Flies will stay away from homes when you clean with one 85p staple

As summer arrives, flies frequently find their way into British homes, particularly kitchens. They're not just attracted to remnants of food, but residual grime and damp spots. Fortunately, sprays and harsh chemicals aren't always necessary to manage them effectively. According to a DIY specialist, a common household ingredient that's likely already sitting in your cupboards can do the job perfectly. Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools explained: "Flies are usually drawn to moisture and small bits of leftover grime that build up in kitchens, especially around sinks and drains. "A lot of people use salt as part of basic routines, but it helps cut through damp and build up in those areas, which is exactly the kind of condition flies are attracted to." A modest amount of salt, scattered into sinks or drains before flushing with hot water, can banish flies for good. Alternatively, households can incorporate salt into a gentle scrub to help remove any grime from kitchen worktops and surfaces. Any salt will work just fine, including table salt, sea salt, or flakes. It's particularly crucial to concentrate on kitchen sinks, plug holes, bins, and zones used for food preparation. The specialist added: "Simple routines like this can make a real difference during the warmer months. "It is often those overlooked spots like sinks and drains that cause most of the issues, so keeping them clean and as dry as possible can help reduce the chances of flies sticking around." It's vital to combine this 85p trick with general cleaning practices to stay ahead of pests during the warmer months. This involves drying surfaces wherever feasible after cleaning to minimise dampness, maintaining drains in a clean and unblocked state, wiping down work surfaces and sinks daily, and running hot water down the plughole to help wash debris away. Moreover, this method can be equally effective at repelling fruit flies, which are a widespread nuisance during the summer. Apple cider vinegar can similarly help to discourage summer pests as its sugary aroma lures them to the spot before ensnaring them. Simply pour some into a dish, cover with clingfilm and make some small holes in the top. The pests will be attracted to the bowl, but will not be able to climb out.