Households urged to pour 65p item from Tesco into bins by end of May

Experts have urged households to pour bicarbonate of soda into your bin to help with one common issue. With warmer weather on the way, it’s important to deter flies from your bins and bicarbonate of soda could be the perfect way to do it.

Each year, you might find flies buzzing around your bins but there’s a few easy ways you can help get rid of them alongside trying this simple trick. Maps from the Met Office show temperatures could reach highs of 26C by May 22 so you’ll want to get this job done sooner rather than later.

Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct, tells Ideal Home: “Regular cleaning is essential.

“Not only does it remove bacteria that could be harmful in the home, but it removes any food residue that flies would want to feed on and lay eggs on, therefore preventing more and more flies from swarming.”

He added: “Even if you use a bin liner, clean out the bin frequently to prevent smells. Warm/hot water and antibacterial spray should work well.

“Use an odour-absorbing powder in your bin, or bicarbonate of soda, which should work to do the same job.”

You can purchase bicarbonate of soda for as little as 65p from Tesco and with a huge range of uses around the home, it’s an essential.

Merlin Environmental says flies don’t need much – a tiny gap in the lid, a smear of food residue, a warm afternoon. These will be enough to turn your bin into a fly breeding ground.

It warns that once they’ve laid eggs, you’re not dealing with a few flies anymore – you’re dealing with hundreds.

Good News Pest Control says flies are drawn to food smells, especially sugar and meat. They are also drawn to bins, compost, and drains along with pet waste and dirty dishes. It adds that heat and open windows is another element they may be drawn to.

Alongside the bicarbonate of soda trick, there are a few extra ways you can try to keep flies away. Make sure to keep kitchen surfaces clean and to seal bin lids, taking rubbish out daily.

It is also recommended that households should install fly screens or use natural repellents and treat drains as well as hidden breeding spots, and, in the event of repeat problems, people should call pest control for fly infestations.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your bins stay as fly-free as possible this summer.