Ladybirds are everywhere right now, with swarms of these cheerful red bugs being spotted all over the country. While we love these critters in the garden, we don’t really want them in our homes, which is why experts have an unusual hack to deter them from stepping over your threshold.
Back in 2022, there was a ‘ladybird invasion’, and this year we’re seeing another one as an influx of hot weather has increased the number of aphids in the UK, which ladybirds feed on.
Ladybirds are vital insects and incredibly beneficial as a form of natural pest control, which is why you do want to attract ladybirds to your garden. But to keep them out of your house and in your garden, pest experts recommend using citrus peels to keep them at bay. Here’s how.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Are ladybirds a problem?
Ladybird swarms have gone viral on social media as people have documented thousands of bugs swarming seaside towns such as Burnham-on-Sea, Brean and Barrow in the South West, with reports of them even biting.
You may have even seen videos yourself showing people covered in the little red bugs as they try to walk down the street.
‘They aren’t particularly harmful, though they can bite – and they are actually considered beneficial insects as they can help control pests like aphids,’ say cleaning experts at Janitorial Direct.
‘That doesn’t mean people want them in their homes, though; they can be pretty pesky and we see them leaving yellowish stains on walls where they’ve been, and they can also cluster together too, which isn’t pleasant.’
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How to keep ladybirds out a home
If you want to deter ladybirds from coming into your home, citrus peels such as oranges and lemons are a great choice. Many pests, such as flies, can’t stand the smell of citrus, and ladybirds are no exception.
‘If you want to deter them, you could keep it natural and try orange and lemon peels to help deter them, as citrus peels release strong oils that ladybirds dislike. Ladybirds avoid citrus because the strong, acidic oils interfere with their sense of smell,’ say the experts at Janitorial Direct.
‘You can place fresh or dried peels on windowsills, near doors, or rub the peel on frames to leave the scent. It’s a gentle, natural way to deter them, but not foolproof if you have lots of them.’
This works because, ‘ladybirds rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food, particularly aphids. Strong citrus scents, such as those from lemon and orange peel, can interfere with this, creating an environment they tend to avoid,’ says Daniel Steward from Shield Pest Control.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Using orange and lemon peels may not be the most effective method, however, as the smells quickly fade and need replacing every two days. So if you don’t eat a lot of oranges, this may not be the right method for you!
‘More effective approaches include using stronger scents such as lemon or citronella essential oils, sealing entry points with caulk or weather stripping, and cleaning surfaces where ladybirds have been with a vinegar and water solution to remove any pheromone trails,’ advises Daniel. ‘These methods can help reduce the likelihood of ladybirds entering and settling in your home.’
However, if you are really struggling with an infestation, Daniel recommends speaking to a professional pest control company.
What you need
Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella has an incredibly strong citrus scent that deters a range of pests, including ladybirds. Mix with water to make spray that is stronger than just peels.
Sealant Strip
Seal any entry points to create a barrier to prevent ladybirds from entering. This is self-adhesive and a great choice for beginner DIY-ers.
Rhubarb Scented White Vinegar, 5L
Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean any yellow stains left by ladybirds. This vinegar has a lovely rhurbarb scent so you don’t have to worry about the acrid scent left behind by normal vinegar cleaners.
While ladybirds are important natural predators, this summer’s ‘invasion’ means you’ll be seeing a lot more of them around. And if they aren’t welcome guests indoors, using citrus scents is a natural, harm-free method to deter them.
Millions of homes in the UK are facing hosepipe ban restrictions and drought conditions this month, leaving many gardeners wondering how they will care for their plants. But don’t worry, garden experts have revealed the one task you need to do to keep your garden happy and healthy during a ban.
Southern Water is the latest water company to announce a temporary usage ban, with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight becoming another area affected by a hosepipe ban. While it’s certainly harder to water your garden during a hosepipe ban, experts say this non-water-related task will help lock in moisture.
Enter mulching. By adding a thick layer of organic matter to your plants, garden experts say you can help lock in moisture and make your plants healthier, so they cope better in drought conditions.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Why you should mulch during a hosepipe ban
First things first, it’s time for a quick recap on what mulching actually is. Put simply, it’s the process of laying organic matter, such as manure, woodchips or gravel, on the surface of your soil.
‘It’s a crucial step in maintaining a healthy garden,’ says Tom Clamp, head of technical at garden care products specialists Pelsis Doff. ‘Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, reduce evaporation, suppress weeds and improve soil structure over time.’
One of mulching’s biggest benefits is that it can help regulate soil temperature and lock in moisture, which is essential for your plants if you’re amid a hosepipe ban or heatwave.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Mulch acts as a barrier for the soil against the direct heat of the sun and prevents the soil from overheating. The mulch also helps to reduce the water evaporation from the surface of the soil, so your plants retain more moisture,’ explains Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies.
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‘Not only this, but if you use a good quality organic peat-free compost, it will enrich the soil with nutrients that improve its properties. In turn, this will create a healthier environment for the roots of your plants and enhance their ability to withstand high temperatures.’
Mulching is an easy step you can take that also comes with an abundance of benefits. It will lock in moisture, prevent evaporation and keep your plants healthy, all without the need for a hosepipe.
Flies in the home are not a sight that anyone wants to see, and if you’ve been struggling with these buzzing pests, I’ve got some good news. Experts have revealed the scents that flies hate and how to use them in your home. Even better news, they will make your home smell gorgeous, too.
Having arrived at this article, there’s no doubt you’re wondering how to stop flies coming your house. While there are certainly ways to get rid of flies, with an abundance of warm weather this summer, it’s unlikely these pests are going anywhere this summer.
Luckily for you, flies can be fussy when it comes to scent, and they tend to hate what makes our homes smell good. So, without further ado, here are five scents that flies hate to keep them out of your home this summer.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a superhero plant that has an abundance of beneficial uses in both the home and garden, and one thing it is great at is being a natural fly repellent.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
‘Lavender is likely the best-known scent that flies absolutely abhor. The explanation is due to its high concentration of linalool, a naturally derived terpene alcohol in lavender that overwhelms the fly’s smell receptors,’ explains Tony King, pest control expert, owner and manager of The Pied Piper.
‘I generally suggest homeowners to use lavender essential oil in a diffuser, especially in doors and windows.’
‘You may also create a homemade spray by combining 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil with a cup of water and a teaspoon of witch hazel or vodka (to mix the oil), and spraying it around doorways, bins, and kitchen surfaces.’
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‘Dried lavender in decorative bowls or sachets is another low-fuss option that’s both charming and does the trick.’
Cinnamon has a gorgeous scent that will make your home smell like something delicious is baking in the oven. Cinnamon is great for deterring ants, and its scent repels flies, too.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘Cinnamon is another scent that repels flies due to its strong, spicy nature,’ explains Daniel Steward, from Shield Pest Control. ‘However, for homeowners, it adds a warm, comforting aroma that’s especially welcoming in colder months.’
‘Cinnamon oil can be added to a diffuser, or you can simply simmer cinnamon sticks on the stove to fill your home with its cosy fragrance.’
Eucalyptus is a fresh, relaxing scent and comes with many health benefits, such as clearing your sinuses, which is why it’s a great plant to add to your shower. Even better, flies hate the smell.
‘Eucalyptus contains cineole, an active insect repellent that also contains a menthol-like scent that flies detest,’ says Tony.
‘I prefer to add some drops to a spray bottle of water and white vinegar and use it to spray countertops or windowsills. Not only will your home smell like a spa, but it will also work as an organic fly repellent.’
Fresh, zesty citrus scents can invigorate a home, and flies can’t stand the smell. There are plenty of hacks, such as the citrus and clove hack, which utilises this fresh scent to deter flies.
‘Citrus scents, especially from lemon or orange peels, also function. Flies dislike the limonene found in citrus rinds that can get into their breathing tract and irritate them,’ says Tony.
‘I suggest always placing fresh lemon or orange peels in areas of concern, like around garbage or kitchen drains. You can even boil citrus peels along with cloves and cinnamon sticks on the stovetop for a totally natural air freshener that serves as a fly repellent.’
(Image credit: Future/Phil Barker)
5. Peppermint
Last but not least, flies can’t stand the scent of peppermint. And if you’re looking for a lively, fresh scent for your home, it’s a great choice.
‘Peppermint is disliked by flies because of the menthol it contains, which can irritate their respiratory systems,’ David explains. ‘While this helps keep them at bay, peppermint’s crisp and refreshing scent is ideal for enhancing the atmosphere in kitchens and bathrooms.’
‘A simple mixture of peppermint oil and water can be sprayed around windows, doorways and rubbish bins to help deter flies while keeping your home smelling fresh.’
With several parts of the UK gardening under a hosepipe ban, I’m all ears for when it comes to finding a good watering hack right now – and I think I’ve just found a brilliant one.
‘As a family, we are saving our cold water run off,’ she said in an Instagram update.
‘When we switch the tap on for showers or washing up, we put a bucket under the tap to collect all the cold water that goes down the sink while we wait for the hot water to come through.’
Making the most of that cold water run off is a brilliant way to recycle water for gardening and steer clear of breaking any hosepipe ban rules. Depending on how quickly your water heats up, the savings could be huge – and in Sophie’s case, they are.
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‘We are saving between 30L-80L per day, which is eight watering cans – enough to water the whole container garden and cabin pots!’ she said.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
I checked in with Hopes Grove Nurseries’ managing director and gardening expert, Morris Hankinson, to make sure this method is totally safe for garden plants.
‘Collecting tap water while waiting for it to heat up is a great idea and is a safe way to water your garden while conserving resources, particularly during the hosepipe ban,’ he says.
‘Cold-run tap water is just regular mains water. It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, so it’s safe to use on your plants.’
You’ll just need to make sure the water is cold before you use it on your plants, which Sophie emphasised in her Instagram post.
(Image credit: Future PLC / David Parmiter)
‘Lukewarm water is generally ok, but if it’s too hot to touch on your skin, let it cool down before watering,’ Morris says.
If you’re keen to look after your lawn during a hosepipe ban and the cold water run off doesn’t quite stretch far enough, it’s worth looking at grey water options, too.
‘It’s also a good idea to recycle your bath water,’ Morris says. ‘It doesn’t matter if it looks a bit scuzzy, as there’s likely to be some more nutrients in it, so long as you’ve not used any harsh soaps or other chemicals.’
What you’ll need
Ward
Ward 6.5L Budget Space Watering Can
MECHEER
Collapsible Bucket 5L
Pluto Packaging
14L Plastic Bucket With Metal Handle & Pouring Spout
This hosepipe ban watering hack is so simple, and completely free! You’ll just need to make sure you’ve got a bucket or watering can to hand.
2025 will go down in history as the year of great Morris & Co collaborations – or at least in my mind it will. Following very successful partnerships with the likes of Habitat and Next, it’s now time for the Swyft x Morris & Co. collection to have its time in the spotlight since being released online this week. And I think it’s one of the best ones yet!
Known as the maker of some of the best sofas currently available on the market, Swyft is a fellow British brand (albeit much younger than Morris & Co.) and the pairing of Swyft’s contemporary furniture shapes and Morris & Co.’s classic nature-inspired prints is spot on.
With prices starting at £59 for a cushion, the range spans everything from storage ottomans to large pieces like sofas, which includes the one of the best modular sofas that I rate very highly called Model 03.
(Image credit: Swyft)
‘This collaboration has been over two years in the making; a real labour of love from both teams,’ says Keiran Hewkin, CEO and co-founder of Swyft.
‘We’re two brands that deeply value quality, craftsmanship and care, so bringing our worlds together felt both natural and exciting. We wanted to create something timeless yet fresh, still honouring the heritage of the Morris & Co. archive while reimagining it for the modern home.’
I got an early preview of the offering and a chance to experience the pieces IRL – and these would be my most recommended top picks.
(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
Top picks
Similarly to the most recent Habitat x Morris & Co. bedding and the Next x Morris & Co. collaborations, the Swyft range, too, features a few different archival Morris & Co. prints – four to be exact.
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(Image credit: Future/Sara Hesikova)
And just like with any collection, there are predicted bestsellers – plus, I have my favourites, too.
‘It’s full of personality, generous in comfort, and the print is a perfect blend of bold and balanced. It’s a piece that truly brings the outside in and we think it’s going to be a firm favourite,’
Swyft x Morris & Co.
Model 05 Loveseat in Blackthorn
Given the size of the range, I didn’t see literally every piece at the preview – but I did see and try out this loveseat which Swyft predicts to be the bestseller in this intricate Blackthorn pattern. The generously sized design is very comfy and deep and the motif will elevate any corner you put it in.
Swyft x Morris & Co.
Model 03 3-Seater Right Chaise Sofa in Willow
This Swyft sofa has made it not only on our best modular sofa list but also into the best sofa buying guide in general. Swyft offers one of the quickest deliveries (it can be with you in 24 hours!) and it arrives flatpacked. Now, you can get this wonderful pairing of the modern sofa shape with a traditional pattern on top.
Swyft x Morris & Co.
Storage 03 Ottoman in Fruit
This is another piece that I saw IRL at the collection preview. This compact ottoman is the perfect addition to even a small living room as extra seating as it provides hidden storage within. Alternatively, you could use it as a seat for your dressing table.
Alternatives from other Morris & Co collabs
As already mentioned, Morris & Co. has been very busy in recent times, partnering with various brands to bring about special collaborations much like the newly launched one with Swyft. Here are some more top picks from other Morris & Co. partnerships that the Ideal Home team and I highly recommend.
Habitat x Morris & Co.
Merton Sunflower Fabric Armchair
Ruggable x Morris & Co.
Blackthorn Ivory Rug
Ruggable, everybody’s favourite brand of washable rugs, is a master when it comes to collaborations – and its parnership with Morris & Co was no different. The ivory Blackthorn rug is the bestseller from the collection and between the muted colour palette paired with pretty, intricate botanical motifs, I’m really not surprised. It’s my favourite too!
Habitat x Morris & Co.
Tulip Toile Bedding Set
The Tulip Toile bed linen design is one of the more subtle prints and, in my opinion, the more elegant and timeless ones from the range. Made with 100% crisp cotton percale, the design is reversible so you can easily switch up the look of your bed.
Are you a fan of the classic Morris & Co. motifs? And what piece caught your eye the most? I’d love to know!
