Technology
Stop dead flies gathering on windowsills by spraying 1 ingredient near frames
Key Points
Stop dead flies gathering on windowsills by spraying 1 ingredient near frames Flies can be a real nuisance, especially in the summer months, and they can often be found dead on windowsills. However, you can stop this happening quickly by using a key ingredient Nobody wants flies in their homes during the summer, even though they often find their way in, and people are often looking for methods to keep them away. But you may have also noticed something else that's becoming an eyesore, and...
Stop dead flies gathering on windowsills by spraying 1 ingredient near frames
Flies can be a real nuisance, especially in the summer months, and they can often be found dead on windowsills. However, you can stop this happening quickly by using a key ingredient
Nobody wants flies in their homes during the summer, even though they often find their way in, and people are often looking for methods to keep them away. But you may have also noticed something else that's becoming an eyesore, and that's dead flies piling up on windowsills, which is a really disgusting problem to deal with when you're cleaning.
However, you can use a simple hack to stop it. If you've ever wondered why this happens, it's because flies are naturally drawn to light, but are unable to pass through the glass. This leaves them trapped, wearing themselves out in their desperate attempts to break free.
With no access to food or water, they can quickly dehydrate, overheat under the glare of direct sunlight and perish. It's a problem that soon mounts up — but thankfully, there's a nifty trick you can use to keep flies away.
If you're searching for a solution, you might be in luck. Simply spraying a particular product onto your windowsills could do the trick.
The method to use
The issue was recently raised on Facebook, when one user posted: "Hi guys, a bit of advice please. How do you prevent having dead flies on the windowsill?
"It's not just unsanitary but unsightly looking. It just seems I'm forever clearing dead flies on windowsills. Any advice is greatly appreciated."
Plenty of people were quick to chip in with their go-to remedy, and the consensus was clear. Peppermint oil, it seems, could be the answer to your problems.
You might be surprised to learn that peppermint oil can deter flies from congregating on your windows. Its powerful scent overwhelms a fly's senses, though it won't actually harm them.
Rather, it works as a completely natural repellent. To give it a go, simply combine around 10 to 20 drops of pure peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle.
Give it a good shake and apply it around your window frames and sills. Alternatively, you can soak cotton wool balls in peppermint oil and place them along the window ledge if you'd prefer.
Do bear in mind that it evaporates fairly quickly, so you'll need to reapply it every few days. It's also worth noting that it can be toxic to pets, so take care if you have animals in the house.
How it works
The reason it's so effective is that the oil puts flies off approaching windowsills in the first place, meaning you're far less likely to find clusters of dead ones there. Its active compound, menthol, overwhelms the fly's highly sensitive receptors.
This triggers sensory confusion, driving flies away from the area entirely. If dead flies have already begun to accumulate, you'll need to give the area a thorough clean before trying this method.
Flies are drawn to light, warmth and even the remains of previously dead flies, so it's essential to clear the area before you start. If you suspect they're sneaking in through tiny gaps, it's well worth sealing any cracks around the frames with caulk.
There are additional measures you can take to help make your home fly-proof, and this is certainly one worth trying. These tips are particularly useful to know, as flies are drawn to our homes when the temperature rises.
To avoid attracting them in the first place, ensure all surfaces are kept clean and cover any food that's been left out. Even the tiniest things can lure them inside.