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How to Keep Flies Out of the House
Lifestyle
Wondering how to keep flies out of the house this summer? With the sun finally making an appearance in the UK, many of us are throwing open our windows and doors to let in some much-needed fresh air and natural light. You might be enjoying lunch on your veranda, a cuppa under the pergola, or simply letting the breeze flow through your home: open doors offer a lovely connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
But there’s one small issue: flies. One minute you’re embracing the sunshine through your open bifold doors, the next, you’re swatting away an unwelcome buzzing guest. If you’ve ever asked, “why are there so many flies in my house?”, you’re not alone. So, how to get rid of flies? Here’s how to enjoy the summer air without letting in the bugs.
Our Top Tips
Flies are more than just an annoyance: they can carry bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, and they multiply fast if not dealt with quickly. If you’re wondering how to get rid of flies or how to stop flies from coming in house, these natural methods are a great place to start. Here’s how to send flies packing, without harsh chemicals or fancy gadgets.
Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits aren’t just for your fruit bowl; they’re a powerful tool to help get rid of house flies. Instead of binning your orange or lemon peels, place them in small bowls near windows, doors, or anywhere flies tend to hover.
Flies dislike the strong citrus smell, so this simple trick can help stop flies coming indoors. Bonus: it’ll make your home smell fresh, and oranges cost as little as 28p! Prefer something spicier? Cloves work too.
Essential Oils
Looking for a more subtle method than leaving fruit out? Essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are known for keeping flies at bay. Cut up a few strips of cloth or kitchen paper, dab with a few drops of oil, and hang them near your doors and windows. It’s a fuss-free way to keep flies out of the house, especially if you’ve got open French doors or sliding doors.
Herbs Around Windows and Doors
Another natural way to stop flies? Herbs. Strong-smelling plants like basil, lavender, and catnip can make your home less appealing to insects. Pop some pots near your bifold doors or on your veranda. Not only will they help to get rid of house flies, they’re easy to grow and can be used in your cooking too.
Natural Traps
If you’re already dealing with a few too many flies, a homemade sugar water trap is a good shout. You’ll need:
- A clean jar
- Sugar water
- A paper cone with a 1cm hole in the tip
Pour the sugar water into the jar and place the cone inside, pointed end down. Flies are drawn to the sweet smell and will fly in but can’t get back out. Simple, effective, and made from things you probably already have at home.
Which Doors Are better for Keeping Flies Out
You don’t need to keep your doors closed all summer to avoid flies. Sliding doors are a smart option as one panel typically remains fixed, reducing the open area flies can enter through. Bifold doors offer more control as you can open just one panel or fold the whole thing back, depending on the weather.
To go a step further, consider installing fly screen doors. These can be fitted to your existing bifold, French, or sliding doors, allowing you to enjoy the breeze and natural light without the unwanted visitors.
What About Outside?
Flies might be part of being outdoors in summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to just put up with them. Adding a structure like a bioclimatic pergola or a carport can really help. Not only do they give you some welcome shade, but they also create a more protected space where flies are less likely to bother you.
Upgrade your pergola with sliding glass screens, shutters or blinds, and you’ve got a spot that feels open, but keeps the bugs out. Even a veranda or glass canopy near your door can make a difference by stopping flies from gathering around sunny walls and bright windows.
Knowing how to keep flies out of the house can make all the difference to your summer comfort. With a few natural tricks and smart design choices, you can enjoy the fresh air without the constant swatting. For an even more effective solution, come and visit the showroom here at Exterior Spaces to see our stunning aluminium outdoor structures up close. They do far more than just help keep flies at bay: they redefine your garden into a stylish, usable space all year round. From bioclimatic pergolas to glass verandas, our designs offer comfort, shade, and protection, so you can relax, entertain, and enjoy your garden.
