I’m a gardening pro – my 5 plants will keep flies out of your home all summer & you can grab #3 right now in B&Q for £4
AS the weather begins to warm up you might notice more flies finding their way into your home.
Although they’re harmless for the most part, they can be a total nightmare to get rid of once they appear inside.
Of course, there are loads of different tricks you can try out to keep flies at bay – from DIY home remedies to more expensive products you can buy.
But did you know there are certain plants you can keep in your home that will do all the hard work for you?
“Many people turn to chemical sprays or sticky traps to kill the airborne pests, but there are a number of natural alternatives that can leave your home looking and smelling fresh at the same time,” Alex Biggart of 123 Flowers told Express.co.uk.
“Flies tend to be repulsed by powerful aromatic smells, so this can be a wonderful way to keep our homes free from the irritating pests,” the expert continued.
Here are the five plants you can bring into your home this summer to deter pesky flies:
Marigolds
Not only will this plant look stunning wherever you place it thanks to it’s bright orange flowers, but it will also keep pests including flies, gnats and mosquitoes.
As long as you keep marigolds somewhere sunny and keep them well watered you should also get a long life out of them.
Basil
A great one to keep in your kitchen, flies hate the strong smell of basil and will avoid areas where the scent lingers.
Using basil to deter pests is a trick that’s been used for centuries, and you get the added bonus of a tasty garnish – what’s not to love?
Lavender
Known for it’s relaxing scent, lavender is a great way to deter flies during the warmer summer months.
You don’t have to bring it into your home if you don’t want to either, it’s scent is strong enough to work from outside your home.
Simply leave a pot or two by your doors or windows and flies should steer clear.
You can pick up a pot of lavender right now for just £4 in B&Q as well, making this a hack that won’t break the bank.
Mint
The distinct scent of mint something us humans adore, but flies and other pests can’t stand it.
The plant produces strong smelling oils between the stem and flower which will keep bugs and other rodents away from your home and garden.
Eucalyptus
It’s not coincidence that so many fly deterrent products contain eucalyptus oil; the stuff is known to keep flies and other insects well clear.
You can but a eucalyptus plant for £11.99 right now in B&Q – the greenery makes for a great houseplant too.
How to keep your houseplants alive
If you love the idea of having a home full of gorgeous greenery but don’t exactly have the skills to keep them alive, don’t worry.
Here are a few basic tips for any gardening novice
Choose the right plant for the space – Keeping a healthy plant will rely on where you keep it. For example, some plants will thrive in a shady corner but it’s a ticking time bomb for other species.
Feed them – A lot of indoor plants can’t get all the vital nutrients they need so adding plant food to the soil can help them grow.
Clean them – Dust and dirt can quickly collect of the leaves of houseplants, so don’t forget to give them a quick clean one a week or so.
You can use a damp microfibre cloth for this, and steer clear of using any harsh chemicals.
Water them – It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget to water your houseplants in the throws of daily life.
You can set a reminder on your phone so you never forget – this will also mean you don’t overwater them.