Gardeners urged to leave out 65p fruit to keep flies away
Flies are an unequivocal nuisance as soon as summer rolls around – but don't whack out the fly swatter just yet. It might sound mad, but experts say leaving out this one fruit will keep them at bay.
Of course, leaving out food is usually a bad idea when it comes to attracting flies. These airborne nuisances will feed on a wide array of decaying matter, from vegetables to meat to even faeces. This means that they put you at a high risk of consuming harmful bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli – which can be deadly.
However, while flies are usually drawn to fruits for their high sugar content, there is one that they find off putting. All you need is to pick up a cucumber.
Cucumbers are famous for their mild taste and high water content. In fact, they're often used as a palate cleanser between meals given their neutral flavour.
But fortunately, this sentiment isn't shared by flies. 'House flies are repelled by the scent of cucumbers, particularly the more bitter varieties,' explained Glen Peskett, a DIY expert from Saxon Blades.
He told Ideal Homes: 'The exact reason isn't fully understood, but it's believed that the natural compounds in cucumber skin, such as cucurbitacins, produce a smell that flies find unpleasant and instinctively avoid.'
They also work to repel the dreaded fruit fly infestation, as they typically prefer sweeter fruits. Simply place cucumber slices next to entry points in your home, like doors and windows.
It's also a good idea to place them in other areas where flies like to congregate. This includes bins, which are usually an insect hotspot due their large amounts of decaying matter.
Beyond being versatile, cucumbers are also incredibly pocket-friendly. You can pick up a whole cucumber from Sainsbury's for a bargain 65p, making it cheaper than chemical fly killers.
Although, be warned not to leave your cucumbers out too long. Once they begin to rot, they will begin to attract flies rather than repel them. For this reason, they should be replaced roughly every two days.
Of course, while it serves as an effective deterrent, cucumbers on their own won't stop a fly infestation. It's vitally important to practice good hygiene in your home.
This means covering fruit bowls and avoiding leaving food out on your counters. You should also make sure to wipe down surfaces, including floors, to get rid of bacteria.
It also helps to keep your windows and doors shut when possible, to stop flies from sneaking in. If you have blinds, it's best to keep them drawn.
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