Flies will steer clear of your home if one 30p kitchen staple is placed around doors and windows, according to pest experts. During summer when you want to throw open the windows and let fresh air inside, it also marks the return of swathes of unwanted flies making their way inside your property.

To prevent flies from coming in through open doors and windows, experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors have shared natural and eco-friendly hacks, including a simple 30p solution, so that homeowners can enjoy the fresh summer air without flies buzzing around. They revealed that one of the cheapest hacks involves a humble orange, and what's better is that it uses leftovers that otherwise would have been thrown away. 

They explained that because flies don't like the smell of citrus fruits, the leftovers can be placed in pots around doorways and windowsills, which they said will help deter them from entering. Currently, oranges can be picked up for 30p in Tesco.

Flies also dislike the smell of cloves, so another tip recommended involves cutting lemons in half and placing a few cloves in the flesh of the lemon, before putting them on windowsills or near doors.

"The two scents will work together to prevent flies coming in, but will also add a nice fresh scent to your home," the experts explained.

Flies also hate the smell of some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass, so they suggested cutting up strips of kitchen paper or cloth and dabbing on your chosen essential oil, before hanging them around windows and doors. 

The experts also recommended growing plants such as lavender or catnip, which are known for deterring flies, or strong-smelling herbs like basil, which also work well.

To get rid of any flies that have already made their way into your home, they also explained how to make a homemade humane trap to catch the flies, which can then be released safely outside.

Start by pouring some apple cider vinegar into an empty jar to cover the bottom, and then roll a piece of paper into a funnel and place it in the jar’s opening, or cover the top with clingfilm and poke a few holes large enough for flies to enter.

The vinegar’s scent will attract the flies, and once they’re inside and trapped, you can release them away from your home.