Genius hacks to keep insects out of your home

Bags filled with pennies and wine traps are some of the best budget ways to keep bugs out of the home this summer.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed five effective hacks to get rid of insects.

During the summer months and warmer weather, bugs become more active and breed faster, which increases the insect population.

Bug infestations become more common when temperatures rise because they try to make their way inside to seek shelter from scorching heat.

Summer pests like flies, ants and wasps are particularly prone to invading the home if food and rubbish are lying around, so it is important to clean up promptly.

More bizarre hacks to deter insects include filling a plastic bag with water and pennies and making wine traps.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “Unfortunately with the warmer summer weather comes an increase of pests like flies, wasps and mosquitoes.

“Aside from being a nuisance for everyone in the home, insects also harbour nasty bacteria which can transmit nasty diseases.

“Luckily for homeowners, there are some thrifty hacks to keep bugs away from the home, including hanging bags filled with water and pennies around the house.

“Other tips include shutting the windows if the lights are on at night and regularly taking out bins and cleaning up food and crumbs.”

These are Garden Buildings Direct’s top hacks to get bugs out of the home this summer:

1. Avoid lights

Mosquitoes, moths, flies and other flying insects swarm towards bright lights because they rely on light to search for food and navigate. Keep windows shut at night if the lights are on to ensure these uninvited pests are not attracted into the home.

2. Wine Traps

This DIY wine trick makes the perfect fruit fly catcher because the pests are attracted to the sweet smell of fruit rotting in the wine. They fly in and are unable to fly back out. They make the perfect trap to catch flies before they enter the home, and also the perfect accessory for BBQs.

3. Plastic bag, water, pennies

Hanging a few pennies in a clear plastic bag filled with water acts as a deterrent to a range of flying pests. Hang the bag near an entrance where the pests usually enter the home and insects like flies and wasps will avoid it. This is because it looks like a nest to them because of how the light reflects and refracts.

4. Clean up

It is important to clean food and rubbish away as soon as it is eaten in the summer months or else it will attract flies. Keep lids tightly closed on bins and make sure rubbish bags are tied shut.

5. Plants & Herbs

Some plants and herbs are natural fly repellents, and make a great and natural alternative to harsh fly sprays. Mosquitoes and flies are repelled by the scents and oils that some plants like lavender, basil and rosemary. Of course, a Venus flytrap will also kill the flies that land on it.