Opening the windows on hotter days helps to cool the house, but it also makes it easier for flies to enter. To reduce the problem without resorting to chemicals, author and gardening expert Nancy Birtwhistle recommends placing half a lemon on windowsills, preferably with a few cloves stuck in the pulp.
The suggestion was shared on the British program This Morning, on ITV, and cited by the portal, where Nancy explained that many insects are attracted or driven away by smells. In the case of flies, the intense aroma of citrus can act as a natural repellent, especially when combined with the strong smell of cloves.
According to the author, who won the fifth edition of The Great British Bake Offthere is no need to use a whole lemon or waste new fruit. Half a used lemon may be enough, as long as it still retains some aroma, making the trick simple, cheap and easy to apply at home.
How to use lemon against flies
The method involves cutting a lemon in half and placing it in a small container, such as a bowl or even an egg cup, near a window, balcony door, pantry or other area where flies tend to appear. To reinforce the effect, some cloves can be stuck into the lemon.
Nancy Birtwhistle says she keeps this trick in areas of the house where she wants to avoid flies, including the pantry and sunroom. The expert guarantees that the smell of citrus fruits and cloves is unpleasant for these insects, although it is generally pleasant for people.
The lemon should be replaced when it starts to dry out and lose its aroma, which may happen after a week or two. The cloves can be removed and reused in another piece of lemon, as long as they still maintain their characteristic smell.
Simple solution for hot days
This type of tip becomes especially useful on days when you need to keep windows or doors open to ventilate the house. With higher temperatures, flies tend to appear more frequently, especially in kitchens, pantries and rooms close to food.
Although it does not replace mosquito nets, regular cleaning or correct food storage, lemon with cloves can act as an additional aid to reduce the entry of insects. The method also has the advantage of being economical and not leaving a chemical smell in the environment.
The main recommendation involves placing the lemon in the most likely entry points, such as window sills, open doors or areas near fruit and waste. If there are multiple open ports, you may need to use more than one lemon to increase protection.
Care to be taken at home
Even using natural repellents, it is important to keep surfaces clean, not leave food remains exposed and close trash cans tightly. Flies are attracted to strong odors, ripe food, moisture and organic waste, so prevention remains essential.
You should also avoid leaving overripe fruit out of the fridge for a long time, especially in summer. Bowls of fruit, garbage bags and damp areas in the kitchen can become attraction points for flies and other insects.
The lemon trick is, therefore, a complementary measure: it can help keep flies away, but it works best when accompanied by good ventilation, frequent cleaning and attention to the places where insects tend to enter.
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