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Britons across the country are doing their best to keep cool as scorching temperatures continue - but it's not just the humidity homeowners have to worry about. Hot weather also brings perfect conditions for flies to reproduce in droves, meaning you may well be encountering many more of the airborne insects than normal.

Flies can be a major problem in large numbers, picking up bacteria, fungi, and viruses and spreading them by contaminating food and water around the home, according to American pest control firm Orkin. Thankfully, a simple kitchen staple is great for keeping them away, and you may already have it in your home.

Experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors have shared various natural and eco-friendly hacks that could help keep rooms fly-free without any lingering harsh chemical smells.

They explained that flies don't like the smell given off by citrus fruits, and you can put the critters off by simply leaving leftovers around doorways and windowsills.

Best of all, it's a cheap solution, with single oranges available from Tesco for 30p. They can be even cheaper if you buy more.

For example, five packs of Stamford Street Co. Oranges available at Sainsbury's for 99p currently, amounting to around 20p for each one.

The experts say flies also aren't fans of the smell of cloves, and in another tip suggest cutting lemons in half and placing a few cloves in the flesh and leaving them in the same areas to keep the flies away.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) for two further regions of England, and extended already in place for five others. A yellow HHA has been issued for the North West region.

The amber alert covers the West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber regions, in addition to the East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England, which have been under an amber HHA since Thursday 26 June, the UKHSA said in an update on the Government website.

The amber alert will remain in place until 9am on Wednesday, July 2.

A yellow HHA has been issued for the North West, and will also be in place until 9am Wednesday 2 June.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA's head of extreme events and health protection said the conditions are expected to continue until the middle of the week, and urged people to take "sensible precautions".

"Remember that it is very important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable, as the temperatures we are likely to see over the next few days can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions," he said.

The government agency provides guidance on steps to take to stay safe in the hot weather, which can find here.