I’m a cleaning expert – my cheap hack will get rid of any pesky bug bothering you this summer for just £2
WE all love basking in the summer heat, but unfortunately, the hot weather also appeals to a host of pesky bugs.
If you’re sick of having to run indoors because a swarm of bees has decided to join you for your al fresco dinner, then cleaning expert, Dominic Lees-Bell, has the solution.
Here, he tells Fabulous how to get rid of six pesky bugs you’ll come across during the summer months whether it’s maggots that have found their way into your wheelie bin to bees who want to join your BBQ.
And the best part is that all of the cleaning pro’s hacks cost just £2 or under.
Ants
Ants can reproduce quickly once they’re in the home, so it’s important to source exactly what’s drawing them in pronto.
Food and spillages are the biggest attractions so get these cleaned up or covered as soon as possible.
The cleaning pro from Tap Warehouse adds that ants hate the smell of peppermint oil, so you can use it to keep them away.
He explains: “Also ants dislike the smell of peppermint, so mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil into a mug of water and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle, which you can use on infested areas.
“It’s a cheap and easy solution and most homeware stores and pharmacies will sell peppermint oil. Scatter some fresh mint around your home too – they won’t be a fan of this either.”
Other herbs and spices that work include lemon, cayenne pepper and salt.
Maggots
Maggots are probably the most revolting find you can come across in the summer months.
They thrive on rotting fruit and waste and feed for about five days before they turn into flies, so it’s vital to get rid of them before they can pupate, says the cleaning whizz.
Because of the hot weather, rubbish and food tend to rot faster, so make sure you clean your bins more frequently.
“It’s as simple as using hot, soapy water to get rid of any dirt and grime leftover in your bin and on a sunny day, you can leave it outside to dry,” he reveals
If you still notice a nasty smell coming from them, Dominic suggests using coffee grounds to neutralise the smell.
Flies
Like maggots, Flies thrive off of overripe fruits and vegetables, so make sure your rubbish is emptied regularly and tightly sealed.
You can also use essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, basil and peppermint to get rid of the critters, says the cleaning expert.
To eradicate them all together fill a bowl with a bit of apple cider vinegar or honey, and some washing up liquid says Dominic.
The strong smell will attract the flies and then they will get stuck in the liquid.
Silverfish
Almost so small you’ll miss them, these pesky creatures can move quickly – and multiply rapidly.
These little critters usually hide out in dark, damp places like bathrooms and cupboards.
The cleaning expert suggests natural methods such as cinnamon, citrus fruits and cucumber to naturally repel them.
It’s also important to vacuum carpets regularly if you spot them.
Bees
We know we have to save the bees, but we also don’t want them bothering us as we tired to enjoy the sunshine in our garden.
But there’s a way to stop them ruining the fun, without anybody getting harmed and all you need is some kitchen foil and cucumber.
“Line the peels of cucumber in a layer on an aluminium plate. The cucumber and aluminium react to produce a smell bees dislike,” says the cleaning pro.
Dominic suggests peppermint oil or soapy water for the bees’ more aggressive cousin, the wasp.
“A simple solution can be made by mixing two tablespoons of dish soap with water, decanted into a spray bottle,” he adds.
Mosquitos
Unfortunately, the UK is home to more than 30 types of native mosquito species, some of which bite.
So if you want to avoid getting bitten this summer Dominic has a couple of tricks up his sleeve to share.
“Similar to wasps, mosquitos will be drawn to soapy water, and hate the smell of anything citrus.
“Cut a lemon in half and stick some cloves into the lemon to make it extra pungent to these small flies,” he recomends.