Darragh Ennis, known as 'The Menace' on the ITV quiz show The Chase and a professional entomologist, has shared a simple, natural method to keep flies out of homes during summer. In a recent interview, he suggested placing mint plants near entry points like doors and windows, as the strong scent deters flies.
Ennis explained that flies rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food sources, and mint oil or crushed mint leaves can disrupt their navigation. This hack is based on established entomological research showing that certain essential oils, including peppermint, have repellent properties against common houseflies.
He emphasized that this method is safe for households with children and pets, unlike chemical sprays. For best results, Ennis recommends using fresh mint plants or a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls placed in saucers near windows.