{
  "id": 2976661,
  "title": "I've got a fly infestation — here's the hack I found to tackle the problem for good",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/ive-got-a-fly-infestation-heres-the-hack-i-found-to-tackle-the",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-24T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/ive-got-a-fly-infestation-heres-the-hack-i-found-to-tackle-the-problem-for-good"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "It seems like flies have become a more prevalent problem this year, both in annoyance and the risk of disease transmission. These tiny pests can reproduce rapidly and some even bite, depending on the species. As the infestation in my home grew out of control, I decided it was time to take action. Social media suggested a TikTok solution that caught my attention. Influencer @mrsclarehoops, who has 250,000 followers, posted a video presenting a natural, eco-friendly method to repel flies using mint, lavender, and rosemary. In her video titled \"Today's the day you discovered this natural fruit fly repellent,\" she demonstrated how to create a small bouquet of these herbs and place it around the home, particularly in food preparation areas like the kitchen. These plants release strong-scented oils that insects dislike, offering protection against flies, mosquitoes, ants, moths, and spiders. To prevent flies from entering the home in the first place, food should be covered, bins sealed, and crumbs cleaned up immediately. In addition to the floral remedy, there are other strategies like using specific fly sprays or pesticides if necessary. Overall, taking preventative measures is key in avoiding a fly infestation.",
  "summary": "Flies in your home are ridiculously hard to ignore. Aside from their annoying buzzing, they're also a gross addition to your family. Fortunately, I've found a hack that'll send them packing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}