UK households urged to spray windows with peppermint oil this week

Brits should spray peppermint oil on and around their windows this week, say experts and homeowners. The UK is facing its fourth heatwave of the summer , with temperatures exceeding 30C in many parts of the country. There are a number of difficulties presented when the weather gets exceptionally warm, such as staying hydrated, keeping cool and looking after pets that might overheat. But one of the most annoying things is the insects that invade our homes.

Brits notice a dramatic increase in the number of insects in their homes over the summer months. One of them is the common housefly, which always seems to make its way into our homes when the weather gets particularly hot and sunny. This happens because warmer temperatures make for better mating conditions for flies, meaning that they multiply more rapidly. Additionally, warmer conditions can lead to an extended life expectancy for these insects.

But experts and homeowners have shared their hacks for keeping flies out of their homes. The key to keeping them away is peppermint oil.

This is a scent that flies hate, so they will steer well clear of it. They avoid peppermint because the strong scent overwhelms their olfactory senses, which makes it harder for them to find food.

One TikTok user, @cleanwithlily, shared her homemade spray, which mixes vinegar and peppermint oil. She says that flies never attempt to enter her home when she sprays the frames of her windows with this.

According to Nikura, a peppermint oil spray to deter flies can be made in four simple steps.

Firstly, add 10 to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a glass spray bottle. Then, pour in between 50ml and 100ml of distilled water, depending on how many drops you put in.

The third step is to add 50ml to 100ml of white vinegar. Then, seal the bottle and gently shake it to combine the mixture. You can use it around your door and windows, and also around your garden to keep flies away.

Other things you can use to repel flies from your home include apple cider vinegar, as well as lemon and cloves, and boiling water.