If you’re struggling to get rid of flies this summer, then why not try making a yeast trap? And yes, you can use the affordable, fast-acting yeast you can pick up in the supermarket.

One of the main downsides of summer is the large swarms of flies that try to set up shop in your home and garden. If these buzzing pests are driving you bonkers right now, don’t worry, there are plenty of effective ways to get rid of flies.

This includes making a yeast trap. By mixing sugar and yeast, you can make an irresistible trap flies are drawn to. I asked a pest expert for his top tips on making the trap as effective as possible.

You’ll probably already be aware of the cider vinegar trap, which is excellent at getting rid of fruit flies from your kitchen. But did you know that a yeast and sugar mix works just as well?

‘Take a plastic bottle and cut the top third off. Mix warm water with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of active dry yeast in the bottom section and stir briefly. Invert the cut top section into the bottle to create a funnel and secure it with tape. The funnel directs flies in but makes it very difficult for them to find their way back out. Place it in the area where you are seeing the most fly activity, near a bin, fruit bowl or outdoor seating area,’ explains Mosh Latifi, Co-Owner, EcoCare Pest Management.

‘The fermenting yeast produces carbon dioxide and warm, sweet-smelling vapour that mimics the signals flies associate with food and organic matter. Flies are drawn in through the funnel opening, become disorientated inside the bottle and cannot locate the exit. The funnel shape is key. It works because flies instinctively fly upward to escape, and the narrowing funnel prevents them from finding the opening they entered through.’

Is this a good method to use?

The yeast and sugar hack is a really easy and affordable trick that works. It is the CO2 in the fermenting yeast that attracts the flies; however, you need to ensure you use a fresh mixture that is actively fermenting. Because of this, you’ll want to replace the trap every two to three days and get rid of your captured flies during this time.

‘If you are catching a significant number of flies, the simplest approach is to dispose of the whole bottle and make a fresh one. If you want to reuse the bottle, seal it in a bag before opening to prevent flies escaping, rinse thoroughly and make a fresh mixture. The whole setup costs pennies to make and replace,’ adds Mosh.

The main drawback of this method is that it doesn’t eliminate the source of your fly infestation. It’s worth looking into ways to stop flies coming into your home and trying preventative measures such as scents flies hate or plants that deter flies to make your home as unwelcoming as possible. You should remove all food sources and attractants such as old sponges and stinky bins. If the problem persists, it is a good idea to consult a professional.

‘It [the method] is genuinely effective, completely chemical-free and costs almost nothing. The limitation is that it catches individual flies rather than addressing the breeding source. If you have a significant fly problem, track down where they are breeding – a drain, a bin or uncovered food waste – and address that alongside the trap. Used together, the trap catches adults while removing the source reduces the next generation,’ Mosh concludes.

If you’re looking for an easy, cheap and most importantly effective way to get rid of flies this summer, give this yeast trap a try.

A kitchen island is a wishlist item for many, and Argos Home has just dropped a space-saving, budget-friendly alternative that’s perfect for small kitchens. The Argos Home Squares Wooden Bar Island (£180) is perfect for achieving that dream kitchen look without breaking the bank.

There is no shortage of stunning kitchen island ideas. We want our kitchens to be functional spaces, used for eating, socialising and, of course, cooking – and a well-placed kitchen island can easily fulfil each of these needs.

The unfortunate thing about kitchen islands is that a bespoke unit can quickly rack up in price. This is where Argos’s bar island on wheels comes in handy. Its portable nature lends itself well to smaller spaces and ensures you can tailor it to exactly how you need it.

Free-standing kitchen islands are one of the easiest ways to add extra storage to a small kitchen. Despite kitchen islands remaining one of the most desirable features you can add to a kitchen, if you lack space or the budget for a renovation, they can be difficult to incorporate into your existing layout.

This is where a unit such as Argos Home’s new Wooden Bar Island comes in handy. Describing itself as a space for food prep, a spare table, and a mini-pantry all in one, this movable kitchen island has plenty of clever storage features to maximise space.

It has an integrated spice rack, boxy shelving for storing plates, glasses and dry goods, and most impressively, the unit pulls out when you need extra space. The wood top swivels outward, creating what Argos calls an extra breakfast bar. When not in use, it neatly tucks away again.

It’s a unique kitchen storage idea that actively works with small kitchens. If you lack the space for a large island that can double up as somewhere to dine, this pull-out alternative is an excellent idea.

‘Even with a smaller footprint, it’s still entirely possible (and useful) to add a kitchen island. While many freestanding ones are still large, this Argos choice is ideal for compact kitchens and super affordable compared to others on the market. The pull-out design means that you can keep stools tucked away when not in use, making your floor space more functional day to day,’ said Holly Cockburn, Kitchens and Bathrooms Editor at Ideal Home.

Plus, it doesn’t compromise on style either. The stylish oak wood-effect top and white-painted body have a classic country kitchen look, which should integrate nicely into most styles, meaning you don’t have to worry about changing your existing kitchen colour scheme for it to suit.

The unit is also wipe-clean, making clean-up easy for busy families and messy kids. It has a manufacturer’s guarantee of one year. The measurements are H100, W45, D120cmL120cm, and when the table is extended, it is 178.5cm long.

Alternatively, here are a few more free-standing kitchen islands you can shop for at Argos right now.

Argos Home’s new kitchen island is at a fantastic price, and if you’ve been looking for something that provides the benefit of a kitchen island without sacrificing space, it’s a great choice.