Gardening expert's clever tip to deter flies from coming into your home

This week, temperatures are soaring in the UK - and are set to reach as high as 30C. Because of this, there is a good chance we will see more flies in our homes and outside this weekend. In fact, many people are already seeing an increase in fruit flies swarming their home - and they can be a pain to get rid of.

But thankfully, there are some simple solutions you can try and they do not have to cost you a fortune. According to the Met Office, this week will see 'a combination of high pressure and a southerly airflow will see temperatures rise for much of England and Wales in the first half of the week, with temperatures reaching in excess of 30°C for some on Monday and likely peaking towards the mid-30s in London on Tuesday'.

With that in mind, it is no surprise that many people struggle with flies, prompting many to turn to the internet for solutions. In response, gardening expert James Higgins from Grass247 has shared three effective ways to keep flies out of your garden, so you can enjoy your outdoor space without the nuisance.

1. Essential oil candles

In the first tip, James urges people to try special candles. Hailing it as "one of the best ways to deter flies when you're outside", James says that it can also mask any smells of food such as snacks or a BBQ: "Flies hate citronella, so placing a citronella candle on any garden dining tables or around seating areas can be a great way to keep any flies away.

"Pine and lavender can also be great ways to combat flies in your garden. Candles with these scents will deter flies, and are a more aesthetically pleasing option for your garden. However, bear in mind that while flies dislike the smell of pine, pine essential oil is toxic to pets - so it's best to stay away from using these if you have any furry friends around."

2. Attract bees and other insects

If you are trying to get rid of flies, one natural method is to attract other, less bothersome insects like to your garden - like Bees. And there is a simple reason for this. The expert explains: "Flies will avoid bees, so planting bee-friendly plants will not only help your garden's ecosystem, but will also keep any flies out of your garden. Bees can see purple flowers better than any others, so plants like lavender, verbena and catmint can be a great way to attract bees.

"In general, encouraging more wildlife in your garden can attract beneficial predators like spiders and frogs that feed on flies. This makes it an effective and natural way to prevent flies from taking over your garden."

3. Use fly traps

In the third and final tip, James urges people who want a "quick solution" to use fly tape. This works well - for any home - as it can be hung around high activity areas of your garden - and even inside your home. Flies like to perch while they rest, making fly tape the perfect way to trap any pesky flies before they reach your outdoor dining area. Just be sure you replace them regularly to keep them effective," James concludes.

Flies in your home?

Did you know that flies dislike basil and mint? The strong scent of these herbs naturally repels them, so placing a few small plants on your windowsills or near doorways could help keep flies from coming inside.Polly Shearer, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, said: "The UK is predicted to experience a heatwave this week, with some places expected to see temperatures reaching 34C.

"The heat causes an increase in flies and means that house flies are more likely to multiply in hot weather! This could see tens of thousands of flies buzzing around BBQs and kitchens in the UK this week. We recommend using preventative measures to stop flies and insects breeding in your kitchen this summer." You can buy a basil or mint plant for as little as 65p from Asda, or £1.30 from Ocado, or for around £1 at most good garden centres, reports YorkshireLive