Simple trick using frozen ingredients can deter flies from drinks and food

Summer days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but the presence of flies can quickly spoil the mood. These persistent insects tend to swarm around food and drinks, landing on anything within sight.

While repellents and fly traps are common solutions, pest control experts offer a simpler, more natural approach. Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multi Tools suggests using ingredients commonly found in kitchens to deter flies. The trick involves freezing items like lemon slices, mint leaves, or cloves into ice cubes.

When these scented ice cubes are placed in drinks or around outdoor eating areas, they release a fresh aroma that flies reportedly dislike. Peskett explains that this method is most effective in areas where flies are most attracted, such as dining tables, patios, and relaxation zones. "It's a very simple method, but that's precisely what makes it convenient," he stated.

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It's a very simple method, but that's precisely what makes it convenient. Most people have a lemon, some mint, or even a few cloves in their kitchen, so they can simply put them in ice cube trays and freeze them. The fresh scent helps reduce the table's attractiveness to flies when you're sitting outside.

"Most people have a lemon, some mint, or even a few cloves in their kitchen, so they can simply put them in ice cube trays and freeze them. The fresh scent helps reduce the table's attractiveness to flies when you're sitting outside," Peskett added. While it may not eliminate flies entirely, especially if uncovered food is present, it can be a useful supplementary measure.

To make these fly-repellent ice cubes, one simply needs to chop citrus fruits or prepare fresh mint leaves, place them in ice cube trays, add water, and freeze overnight. The cubes can then be added to beverages or arranged around food. Peskett also advises combining this trick with other good habits, such as keeping food covered, promptly cleaning up leftovers, regularly emptying outdoor bins, and wiping down tables after meals. "Flies are most often attracted by food odors, so the most important thing is to eliminate what attracts them in the first place," he explained. "Small tricks like scented ice cubes can be a useful addition, but a clean outdoor space will have the biggest impact."

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Flies are most often attracted by food odors, so the most important thing is to eliminate what attracts them in the first place. Small tricks like scented ice cubes can be a useful addition, but a clean outdoor space will have the biggest impact.