THERE'S nothing more annoying than pesky house flies ruining a sunny day.
And as the weather warms up and we start to open our windows and doors to let in the fresh air, the annoying critters - who have just come out of hibernation - are seizing the opportunity to dash into our homes.
While the bugs are irritating, they can also be dangerous, as they can carry up to a whopping 100 different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
They can also transmit around 65 diseases, some of which could land you with food poisoning.
Despite the fact there are lots of different fly deterrent devices on the market, they can often be expensive, or disgusting to clean out.
But there's a new, simple hack that people are swearing by to keep the flies away - and you've probably already got some in the fridge.
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It's cucumber.
“Cucumber slices are a surprisingly effective way to repel flies," Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades, explained.
"Flies hate the scent of cucumbers, particularly more bitter ones, so it's a natural deterrent for flies."
To try out the hack, simply slice up a cucumber and place the pieces around your home.
For the best results, put them near windowsills, doorways and other areas where flies tend to gather, such as around the bins.
You should also replace the slices every few days to ensure your "natural barrier" remains as effective as possible.
Cucumbers aren't the only way you can keep flies out though.
Fly screens can be another, more permanent, plan.
“If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, installing fly screens can be a great way to block flies from getting in while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air," Glen added.
You can even try to make one yourself if you're handy.
Why do flies come out in summer?
Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE!
The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures.
Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active.
The hotter weather also let’s them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs.
House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours!
In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days.
The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months!
"Using a Stanley knife blade will make the job much easier," he continued, "allowing you to make a precise cut to fit screens perfectly over your windows or doors".
To avoid encouraging flies into your home, limit light at night - as the critters are attracted to the light when it's dark - and to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
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You should always remember to take your bins out regularly.
"Flies are attracted to the food they can find in the bins, and fly larvae often develops here so its important to dispose of them often," Glen concluded.