Dealing with flies is a common nuisance, especially when you’re trying to enjoy your home, whether indoors or outdoors. These pesky insects can be more than just annoying; they can be unhygienic and disruptive to your peace. If you’re looking for effective ways on how to keep flies away from your house, you’re in the right place. This guide explores a surprisingly simple yet effective method using items you likely already have at home, along with other helpful tips to ensure your house remains a fly-free zone.
How To Keep Flies Away Outside
The Penny and Water Fly Repellent Trick: A Curious Discovery
Imagine enjoying a peaceful meal outdoors, only to be constantly bothered by flies. This was the exact scenario when a clever solution was shared – a simple trick involving pennies and water. It might sound unconventional, but this method has gained popularity for its ease and surprising effectiveness in repelling flies.
During a casual outdoor dinner, the persistent issue of flies arose. A friend introduced an intriguing idea: using pennies in water as a natural fly deterrent. Intrigued and slightly skeptical, the method was put to the test. Glasses filled with water and a few pennies were placed around the dining area. The observation was remarkable – flies would approach, then abruptly veer away upon noticing the water with pennies. This anecdotal experience sparked curiosity and led to sharing this simple hack for anyone seeking how to keep flies away from their house, particularly during outdoor gatherings.
A full glass of water with pennies at the bottom
Two Easy Methods to Repel Flies Using Pennies and Water
There are two straightforward methods to utilize the penny and water trick for keeping flies at bay, perfect for when you’re dining outdoors or simply relaxing in your yard. Both are incredibly easy to set up and require minimal materials.
Method 1: The Penny Glass Method
This method is incredibly simple and requires just two common household items.
What You’ll Need:
- Pennies (3-5 per glass)
- Clear Glasses of Water (number depends on area size)
Steps to Implement:
- Fill Glasses with Water: Take several clear glasses and fill them completely with fresh water.
- Add Pennies: Drop 3 to 5 pennies into each glass, letting them settle at the bottom.
- Placement: Strategically place these glasses around your outdoor dining table, picnic area, or any space where you want to deter flies. You can even position them near food platters.
Dropping a penny in a full glass of water to keep flies away
The presence of these water glasses with pennies is reported to significantly reduce fly activity in the immediate vicinity, making your outdoor experiences more enjoyable and less bothered by buzzing pests.
A fully glass of water with pennies at the bottom
Method 2: The Penny Bag Method
For situations where space is limited or you prefer a hanging solution, the penny bag method is an excellent alternative.
What You’ll Need:
- Resealable Plastic Bags (sandwich or quart-sized)
- Water
- Pennies (3-5 per bag)
- Mason Jar (optional, for easier water pouring)
- String or Hook (for hanging)
Steps to Implement:
- Prepare the Bag: Open a resealable plastic bag and, if using, place it inside a mason jar to keep it upright while filling.
- Fill with Water: Pour water into the bag until it’s about ¾ full.
- Add Pennies: Drop 3 to 5 pennies into the water-filled bag.
- Seal and Distribute Pennies: Seal the bag tightly, ensuring no water leaks. Gently move the bag to spread the pennies around the bottom.
- Hang the Bag: Use string or a hook to hang the bag in the area where you want to repel flies. Ideal spots include near doorways, patios, or garden areas.
Filling a plastic bag with water
Dropping pennies into a bag of water
Alt text: Close-up of copper pennies settled at the bottom of a clear plastic bag filled with water.
A bag of water hung up to repel flies
For optimal fly control, especially in larger areas, consider hanging multiple bags around the perimeter. It’s suggested that around three bags can effectively keep flies away from a typical outdoor dining or seating area.
A picnic table full of food
Personal Experience and Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the penny and water method can be quite remarkable. In personal tests, it has been observed to reduce fly presence by up to 90%. Imagine sitting down for a meal and noticing flies landing, then quickly darting away upon seeing the water glasses. This anecdotal evidence suggests a significant deterrent effect. It’s as if the flies are present but choose to avoid the area protected by this simple trick. The more glasses or bags you use, the more pronounced the fly-repelling effect seems to become.
Clip art of flies on a balcony
This method is not only effective but also engaging for families. Children often find it fascinating and can participate in setting up the fly deterrents, adding an element of fun to pest control. Plus, it’s a safe method, ensuring no harmful chemicals are used around food and family.
A child eating at a picnic table
The theory behind why this works is intriguing. One popular idea is that to flies, the water and pennies create a visual distortion that resembles the compound eyes of a larger predator, thus scaring them away. To humans, these setups simply look like decorative elements catching sunlight, adding a subtle sparkle to your outdoor setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Repellents
Here are some common questions regarding keeping flies away, helping you understand more about fly control and explore additional methods.
What Plants Naturally Repel Flies?
Certain plants are known for their natural fly-repelling properties. Incorporating these into your garden or patio can provide a fragrant and effective way to deter flies. Consider placing potted herbs near your outdoor dining or seating areas. Effective fly-repelling plants include:
- Sweet Basil: Emits a strong aroma that flies dislike.
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent for humans but repelling to flies and other insects.
- Rosemary: Another herb with a potent scent that deters flies.
- Mint: Various mint varieties are effective at keeping flies away.
- Wormwood: A less common but powerful fly repellent plant.
How Does the Penny Trick Actually Work to Repel Flies?
The exact mechanism of the penny and water trick is still debated, but the most widely accepted theory is visual deterrence. Flies have compound eyes that are very sensitive to movement and light. The combination of water and pennies in a clear container might create a refracted or distorted image that is unsettling to flies. Some speculate it mimics the appearance of spider webs or large insect eyes, prompting flies to avoid the area. It’s also suggested that older, tarnished pennies might be more effective, possibly due to increased reflection or visual disturbance, though this is largely anecdotal.
Can Old CDs Help Keep Flies Away?
Yes, another reflective method involves using old CDs. The idea is similar to the penny trick – flies are bothered by reflected light. Hanging old CDs with the reflective side facing outwards allows sunlight to bounce off them, creating flashes of light that flies find irritating and tend to avoid. This is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to repurpose old CDs while keeping flies away from your house and outdoor areas.
Amazing Trick for Repelling Flies at your next outdoor picnic or party using just THREE common household items! via makinglemonadeblog.com
What If the Penny Trick Isn’t Enough?
For environments with aggressive fly populations or large amounts of food attracting flies, the penny trick might need to be supplemented with other methods. Consider these additional toxin-free fly control solutions:
- Food Tents: Covering food with mesh food tents provides a physical barrier, preventing flies from landing on edibles while still allowing air circulation. This is ideal for buffets and outdoor parties.
food tents for repelling flies outdoors on food
- Battery-Operated Fly Repellent Fans: These fans have soft, reflective blades that spin, creating a moving visual and physical deterrent for flies. They are safe, portable, and effective for keeping flies away from dining tables and food areas.
battery operated fans for getting rid of flies outdoors
Exploring Essential Oils for Bug Repellent
For a broader approach to repelling various insects, including flies, essential oils offer a natural and aromatic solution. Many essential oils are known for their insect-repelling properties. Using essential oil-based sprays or diffusers can help keep your surroundings free from flies and other bothersome bugs. Research essential oils like citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass for their repellent qualities.
Conclusion: Simple Steps to a Fly-Free Home
Keeping flies away from your house doesn’t have to be complicated or involve harsh chemicals. The penny and water trick, along with other natural methods like fly-repelling plants, CDs, food covers, and repellent fans, offer simple, effective, and eco-friendly ways to manage flies. Whether you choose to use penny-filled glasses, hanging bags, or a combination of methods, these strategies can significantly reduce fly annoyance and enhance your comfort both indoors and outdoors. Try these tips and enjoy a more peaceful, fly-free environment!
Amazing Trick for Repelling Flies at your next outdoor picnic or party using just THREE common household items! via makinglemonadeblog.com
Recommended Tools for Fly Control
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