With the UK set to bask in temperatures of up to 26º C this week, barbecue plans and outdoor activities are on the rise.
However, alongside the joys of summer, many Brits face the unwelcome invasion of pesky pests.
From ants to flies, these creatures can quickly become a nuisance.
To help you enjoy the warmer weather without the hassle of bugs, Nancy Emery, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, shares some affordable and efficient ways to keep your home bug-free.
Ants
Ants can reproduce rapidly, laying up to 800 eggs a day.
She said: “Make sure you’ve covered any fresh food and have cleaned up any stains, spills and anything sticky so that there’s less attraction for them.
“Once you’ve kept on top of that, it’s time to make use of some natural repellents you probably have in your cupboards.”
Natural repellents like peppermint oil, lemon peel, and cayenne pepper can be effective in keeping ants at bay.
Spraying a mixture of peppermint oil and water or placing lemon peels near entry points can help deter these pests.
Maggots
If you’re hosting a dinner party for your friends whilst the weather is hot and sunny, make sure you’re taking out the rubbish to avoid maggots crawling around in your bin.
Not only do they feed for five days on waste, they then turn into flies which can be even more difficult to get rid of.
Ensure you’re also regularly cleaning your bin by using hot, soapy water to get rid of any waste remnants and grime.
Once you’ve given it a good scrub, leave it outside to air dry.
You may notice the bin still has a rather musty, unpleasant smell even after following these steps, so it may be beneficial to place ground coffee in the bottom to neutralise the nasty smell.
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Flies
Flies not only pose hygiene concerns but can also be irritating with their buzzing.
Emery recommends using essential oils like basil and lemongrass to deter flies.
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap can also trap flies effectively.
Silverfish
Silverfish thrive in warm, humid environments, making kitchens and bathrooms their favorite spots.
Emery suggests using natural deterrents like cinnamon, citrus foods, and cucumber.
Additionally, addressing dampness issues and maintaining cleanliness can help keep silverfish at bay.
Bees and Wasps
While bees are typically harmless, they can be a nuisance indoors.
Emery suggests using cucumber peels to deter bees without harming them.
For wasps, a solution of peppermint oil and dish soap can act as a repellent.
Mosquitoes
With over 30 native mosquito species in the UK, mosquito bites are a common summer woe.
Emery recommends using a lemon infused with cloves to deter mosquitoes, as they dislike the citrusy smell.
