Are you tired of swatting away flies every time you step onto your porch? Nothing ruins a peaceful outdoor meal or relaxing evening faster than a swarm of buzzing flies. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to reclaim your porch and keep those annoying insects at bay, you’re in the right place. This guide will explore an intriguing home remedy using items you likely already have – pennies and water! We’ll dive into this clever “penny trick,” explain how to use it, and explore other effective methods to ensure your porch remains a fly-free zone. Get ready to say goodbye to fly frustration and hello to serene outdoor living!
How To Keep Flies Away Outside
The Curious Case of Pennies Repelling Flies: Does It Really Work?
Imagine this: you’re hosting friends for a delightful porch dinner, only to be constantly bothered by unwelcome flies. That’s exactly what happened to the author, leading to the discovery of a surprisingly effective trick. A visiting friend revealed a seemingly bizarre yet fascinating method – using pennies in water to deter flies. Skeptical but intrigued, the author tried it out and was astounded by the results. The flies, once a nuisance, seemed to vanish, or at least significantly decrease, leaving everyone to enjoy their meal in peace. This anecdotal experience sparked curiosity about this “penny trick,” leading to further exploration and sharing of this simple solution. While the exact science might be debated, the practical results speak for themselves.
Image: Close-up shot of a clear glass filled with water, with several shiny copper pennies resting at the bottom, illustrating the penny and water fly repellent method.
Two Easy Methods Using Pennies and Water to Deter Flies
The beauty of this fly-repelling hack lies in its simplicity. You only need a few common household items, and you can implement it in minutes. There are two main ways to use this penny and water trick, each with its own slight variations to suit your needs and porch setup. Let’s explore both methods so you can choose the best approach for keeping flies away from your outdoor space.
Method 1: The Classic Glass of Water and Pennies
This is the most straightforward method, perfect for tabletops, railings, or any flat surface on your porch. It’s visually unobtrusive and blends in easily with your outdoor decor.
What You Will Need:
- Pennies: Any pennies will do, but some believe older, tarnished pennies might be even more effective.
- Clear Glasses: Use several clear glasses filled with water. The size can vary, but larger glasses might offer better visibility and stability.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Fill the Glasses: Pour water into several clear glasses, filling them almost to the brim.
- Add the Pennies: Drop a few pennies (around 4-5) into each glass, letting them settle at the bottom.
- Placement is Key: Strategically place these glasses of water around your porch area. Focus on areas where flies tend to congregate, such as near food, seating areas, or entry points to your house. For dining tables, place glasses amongst dishes or as centerpieces.
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: The Portable Water Bag with Pennies
If you need a more versatile option, or want to hang the fly repellent, the water bag method is ideal. It’s especially useful for smaller porches or areas where you don’t want to risk knocking over glasses.
What You Will Need:
- Resealable Plastic Bags: Sandwich or quart-sized bags work well. Choose clear bags for maximum light penetration.
- Water: Tap water is perfectly fine.
- Pennies: Again, a handful of pennies for each bag.
- Mason Jar (Optional): A mason jar or similar container can be helpful for holding the bag upright while you fill it with water.
- String or Hooks (Optional): For hanging the bags.
How to Assemble and Use the Bag Trick:
- Prepare the Bag: Place a resealable plastic bag inside a mason jar or similar container to keep it stable.
- Fill with Water: Pour water into the bag, filling it about ¾ full.
- Add Pennies: Drop a few pennies into the water-filled bag.
- Seal and Distribute Pennies: Seal the bag tightly, ensuring no water leaks. Gently spread the pennies around the bag so they are visible from different angles.
- Hang or Place: Hang the bag using string or hooks around your porch perimeter, near doorways, or areas where flies are prevalent. Alternatively, you can place the bags on surfaces, similar to the glass method. For larger areas, using multiple bags is recommended.
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 and Effectiveness: Seeing is Believing
Does this penny trick really work? Personal accounts suggest it does, often dramatically reducing fly presence. In the author’s experience, using glasses of water with pennies resulted in an estimated 90% decrease in flies. Imagine enjoying an outdoor meal with just a fraction of the flies that usually bother you! While individual results may vary depending on fly types and environmental conditions, many users report a noticeable and positive difference. The more glasses or bags you use, the more effective the fly repellent seems to become.
Clip art of flies on a balcony
Unraveling the Mystery: How Does the Penny Trick Work?
The exact science behind why pennies in water repel flies is still debated, adding to the intrigue of this home remedy. One popular theory is that the flies perceive the pennies in the water as large, compound eyes of predators. This visual trickery could scare them away, making them avoid the area. Another possibility is the reflective properties of water and pennies combined. Flies have sensitive vision, and the shimmering light reflecting off the water and shiny pennies might disorient or irritate them, causing them to seek less visually disruptive environments. Some also suggest that older, tarnished pennies work even better, though this is largely anecdotal. Regardless of the precise mechanism, the practical outcome remains – many people find this trick remarkably effective in keeping flies away.
Beyond Pennies: Other Natural Fly Repellents for Your Porch
While the penny trick is a fascinating and often successful method, it’s not the only way to naturally deter flies from your porch. Combining it with other fly-repelling strategies can create an even more fly-free outdoor haven.
Harness the Power of Plants
Certain plants are known for their natural insect-repelling properties, including flies. Strategically placing pots of these plants around your porch can add beauty and act as a natural fly deterrent. Consider these fly-hating herbs and plants:
- Sweet Basil: Its strong aroma is disliked by flies.
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent for humans, but repelling to flies and many other insects.
- Rosemary: Another fragrant herb that flies tend to avoid.
- Mint: Various mint varieties, like peppermint and spearmint, are effective fly repellents.
- Wormwood: A less common but potent herb known for its insect-repelling qualities.
Repurpose Old CDs for Fly Control
Another surprisingly effective trick involves using old CDs. The reflective surface of CDs, when hung with the reflective side facing outwards, can bounce sunlight and disorient flies. Flies are known to dislike bright, flashing lights, making this a simple and eco-friendly way to deter them. Hang CDs around your porch area where sunlight can reflect off them.
Amazing Trick for Repelling Flies at your next outdoor picnic or party using just THREE common household items! via makinglemonadeblog.com
What to Do If the Penny Trick Isn’t Enough
While the penny and water trick is effective for many, heavily infested areas or particularly persistent flies might require additional measures. Don’t worry, there are still toxin-free options to explore.
Food Tents: A Simple Barrier
For outdoor dining, food tents are an invaluable tool. These mesh covers allow air to circulate while creating a physical barrier that prevents flies from landing on your food. They are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor meal where food is left out.
food tents for repelling flies outdoors on food
Battery-Operated Fly Repellent Fans: Gentle and Effective
Battery-operated fly repellent fans are another excellent option, especially for porches and patios. These fans have soft, rotating blades that create a gentle breeze, disrupting flies’ flight patterns and preventing them from landing nearby. Many models also incorporate reflective elements, further deterring flies. They are safe, easy to use, and can be placed on tables or hung up.
battery operated fans for getting rid of flies outdoors
Reclaim Your Porch and Enjoy Fly-Free Outdoor Living
Dealing with flies on your porch doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or expensive pest control services. Often, simple, natural methods are just as effective, if not more so. The penny and water trick, combined with other strategies like fly-repelling plants, CDs, food tents, and fans, can significantly reduce fly presence and allow you to fully enjoy your outdoor space. Give these tricks a try, experiment to see what works best for your porch environment, and say goodbye to fly frustration. Your peaceful, fly-free porch awaits!
Amazing Trick for Repelling Flies at your next outdoor picnic or party using just THREE common household items! via makinglemonadeblog.com
