Are pesky flies ruining your outdoor gatherings? Imagine enjoying a peaceful meal on your patio, only to be constantly swatting away flies. It’s a common summer annoyance, but what if there was a surprisingly simple solution using items you likely already have at home? This guide will explore effective and easy methods to naturally repel flies outside, focusing on the fascinating “penny trick” that’s been buzzing around for years. Discover how to keep flies away from your outdoor spaces and reclaim your peace and quiet.
How To Keep Flies Away Outside
Discovering the Penny Fly Repellent Trick
It all started with a casual conversation. During a recent visit, a friend and I were attempting to enjoy dinner outdoors when, inevitably, flies descended upon us. Just as I was reaching for the bug spray, my friend asked, “Don’t you know the fly trick?” Intrigued, I was introduced to the seemingly unbelievable idea of using pennies and water to repel flies.
Skeptical but willing to try anything, we filled a few glasses with water and dropped in a handful of pennies. We placed these glasses around our dining area and observed what happened. To our astonishment, the flies seemed to actively avoid the area near the water glasses. They would approach, then abruptly change direction and fly away. This simple home remedy for flies appeared to be working!
Inspired by this unexpected success, I wanted to share this easy hack. If you’re looking for a natural and budget-friendly way to keep flies away outside, you might be surprised by the effectiveness of this penny and water method.
A full glass of water with pennies at the bottom
Two Easy Methods: Using Pennies to Repel Flies
There are two main ways to utilize the penny and water trick to keep flies away outdoors. Both are incredibly simple and require minimal supplies. Choose the method that best suits your outdoor setting and preferences.
Method 1: Penny Glasses of Water
This method is straightforward and visually appealing, making it perfect for tablescapes and outdoor dining areas.
What You Will Need:
- Pennies (4-5 per glass)
- Clear Glasses filled with Water
How to Use This Fly Repellent Trick:
- Fill several clear glasses with fresh water.
- Drop 4 to 5 pennies into the bottom of each glass.
- Position these glasses strategically around your outdoor table, food serving areas, or wherever you want to deter flies.
The glasses of water with pennies act as a natural fly repellent, helping to keep these annoying insects away from your food and guests.
Dropping a penny in a full glass of water to keep flies away
A fully glass of water with pennies at the bottom
Method 2: Penny Water Bags
For smaller spaces or situations where glasses might be unstable, using plastic bags filled with water and pennies is a practical alternative.
What You Will Need:
- Resealable Plastic Bags (sandwich or quart size)
- Water
- Pennies (4-5 per bag)
- Mason Jar (optional, for easier filling)
How to Use The Water Bag Fly Repellent:
- Place a resealable plastic bag inside a mason jar to hold it upright while filling (optional).
- Fill the bag approximately ¾ full with water.
- Add 4 to 5 pennies to the bag.
- Seal the bag securely, ensuring it is tightly closed.
- Gently spread the pennies around the bottom of the bag.
- Hang the bag(s) in the area where you want to repel flies. Ideal locations include near eating areas, patios, or decks.
Using bags of water with pennies is a versatile way to keep flies away, especially in more casual outdoor settings.
Filling a plastic bag with water
Dropping pennies into a bag of water
Pennies in a bag of water
A bag of water hung up to repel flies
A picnic table full of food
Personal Experience: Does This Fly Repellent Really Work?
From personal experience, the penny and water trick is surprisingly effective at repelling flies outdoors. Using glasses filled with water and pennies, we noticed a significant reduction in the number of flies around our outdoor dining area. It’s estimated that it decreased the fly presence by as much as 90%. Flies that were previously bothersome seemed to stay away from the immediate vicinity of the glasses.
While not a complete elimination of flies, the reduction was substantial enough to make outdoor meals much more enjoyable. For a simple, inexpensive, and chemical-free method to repel flies, the penny and water trick is definitely worth trying.
Clip art of flies on a balcony
Since discovering this fly repellent method, it has become a regular practice during outdoor meals. The more glasses or bags of water with pennies used, the more effective the fly-repelling effect seems to be. It’s a fun and slightly quirky trick that guests often find fascinating.
A child eating at a picnic table
Frequently Asked Questions About Repelling Flies
Here are some common questions about how to repel flies and the penny and water trick in particular:
What plants naturally repel flies?
Besides the penny trick, certain plants are known to act as natural fly repellents. Incorporating these plants into your outdoor spaces can further help in keeping flies away. Some effective plants include:
- Sweet Basil
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Wormwood
Placing potted herbs around your patio or seating areas not only adds greenery but also contributes to a fly-free environment.
How does the penny and water fly repellent trick work?
The exact science behind the penny and water trick remains somewhat of a mystery, but there are a few prevailing theories. One popular idea is that the combination of water and pennies creates a visual effect that is unsettling to flies. Some believe that the multifaceted reflection and shimmer created by the water and pennies might resemble the compound eyes of larger insects, which flies perceive as a threat.
Another theory suggests that older, tarnished pennies might work best due to the oxidized metal reacting with the water. However, more research is needed to definitively confirm these theories. Regardless of the precise mechanism, many people, including personal experience, have found this method to be an effective way to repel flies.
Pennies in the bottom of a glass of water
Can old CDs repel flies?
Yes, another home remedy for repelling flies involves using old CDs. The reflective surface of CDs can disorient flies. Hanging old CDs with the reflective side facing outwards allows sunlight to bounce off them, creating flashes of light that flies are said to dislike. This bouncing light may deter flies from the area.
What if the penny trick isn’t enough to repel flies?
While the penny and water trick can be effective, it may not be sufficient in all situations, especially with a large number of flies or a strong attractant like abundant food. In such cases, consider these additional fly repellent methods:
- Food Covers: Use food tents or covers to create a physical barrier, preventing flies from landing on food. This is a practical solution for picnics and buffets.
food tents for repelling flies outdoors on food
- Fly Repellent Fans: Battery-operated fly repellent fans are another effective option. These fans often have reflective elements and rotating soft blades that create a disruption zone that flies avoid.
battery operated fans for getting rid of flies outdoors
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Outdoor Space from Flies
Repelling flies outside doesn’t need to involve harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets. The simple penny and water trick, along with other natural methods like fly-repelling plants and reflective objects, can significantly reduce fly presence and make your outdoor experiences more enjoyable. Give these easy and affordable solutions a try and say goodbye to annoying flies at your next outdoor gathering!
