{
  "id": 28883,
  "title": "Expert shares clever ice cube hack that could banish flies from your yard this summer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/expert-shares-clever-ice-cube-hack-that-could-banish-flies-from-your",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T04:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/expert-shares-clever-ice-cube-hack-that-could-banish-flies-from-your-yard-this-summer"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As summer kicks off and hosting outdoor gatherings becomes a common pastime, the annoyance of flies buzzing around the dining area can put a damper on the fun. Despite trying various solutions like fans, citronella candles, and homemade vinegar traps, these pesky insects seem to have a knack for returning. Fortunately, an expert has revealed a clever, cost-effective hack that utilizes household ingredients and could provide some relief from the fly invasion. The remedy involves freezing aromatic citrus elements like lemons, mint, or cloves into ice cubes and using them to keep flies at bay. While this method may not completely eliminate flies, especially if food is left uncovered, it can offer an extra layer of protection when enjoying drinks or meals outdoors. To create these fly-repelling ice cubes, simply slice your citrus fruit or gather fresh mint and place the pieces in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with water, freeze it overnight, or pour it directly into the tray once frozen. Once ready, these cubes can be added to drinks or scattered around the garden table to infuse the area with a fresh scent that repels flies. Glen Peskett, an expert from Saxton Blades Multi Tools, advises placing these ice cubes around areas where flies are likely to gather, such as outdoor dining tables and patios. He emphasizes that the hack works best when combined with other fly-repelling habits, such as keeping food covered, wiping down tables after meals, and promptly clearing away leftovers. While the ice cube hack may not be a miracle solution, its simplicity and affordability make it a worthwhile addition to your summer preparations. Peskett suggests trying it out before your next garden gathering to minimize the bothersome presence of flies and enhance the overall outdoor experience.",
  "summary": "The article from Tom's Guide discusses a clever ice cube hack that can help banish flies from your yard this summer. This method involves freezing aromatic citrus elements, such as lemon, lime, or mint, into ice cubes and placing them in drinks or around outdoor dining areas. While it won't completely eliminate flies, especially if food is left uncovered, it can serve as a useful extra step to make your garden table less appealing to these insects. To create the ice cubes, simply slice citrus fruit or gather fresh mint, place the pieces into an ice tray, fill with water, and let them freeze overnight. Once ready, drop the cubes into beverages or scatter them across the garden table to keep the area smelling fresh and fly-free. For best results, combine the ice cube hack with other habits like keeping food and drinks covered, wiping down tables after meals, and clearing away leftovers promptly.",
  "key_points": [
    "Expert reveals ice cube hack to repel flies during summer gatherings.",
    "Citrus fruits, mint, or cloves frozen into ice cubes to deter flies.",
    "Glen Peskett advises placing cubes around outdoor dining areas for best results."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}