Latest news with #citronella
The Sun
11-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Natural way to repel mosquitoes & ‘it's a game-changer' for sitting outside in the evening
A DRAGON'S Den star has revealed the easy way to keep mosquitoes away while you relax in the garden. Businesswoman Sara Davies shared her 'game-changing hack ' that not only keeps mosquitoes but also midges. 2 2 Taking to social media, Sara demostrated how to create the easy solution, that doubles up as a pretty and fragrant centrepiece for your garden, so it won't irritate your senses - unlike mosquitos. Sara started by getting a large vase to hold all of your ingredients. Alongside a vase, you'll need some water, lemon slices, lavender stalks, fresh rosemary, and citronella oil. You can find citronella in the form of an essential oil, or as a scented geranium plant. Sara wrote: "Right, I've got a cracking little hack for you if, like me, you love sitting out on an evening but can't stand being eaten alive by mozzies and midges. "I made my own citronella bowl for outside and it's honestly a game changer! "I just grabbed one of those big fishbowl style glass bowls and filled it with water, slices of lemon, a few lavender stalks, some fresh rosemary and a few drops of citronella oil. "Then I popped in a couple of floating candles and when you light it, it looks absolutely gorgeous and keeps the bugs away. "It's giving spa vibes meets summer garden party - smells amazing, looks the part and best of all, it actually works! "So simple but makes such a difference when you're trying to enjoy a peaceful evening without being someone's dinner." 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails Citronella is a scent that mosquitoes don't like so it should keep them away all night long. People were quick to thank Sara for her tips in the comments section of the video posted to her TikTok account @ saradaviescc. One person wrote: "What a lovely idea Sara, a great summer centrepiece." "Great idea, I'll be doing this for my next BBQ," penned a third. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Ooh love this, thank you." "That's lovely,' claimed a fifth
Telegraph
02-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How to keep fruit flies out of your home
They might be small, but according to research by Bruno van Swinderen, a professor at the University of Queensland, fruit flies have selective attention. This means they choose which visual stimuli to pay attention to, and thus that they have the potential for consciousness, which means they could feel pain. To be honest, when I rummage in my fruit bowl for a lemon and disturb a flurry of the little blighters, whether or not they feel pain isn't the first thing I think of. But, as with most pests, it's better to prevent fruit flies from getting into the home in the first place, rather than having to deal with them once they're in – particularly as they can carry germs from one surface to another. Here's how to stave off an invasion, and how to get rid of them if they're already there. Use natural scents Fruit flies, just like us, prefer some scents over others, and they hate some scents so much a mere whiff can stop them from coming near. Nick Barker, founder of natural insect repellent company Theye, says, 'scents, such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and lavender are natural fruit-fly deterrents. Use them in a diffuser or mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle to spritz around doorways and windows.' I always prefer to use natural remedies where I can, so I like the sound of this. It's cheaper than using chemicals and safer. But you can also keep fruit flies from getting near your home in the first place. 'Planting basil, mint, or rosemary near open windows or doors not only smells great,' says Nick, 'but it deters fruit flies who dislike these strong scents.' Seal entry points It's more difficult to stop flies from getting into the home in summer, when our windows and doors are open, but for most of the year, fruit flies find their way in through small gaps. 'Fruit flies can sneak into your home through the tiniest of cracks in your walls,' says pest control expert Jonathan Nicholls, from 'Ensure that your windows and doors are in good condition, and consider installing draught excluders. Regularly check and seal any gaps that could allow these small invaders access to your home.' Keep drains clean As disgusting as it is to think about, understanding the life cycle of the fruit fly can help us to keep on top of keeping them out of our homes. The female flies lay hundreds of eggs on the surface of fruit and other food debris that attracts them, and in our drains where bits of food collect. These eggs hatch into larvae within just a day. Gross. To deal with this, advises Girvan, 'Clean your drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate any buildup of food and deter fruit flies from breeding there. If you don't have baking soda or vinegar, boiling water could work just as well.' Keep surfaces clean and sanitised It's easier said than done when you're preparing food, especially in the summer, but keeping surfaces clean and sanitised will help prevent fruit flies and any other unwanted insects from congregating in your kitchen. Insects are attracted to food remnants, however small they are. 'Start by removing any overripe fruits or vegetables that have started to ferment, and dispose of them properly,' says Jonathan. 'Wipe down surfaces, especially places where sticky residues from food and drinks may accumulate, such as countertops, tables, and the interiors of your cupboards. Lastly, don't forget to regularly deep-clean your sink, as food particles can often hide there, providing a perfect breeding ground for fruit flies.' Store fruit and vegetables properly As their name suggests, fruit flies love fruit. But so do we, and most of us like to keep a bowl of fruit handy for grazing on, somewhere in the kitchen or dining room. But if we want to keep fruit flies out, this might have to change. 'Fruit flies are attracted to the ripeness of fruit and vegetables and the smell of fermentation,' says John Girvan from Alliance Online Ireland, which supplies insect control devices. 'Sealing and refrigerating food and keeping it in an airtight container will help to keep fruit flies away.' Set a trap Prevention is definitely better than the cure, but if you have a fruit-fly infestation in your house, you're going to want to get rid of them. As much as I hate killing living creatures, I can't deal with the critters living in my kitchen and laying their eggs where I prepare food. 'The most used, and arguably the most successful fruit-fly prevention tactics are traps,' says Girvan. ' Traps are easy to set up, as you will likely already have all the ingredients at home. For a trap, fill a small bowl or jar with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Cover the container with plastic wrap and poke some small holes to entice the flies. This works with red wine too.'
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Mrs Hinch's ‘perfect' £9.99 Home Bargains buy keeps bugs & flies away & is great for balmy summer nights in the garden
IF you're on a mission to keep flies and bugs away from your garden, you've come to the right place. There's nothing more annoying than spending time in the sun with your pals, only to have pesky insects interrupt your spring day. 6 6 6 6 Flies tend to thrive in the warmer weather and reproduce quickly - and while this is great for them, it may not be so positive for us, as the critters will often try to make their way inside homes looking for food and shelter. And when you're outside, particularly in the evenings, they can be attracted to lights and the scent of your drinks or food too. But now, luckily for you, Home Bargains has come to the rescue with a purse-friendly buy to keep pesky bugs away - and Mrs Hinch is a huge fan. The cleanfluencer recently took to social media to show off the £9.99 buy, which will glam up your outside space whilst keeping flies away. Posting on her Instagram stories, the mum-of-three, whose real name is Sophie Hinchcliffe, gave her 4.9 million followers a look at her latest Home Bargains haul, which included a stylish jute runner, cute babygrows and a cool bag for picnics. But as well as this, the blonde beauty, who recently rushed her one-month-old baby to hospital, proudly showed off her new citronella candle. Thrilled with her bargain buy, which will get you change from a £10 note, Mrs Hinch beamed: 'Please take a minute for this outdoor citronella candle. Wow, wow.' She then advised fans to run and nab it, as she continued: 'If you're in Home Bargains and you see this… they had different colours as well, this is the green speckle but they had a couple of other colours. 'I can't wait to put that outside. 'Three wick? Get in!' How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack In the following story frame, Mrs Hinch uploaded a snap of her new candle taking pride of place on her garden table. Alongside a heart eye emoji, the bargain hunter beamed: 'The candle though.' Why do flies come out in summer? Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE! The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures. Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours! In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days. The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months! The Outdoor Edit Citronella Ceramic Candle Jar is currently sold out online and is only available to buy in stores, so you'll need to move fast if you want to nab it. Thanks to this candle, you're sure to light up your outdoor space in an instant. According to Home Bargains bosses, this 'chic, speckled ceramic jar not only adds style but also keeps pesky bugs at bay with its natural citronella scent'. Those at the bargain retailer have even hailed it 'perfect for cosy evenings outside'. Not only does it come in a gorgeous ceramic candle jar, but it also boasts a natural citronella scent too, which doesn't kill pests but can repel them from the area. It works by masking scents that are attractive to insects, making it difficult for them to locate food. There's three options to choose from, so you're sure to find a style to suit you and your outside decor. Thanks to this large candle, which is for outdoor use only and is perfect for balmy evenings in the garden, you'll create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Not only this, but it also doubles up as a gorgeous table decoration too, just like a similar buy that recently dropped in The Range. 6
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi is selling a £5 solution to help keep bugs away from your garden – and it doubles as a trendy table decoration
WITH the summer sun on the horizon, everyone wants a chance to get outside and soak it up. But no-one likes being bothered by pesky bugs while getting fresh air. 4 4 That's where Aldi has come to save the day, with a bargain candle to keep annoying insects at bay for less than a fiver. The concrete citrine candle is selling for just £4.99 now on Aldi's website. The candle conveniently comes in different shapes and sizes to suit the look of your garden table or patio. Shoppers have the choice of either black or grey in rectangular shape, or white in a round mould. With a weight of just 300g, the candle is easy to shift around your garden, wherever you choose to sit. It also boasts a lengthy burn time of 30 hours, so you won't have to buy a new one every time you want to step outdoors. This candle is just the latest in a huge range of affordable outdoor kit from Aldi, in their new budget-friendly garden range. The store has also begun selling individual garden fence panels. The fence is made from a durable powder-coated metal, which is also anti- rust and UV resistant. Measuring at 91.19 x 71.12cm, the fence features clips which allow you to link multiple panels together. Aldi often goes viral because of its low-cost, high-quality garden equipment. But Home Bargains is also offering low-budget bug repellent methods. Its Outdoor Living Collection Torch Citronella Candle is available for just £2.99. According to its manufacturer it can help to "light up your outdoor spaces" this summer. "This stylish and effective torch not only keeps pesky bugs away but also adds a warm glow for those perfect summer evenings," the product description says. Alternatively, if you've had enough of the sun, B&M's three metre sail shade is currently available for just £7, reduced from £10. It is described as "perfect shelter for patios, gardens, or other outdoor areas". The shade is easy to install and can be fixed to walls, trees, fences, and posts using the ropes included. Are you king of the grill? If so, B&M is also selling an outdoor, portable fire pit for only £8 by the brand Outdoor Adventure. The mesh fire pit is perfect for evenings in the garden, or barbecues with family and is light enough to travel with you on camping trips and other adventures. It measures at 42cmx42cmx34cm and folds down to make it easily transportable. Ikea, Lidl and The Range are offering a brilliant range of affordable flowers if you're looking to spruce up your garden. These pretty plants can make all the difference giving colour, attracting wildlife and adding interest to your green areas.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Home Bargains is selling a stylish £3 buy that helps keep bugs away from your garden – and it's perfect for summer evenings
SUMMER is almost here and if you're planning to soak up the sun in your garden, this handy buy can help repel pesky insects. This budget-friendly item not only saves you the bug bites but it will also create a cosy ambiance in your garden. 2 Whether you're enjoying a meal al fresco or working on your tan, this affordable pest control buy may be worth the investment. The Outdoor Living Collection Torch Citronella Candle is available for just £2.99 from Home Bargains. According to manufacturers it can help to "light up your outdoor spaces" this summer. "This stylish and effective torch not only keeps pesky bugs away but also adds a warm glow for those perfect summer evenings," the product description read. It is said to provide a "convenient and effective" solution to bugs while "adding a warm, inviting glow to your outdoor spaces". Measuring 89 centimetres, it can be installed in most areas of your garden. But be careful to place them at least six feet from any structures, trees, or other flammable materials. You should also ensure the torch is securely anchored to prevent it from falling over. Buyers are also advised to be aware of the potential hazard of spilled fuel when operating this torch. According to pest control experts at Eco Shield, citronella proves useful at repelling insects due to its "distinctive odour, which may make it difficult for some pests to locate a host". I transformed my ugly garden wall with B&M & Shein buys - people are 'obsessed' & yes it's survived the endless rain too It works by masking the attractant odors that draw insects towards us, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Citronella also interferes with the sensory receptors of insects, particularly mosquitoes, disrupt the insects' ability to detect carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemical signals that lead them to their hosts. This confusion hinders their ability to find and bite humans or animals. The specific compounds present in citronella oil can cause irritation to insects upon contact. When insects come into contact with citronella, it may disrupt their feeding or landing behavior, discouraging them from staying in the vicinity. Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. The repellency effect of citronella can discourage pests from landing on the skin, reducing the likelihood of bites. Citronella is effective in repelling mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. A budget-friendly hack can help to banish slugs and snails from your garden. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed.
