As the UK gets a taste of warmer summer weather, Brits have been advised to keep doors, windows and curtains shut – and here’s why
The recent warm spell across the UK has led to uncomfortably hot homes and a surge of unwelcome pests. But as the nation finally gets a taste of summer, even late into August, residents are being advised to seal their homes against the scorching heat.
Amidst soaring temperatures, Britons have turned to Google for survival tips, with a 5000 percent increase in searches on “how to sleep in a heatwave” witnessed within just the last month.
The warmer climate is not without its downsides, as homes become magnets for bugs, including flies and wasps, which thrive in the heat.
Experts recommend shutting off lights and keeping doors and windows closed during evening hours to fend off these warm-weather pests.
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Rob Beswick, a home expert at CGC Interiors, has offered some advice on how to cool down your space cost-effectively, advising against costly electric fans that can bump up electricity bills, reports the Express.
He hailed the importance of maintaining an optimal sleeping temperature, noting: “Getting a good sleep is imperative, and the natural temperature for the human body is around 18.3C and with summer temperatures reaching over 30C, your sleep is often disrupted.”
Shut curtains and blinds
One straightforward measure to combat indoor heat is to obstruct the sunlight’s entry.
Emphasising his point, the pro said: “Drawing your curtains and closing your blinds will stop the sun from getting in and warming up the rooms in your house.”
Close the doors
To further manage the indoor climate, he emphasises another important tip – shut the door.
The home expert suggested: “It’s common to keep your door open during the summertime in the hopes of letting a breeze in, but it’s actually making your house even hotter.
“Keeping the doors closed will prevent your house from filling with hot air and overheating. Open the doors once the sun has stopped shining to allow fresh air in.”
Switch off lights
Similarly, specialists from Garden Buildings Direct have highlighted that turning off lights is not only beneficial for keeping your home cooler when it’s warm outside but also helps in reducing the presence of insects.
A spokesperson remarked: “Unfortunately with the warmer summer weather comes an increase of pests like flies, wasps and mosquitoes. The experts added: “Mosquitoes, moths, flies and other flying insects are drawn to bright lights as they use light to find food and navigate.”
What’s more, switching off lights can also stop other creepy crawlies such as spiders from invading your home.
John Stewart from the technical team at Pelsis UK said: “While spiders themselves are not attracted to light sources, many of the insects they feed on are, which in turn draws them towards outdoor lighting.”
Keep windows closed
As well as turning off the lights, the team at Garden Buildings Direct recommends keeping your windows closed at night to prevent insects from entering your home while you’re asleep.
They stated: “Keep windows shut at night if the lights are on to ensure these uninvited pests are not attracted into the home.”
Switch off your appliances
Rob advised: “Your appliances generate heat, further adding to the temperature of your home.
“Make sure to turn off your lights if you’re not in the room, reduce the amount you use your oven and use your hairdryer less and allow your hair to air dry.”
