3 tips to keep flies and gnats away from your bin

 

While the kitchen is a convivial space where sharing often takes place, it's also where some unwanted guests like to sneak in to enjoy the smells and food scraps. Like flies, which can be kept away from garbage cans with these 3 tips.

They're the unwelcome guests we could do without. When you spend time in your kitchen, it's not uncommon to occasionally spot flies and other small insects buzzing around the trash can , a place so beloved by certain pests for its smells, its humidity, but especially the waste we put there. So, to avoid being overrun, here are three inexpensive tips that will not only get rid of them, but also prevent them from coming back.

To get rid of flies in the first place, content creator Marouane Lebbad, aka @Clean_by_Marouane, advises in an Instagram video to empty your trash regularly . A simple, seemingly obvious action, but one that suggests that even if the trash isn't overflowing, it's essential to empty it as soon as insects start invading it . The decomposition of organic waste leads to unpleasant odors, which attract flies, gnats, and maggots. To avoid this, it's best to change your trash bag every week.

These powerful repellents keep flies away from the garbage can

Once the garbage bag is changed, several methods exist to repel flies and other unwanted insects in the future. @Clean_by_Marouane explains that citrus peels, such as orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels, act as repellents for insects that dislike their scent, as does the scent of cloves , which can be stuck into the peels for even better results. This repellent can also be used in fruit bowls to keep fruit flies away from overripe fruit.

Finally, Marouane Lebbad reveals another useful tip to prevent flies from invading your garbage: niaouli essential oil . Easily found in organic stores and other specialized retailers, this essential oil acts as a true repellent against pests, whether in the kitchen or any other room in the house. To use it, simply pour 10 drops of niaouli essential oil, 10 ml of rubbing alcohol, and 100 ml of water into a spray bottle . After changing the garbage bag, clean the bin with this solution using a sponge or paper towel. Wait a few minutes for it to dry, then add the garbage bag. This tip can also be combined with citrus peels at the bottom of the bag for optimal results.