A PEST control expert warned Brits to stay alert to pesky thunderbugs - but there is a bargain solution to stop them for just £1.50
Summer is here, bringing barbecues, beach trips, and ice cream galore. But with the warmer weather comes an army of pesky pests.
Enter the thunderbug: tiny black insects that invade homes, infest gardens, and drive Brits mad.
Known as thunderbugs, thunderflies, or thrips, these miniature menaces can be as small as 1mm but swarm in large numbers.
But luckily there's a cheap hack that can put a stop to this - herbs.
Thunderbugs have a strong sense of smell, and certain herbs can send them packing.
Pest control
Planting lavender, rosemary, and thyme around your windows and inside your house can deter these unwanted guests.
You can snag rosemary from Tesco for just £1.20, and other supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Aldi also stock these herbs at budget-friendly prices, for as little as £1.50.
For an added measure, you can even create a concoction of boiled milk, sugar, and pepper, placing the mixture in shallow bowls around your home to lure and kill them.
WHAT ARE THUNDERBUGS?
Thunderbugs are small, flying insects that thrive in dry, hot weather.
Experts say they are most common during summertime, often making their appearance before a storm.
Although they don't pose a threat to humans, their presence can be extremely irritating.
While they don't harm humans, they can wreak havoc on your garden.
These pesky bugs can destroy your garden by laying eggs in plants, ultimately turning petals brown and killing the vegetation.
Keeping your houseplants damp, vacuuming regularly, and adding mesh to open windows and doors are other effective ways to prevent an infestation.
A final measure to keep them away to prevent wearing bright colours which they are attracted to.
And if you're already dealing with thunderbugs, applying narrow-range oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soaps can reduce their numbers and make eradication easier.
Don't let thunderbugs ruin your summer vibes. With these simple tricks, you can enjoy the sunny season without the swarms.
Tips to get rid of thunderbugs
- Use Herbs: Place lavender, rosemary, and thyme around your windows and inside your house to deter them. You can buy rosemary from Tesco for just £1.20.
- Avoid Bright Clothing: Thunderbugs are attracted to bright colors, so opt for lighter shades.
- Create a Trap: Mix boiled milk, sugar, and pepper in shallow bowls to lure and kill thunderbugs.
- Keep Plants Damp: Thunderbugs prefer dry plants, so keep your houseplants well-watered.
- Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming helps remove any thunderbugs that have made their way inside.
- Install Mesh Screens: Add mesh to open windows and doors to prevent them from entering.
- Use Oils and Soaps: Apply narrow-range oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soaps to affected areas to reduce and eliminate thunderbugs.
