Overlooked kitchen hotspots attracting flies during heatwave

With summer months upon us and temperatures forecast to stay above 25C across large parts of the UK in the days to come, one cleaning expert has issued a warning that several frequently neglected kitchen spots could be drawing more flies into homes during warm spells.

While many homes concentrate on taking out the rubbish and removing leftover food, experts suggest three overlooked locations in the kitchen may turn into major magnets for flies when the mercury rises.

Nancy Emery, home and cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, explains that hot conditions coupled with open windows, barbecues and increased food waste can rapidly make kitchens more attractive to pests, making sink drains, pet feeding dishes and unwashed recycling a hotbed for unwanted fly activity.

The specialst explains: “During hot weather, many of us naturally become more aware of things like overflowing bins or food left out on the side. But there are a few easy to miss areas in the kitchen that can also attract flies, especially when temperatures rise.

“Things like pet food bowls, sink drains and rinsing out recycling are often overlooked, but keeping on top of them can make a big difference in helping to keep kitchens fresher during a heatwave.”

To prevent flies taking over your kitchen in the summer months, Nancy has outlined three simple zones households ought to prioritise cleaning more frequently.

1. Sink drains and plug holes

Tiny fragments of food lodged around plug holes and sink drains can become far more obvious in hot weather and may attract flies to hover around the kitchen.

A swift rinse or wipe of the sink drainer and plug hole with washing-up liquid following cooking or cleaning can maintain the area’s cleanliness and minimise unpleasant smells.

2. Pet food bowls

Remaining wet pet food and crumbs from dry food can rapidly draw flies in warmer conditions, particularly if bowls are left sitting out for extended periods of time.

Nancy suggests rinsing bowls after feeding where practical and possible, as well as cleaning the surrounding feeding space daily to reduce persistent odours and food remnants.

3. Recycling bins and food packaging

Unwashed meat trays, tins and food packaging deposited into indoor recycling bins can rapidly start to emit unpleasant and unwanted odours in warmer temps, especially following barbecues or al fresco dining.

Where feasible, rinse food packaging prior to placing it in recycling and transfer recycling bags or containers outdoors frequently during warm periods to prevent drawing flies inside.