Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me

Several of us around here have been having issues with fruit flies in our kitchens, so we were thrilled to read Shannon’s tip:“I find that flies and fruit flies can be quite the nuisance in the summer. (Especially in a house with no screens!) Cider vinegar and/or red wine are sure fire fruit fly traps. Use any sort of container with a small opening. The flies can get in, but not out. Keep the container in the kitchen and change daily. To keep away regular flies, keep a few potted basil plants around in your kitchen. It will keep the flies away as well as give you delicious fresh herbs all year long.”I’ve tried the cider vinegar tip and it does seem to work reasonably well. I recycled one of our plastic prepared foods containers and just cut a hole in the top. I think I need to try it with a smaller opening, though. Anyone else have some ideas for dealing with flies and other household pests in natural ways?