I’m a pest control expert – it’s fruit fly season but my DIY traps and repellents keep them away for pennies

FRUIT flies are known to invade homes over the warmer summer months, but keeping your home fly-free doesn’t need to be such a hassle.

Although there are loads of tips and tricks out there you can try out, some of them are pretty pricey – so, here are five you can use that won’t break the bank.

Luckily, John Girvan at Alliance Online Ireland, has shared the handy hacks so you can be prepared as the temperature rises in the coming months.

Keep surfaces clean

Fruit flies can be attracted to the scent of food being prepared, especially when windows are left open during the summer.

So make sure you don’t leave any grub laying about on your kitchen counter, the pro recommended.

“Take out the rubbish bin more often than usual ahead of fruit fly season, so food waste doesn’t end up rotting – the perfect attraction and breeding ground for fruit flies,” John said.

Store food properly

The strong scent of fruit, even if it’s not cut open, can attract fruit flies.

Make sure all fruit is kept in an airtight container and not left out in fruit bowls.

You can also store fruit in the fridge to help keep flies and other pests away, John advised.

Keep drains clear

Fruit flies often lay eggs in damp drains, so keeping them clear is a must.

You can use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to clean your drains and stop any pests from potentially breeding there, John said.

Alternatively, you can try simply pouring boiling water down your drains to clear them.

Natural repellents

There are loads of different traps and repellents you can try that don’t cost a fortune, and for a lot of them you’ll already have everything you need at home.

John suggested making a DIY trap using a small bowl and filling it with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of washing up liquid.

You can then cover the bowl with cling film and poke some holes in it to draw the flies in, he explained to Express.co.uk

But there are other natural repellents you can try too,

The pro said: “The strong scent of dried basil, mint and bay leaves can be simply left where you tend to find fruit flies which should repel them from the area.

“Alternatively, mix water with essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus which can be sprayed as a natural repellent.”

Use an electric fan

Most homes already have an electric fan ready for any especially hot days, but did you know you can also use a fan to keep flies away?

Since they’re pretty weak a strong current can make it tricky for flies to land on any surfaces, keeping them away from your home.

You could also try to angle an electric fan out of your window to stop them entering your home.