How To Keep Flies Out Of Your Uni House Or Flat - Freshered
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How To Keep Flies Out Of Your Uni House Or Flat

Jasmyne Jeffery June 20, 2023

Everyone knows that one of the worst parts of Summer is all the bugs that it brings. Here are some handy tips on how to keep flies out of your uni house or flat this season.

Prevention is key with this, and we all know that once they’re in your house, it’s pretty hard to get them out. Luckily there are some ways to keep them out.

Many students will be staying in their accommodation over the Summer months, and they’re known for having windows that only open a smidge. We’ve taken your student budget into account and have some prevention methods that won’t cost you a lot of money…if any.

How To Keep Flies Out Of Your House

We’ve got some natural ways to keep those pesky bugs out of your home.

  • Mint

Flies really dislike mint, so if you have some for cooking or perhaps you’re growing some if you have the space. Pop the plant by the window or hang some by it and that will prevent them from coming in.

  • Orange Peel

This one is super handy and it won’t cost you any extra. Any time you have an orange, put the fresh peel on a plate and put it by your open window and door. Flies aren’t a fan of citrus, so they’ll avoid it.

  • Candles

You might not associate the warm weather with candles, but Citronella ones help keep flies out of your house. Have a look through your collection and light one to keep them away. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, lighting one there will keep them away so you can enjoy your outdoor space.

  • Flowers

Certain flowers also dispel flies, including lavender and marigold. If you struggle with your sleep, you may have lavender drops in your uni house. Put a few drops on some cloth if you don’t have the actual thing and hang it by your window.

  • Pepper

Cooking with pepper over the next few months? Great, because flies hate it. Mix some with some water and you have a homemade fly deterrent to spray around your flat. Just be careful not to get it into your eyes.

Photo by Kaitlyn Chow on Unsplash

Got A Fly Problem?

Many students struggle with flies when they first move away but there are a few things you can do to help get rid of them.

  • Keep A Lid On Your Bins

Lots of student accommodation provide bins without lids but this will just attract flies. Get a lid or splash out on one with one so that they don’t have access to your waste. This is particularly important with food waste, plus it will just end up stinking out your flat.

  • Keep Bins Away From Windows

If you keep your bin near a window, then you’re giving flies better access. Make sure they’re not near a place of ventilation where the bugs can come in.

  • Clean Up After Yourself

You might be used to Mum doing it, or you’ve got a housemate who’s a bit messy. Food and drink spills, especially something sticky will attract flies, to mop them up as soon as it happens. This is a great tip for outside of a fly problem too for cleanliness and good house habits. The longer it stays on the counter, the harder it is to clean.

  • Clean Out Drains

They’re easy to forget about, but fruit flies especially can lay eggs in your drains and be a real nuisance. Luckily, it’s an easy fix by pouring some vinegar down the drain and making sure food and oil don’t slip down.

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Jasmyne Jeffery is a full-time Entertainment and News Writer on university-themed website Freshered and HITC, and joined the company having previously worked in a freelance role. She attended the University of South Wales where she was also a student blogger and graduated in 2022 with a first-class honours degree in English and Creative Writing. Now, she puts her creativity to use reviewing university bars, Love Island episodes and the latest apps any 18-25-year-old is using.