It's summer, time for picnics and cookouts all day long. During the summer, we spend so many days eating lunches outside on our back porch. It would be wonderful if it weren't for the pesky flies.
So when a few weeks ago a friend posted on Facebook a picture of his new way to keep flies away I was completely intrigued. It looked silly, but he swore it was scaring off the flies. Since we often eat outside during the summer I am always looking for ways to keep the bugs away. I love this simple bracelet that I make to keep the mosquitos gone, but I noticed it doesn't do a lot for the flies.
I hate using the lawn sprays to keep the bugs away, but since we can't really have bugs constantly landing on our food I have used them a couple of times. This way is not only chemical free, but it also is so inexpensive. It really is the easiest way to keep flies away.
You will need water, a Ziploc, and a few pennies. Add the pennies to the Ziploc bag and then add about 1/2 cup of water to your Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and hang it somewhere near your food. The flies will completely avoid the area.
I hung a bag from one of my back porch posts and it does a great job of keeping the flies away. We are able to eat outside without all the flies everywhere.
Why does it work? I honestly have no idea. I noticed my friend said that the flies think that the pennies are another insect's eyes. Someone else said the refracted light scares the flies away. I am just happy for under $.10 I can keep the flies away from my food.
Keep in mind this will only work during the day when the sun can reflect off the pennies and water. You will also need to use something else to keep away the mosquitos. It isn't the prettiest of methods, so if you are having a nice party you may want to try a better way. Maybe pennies and water in a wine glass?
So far I am loving this simple trick to keep the flies away. I can't wait to see if it works all summer long. Have you tried this yet? I would love to hear any tips or tricks you have for keeping the flies away.
Sherry says
We learned about this while we went to Costa Rica years ago. The locals said the reflection from the water makes it look like huge flies I don't care how it works, it just works!!! So glad others are doing this. Very cheap and no chemicals!!! We don't put pennies in the water though and it still works great. Thanks for all the great tips.
Julie says
Nice to know you can skip the pennies! Thanks for letting me know.
Marie says
I saw this trick used this year in Haiti. They did not use pennies either and instead of Ziploc bags they used regular clear plastic bags. The bags were tied very tightly with all the air removed. They looked like clear Christmas balls tied to the trees. Pretty and practical!
Julie says
That sounds pretty! I will have to give it a try. Thanks!
Jan Gratzl says
Would this work inside the house as well? I tend to battle them sneaking in when I'm coming in from watering plants, bringing in the groceries, etc.
Although my kitten enjoys trying to catch them I on the other hand don't enjoy their presence.
Julie says
I don't see why it wouldn't. Let me know if you try it out.