Say goodbye to flies: the two spices to put in your trash can for a fly-free summer

Summer is here, bringing sunshine, barbecues, and unfortunately, those pesky flies buzzing around your trash can. If you dread waking up every morning to a swarm of insects invading your kitchen area, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that two everyday spices could help you reclaim your space and enjoy a truly peaceful summer?

These natural remedies are not about killing flies with harsh chemicals. Instead, they work by confusing and repelling them with powerful scents that flies just can’t stand. Let’s explore this surprisingly simple trick that will keep your trash bin fly-free and your kitchen smelling fresher.

Why flies love your trash can and how to stop them naturally

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The warmer temperatures and increased humidity of summer turn your trash can into a hotspot for flies. As garbage ferments, odors become stronger, acting like a beacon to all sorts of unwanted insects. Even if your bin has a tight lid, flies are ingenious at finding their way inside.

The solution is to make your trash can less appealing without using sprays or traps packed with chemicals. Flies rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food and breeding sites. By masking or irritating their nose sensors, you can keep them at bay.

That’s where two common spices come into play. They emit strong smells that flies want to avoid, but humans find manageable—or even pleasant. These aren’t just random choices; their natural properties include antifungal effects and irritants that deter insects.

The dynamic duo: cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a fly-free home

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The first spice to know is cinnamon. Its sweet, warm aroma effectively masks the foul odors coming from your garbage. While it’s soothing to us, flies find it overwhelming. Cinnamon also has antifungal traits, helping to fight any mold or yeast growth that might attract flies.

Next up is cayenne pepper. This spice packs a punch with a molecule that irritates flies’ legs, antennae, and mouthparts the moment they land. It’s an instant signal to take off and never return. The combo of these two spices creates a natural, harmless defense barrier around your trash.

Using them couldn’t be easier. Each time you change your trash bag, sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper along the bottom of the bin over a dry surface. You can even dust the edges or the lid for extra protection. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

Some people like to add a bay leaf or a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar to boost the effects. This triple-layered approach can be a strong deterrent, especially during the hottest months when flies are most active.

Simple habits to amplify your kitchen defense against flies

From personal experience, the spices alone helped me cut down on flies around my garbage by more than half during a scorching July. But combining this trick with a few extra habits truly made a difference.

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For example, I started taking out the trash more frequently—even if the bin wasn’t full. This meant I never gave flies a chance to settle in. Also, wiping out the bin regularly, especially if moisture had accumulated, kept the environment less inviting.

Another key move is to wrap particularly smelly scraps like fish or meat in newspaper or sealed containers before tossing them out. This reduces the stew of odors that initially attracted the flies.

Most importantly, keep your trash can firmly closed at all times. It sounds simple, but I’ve seen plenty of garbage bins with lids almost left open or loosely placed. Every gap is an invitation to flies.

Do you have any unusual kitchen or home hacks to keep flies away? What’s your biggest summertime insect annoyance? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear what works for you. Try this spice trick and these extra tips this summer, then let us know how your fly situation improves!