During the peak summer season, do you ever feel you're fighting a fly invasion? Whenever I step into my kitchen it seems there's at least one big fat fly bumbling against the window pane or a cloud of tiny fruit flies hovering around the compost bin or fruit bowl (I've now taken to throwing a tea towel over my bananas, peaches and pears).
The worst is seeing an insect land on your food, then buzzing off before you can catch it.
The good news is that you don't have to rely on potent chemical sprays or electric fly zappers, there's a more simple solution. Bringing in a collection of plants can naturally deter insects inside your home – plus some are edible, too.
According to Craig Wilson, co-founder and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream: "When thinking about plants to help ward off pests, you need to think about types that have strong aromas."
With that in mind, consider adding these to your insect-repelling kitchen kit:
Basil
According to Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management, basil is the most effective kitchen plant for deterring flies: "It's the one I recommend above all others," he says.
"The strong volatile oils in the leaves are deeply unpleasant to houseflies and keep them away from the immediate area. A pot of fresh basil on the kitchen windowsill in summer is both a practical fly deterrent and a useful herb. Keep it in direct sunlight and water regularly from the base rather than overhead. Crushing a few leaves occasionally releases more of the essential oil into the air and intensifies the effect."
And who doesn't love some torn basil sprinkled over your pasta, or better yet, burrata?
Lavender
Lavender contains linalool, a natural compound that repels flies, moths and mosquitoes.
Mosh says: "A pot near an open window or on the kitchen sill creates a scent barrier that discourages flies from entering. Dried lavender sachets in kitchen drawers also deter moths from any stored grains or dried goods. It is one of the few plants that works both fresh and dried as a deterrent."
Mint
Another of Mosh's favourites is peppermint and spearmint, which are extremely effective fly repellents.
He explains: "The menthol compounds are overpowering to flies and they will avoid areas where the scent is present. Keep a pot on the kitchen windowsill and crush a few leaves regularly to release the oils. Mint spreads aggressively outdoors so keeping it contained in a pot is advisable, but as a kitchen plant it is perfectly manageable and one of the most reliable natural fly deterrents available." Mint it also great in a cocktail, make mine a mojito.
Rosemary
Rosemary is less well-known as a fly deterrent but the camphor and other volatile oils it produces have a genuine repellent effect, explains Mosh.
"A pot near an open kitchen window works well, and a few sprigs placed near a fruit bowl help keep flies away from fruit that is beginning to ripen. The bonus is obvious on the culinary side."
Lemon balm
Mosh says lemon balm contains citronellal, the same compound used in citronella candles, in higher concentrations than most people realise.
He adds: "Flies find the lemon-mint scent deeply unpleasant. It is a particularly good kitchen plant for summer as it thrives in warm conditions, spreads easily in a pot and can be crushed and rubbed on skin as a short-term personal insect repellent if you are eating outdoors."
