In summer insects multiply faster, fruit ferments faster and windows stay open. Seven habits keep your home calm: keep fruit cool, clear up straight away, close the bins, fit window screens, get rid of standing water, tidy the garden and put out a trap as soon as you see the first ones.
Why keep ripe fruit in the fridge?
Because fruit flies do not lay eggs in the fridge. Ripe fruit on the worktop is the quickest way to attract them. Bananas do not belong in the fridge; keep them under a cover or eat them in time. More on what attracts fruit flies.
Why clear up straight after eating?
Plates with leftovers, spilled squash and open packets are found within a few hours in summer. Clear up straight away, wipe up spilled drinks and put leftovers covered in the fridge.
How do you make the bin unattractive?
Waste breaks down faster in the heat. Use a bin with a tight lid, put the food waste out more often and wash the caddy regularly.
How do you keep mosquitoes, wasps and flies out?
With window and door screens. Check gaps around windows and doors too, because small insects always find a way in.
Why is standing water a problem?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, and in warm weather an egg becomes a biting mosquito within two weeks. Empty saucers, buckets and watering cans at least once a week and cover the water butt. More on what attracts mosquitoes.
What do you do in the garden?
Pick up windfalls straight away, because fermenting fruit strongly attracts wasps. Cover the compost bin and keep bins away from the patio. More on keeping wasps at bay.
When do you put out a trap?
As soon as you see the first ones, before a population has a chance to grow. A fruit fly trap works for up to 3 weeks; a pheromone trap for pantry moths can hang in the cupboard for months and shows early whether moths are about.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
