Get rid of flies without sprays: Simple kitchen hack that works

The hidden danger in your kitchen

Flies can cause the most harm in the kitchen. In Australia, they are not called "dirty" for nothing. When they land on food, they can transfer bacteria and leave traces of excrement. Within seconds, your food can potentially be contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful microbes.

Many people instinctively reach for a fly swatter or rolled-up magazine, but experts warn that this is a bad idea. While you are looking for something to swat the insect with, it may already have transferred microbes to kitchen surfaces and food.

A cheap and effective fly hack

To tackle the problem at its source, you don't need expensive chemical products. Biologists say that flies cannot stand the strong smell of coffee, which can disrupt their sensory receptors. They also instinctively avoid smoke. Combining these two factors can produce a surprisingly strong effect.

Here's what to do:

• Take several spoonfuls of used coffee grounds.
• Spread them out on a baking tray.
• Place the tray in a hot oven for 15 minutes.
• Leave the slightly smoking tray on a heat-resistant kitchen surface.

The smoke is said to repel flies for up to three hours, even if your windows and doors are fully open.

Other smells insects hate

If the coffee method isn't for you, try these other natural scents:

• Cinnamon: Baked cinnamon sticks can help repel insects, although your home may smell like Christmas in the middle of summer.
• Citrus peels: Boiled orange or lemon peels release limonene, a natural air freshener that flies dislike.
• Lavender and mint: These plants contain linalool, a natural alcohol that can act as a powerful pest repellent.