was fed up of looking at my ugly bins but didn't want to fork out £400 for a cover – so I made my own for a bargain £9
I was fed up of looking at my ugly bins but didn't want to fork out £400 for a cover – so I made my own for a bargain £9

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

I was fed up of looking at my ugly bins but didn't want to fork out £400 for a cover – so I made my own for a bargain £9

THERE are some items in your garden your can't really get rid of, but aren't exactly appealing to look at. Of course, you could fork out a small fortune to cover them up, but who wants to spend so much money? 3 The finished bin cover looked just as good as posh, expensive ones Credit: Facebook 3 Catherine made the bin cover from scraps she had already Credit: Facebook 3 Wheelie bin can be a bit of an eyesore Credit: Getty The worst offender? Wheely bins. That's why one gardening whizz decided to take matters into her own hands and made a DIY cover for her bins. Taking to the popular Facebook group Gardening on a Budget, the DIY whizz, called Catherine, showed off her creation. She wrote: "When you're fed up looking at the ugly bins but the price of them covers are shocking for all they are... what do you do?" READ MORE ON GARDENS In the viral post, Catherine shared a snap of her three brightly coloured wheely bins - quite the eyesore. Luckily, the DIY whizz had plenty of old wood laying around her garden to help make the new bin cover. She started by cutting the off bits of wood to size before painting them all the same shade of brown. Soon the bin cover started to take shape, and it looked pretty expensive. Most read in Fabulous But Catherine explained the whole thing only ended up costing £9. "I had paint laying there already, and Jim was throwing the reeds out. I spent £9quid on castor wheels. Bargain," she said. 'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do' In the end, the cover hid the bins from sight, which Catherine said was her end goal. After showing off her handywork, other garden fans were impressed with the nifty bin cover. One said: "You've inspired me to try something similar with mine." Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% "Great idea, I'm thinking about doing that," a second agreed. And a third chimed in: "They are so expensive! Yours looks fabulous." The garden whizz then added that she ran out of wood, so wasn't able to make a lid for the cover but could do in the future . But in a bid to disguise the bins more, she painted the lids brown too, which helped them blend in even more. Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.

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