Tired of pesky flies ruining your outdoor gatherings or peaceful moments on your patio? You’re not alone. Flies can quickly turn a pleasant outdoor meal into an annoying swatting session. But what if there was a surprisingly simple and inexpensive way to keep these buzzing intruders at bay? Believe it or not, the answer might be hiding in your pocket or change jar: pennies!
This seemingly bizarre yet effective trick, using just pennies and water, has been passed down through generations. Intrigued? I was too! When a friend shared this unusual method for repelling flies outdoors, I was skeptical but eager to try it. And to my surprise, it actually worked! Get ready to discover how to reclaim your outdoor space from flies using this easy hack, and explore other simple strategies to enjoy a fly-free environment.
How To Keep Flies Away Outside
Method 1: The Penny Glass Trick
This first method is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort. You likely already have everything you need right at home!
What You Need:
- Pennies
- Clear Glasses
- Water
How to Use This Fly Trick:
Simply fill several clear glasses with water and drop a few pennies into each glass. The number of pennies isn’t critical – around 4-5 pennies per glass should suffice. Then, strategically place these glasses around your outdoor dining area, picnic table, or patio. You can even position them near food platters.
The magic of this trick lies in its simplicity. As flies approach, they are seemingly deterred by the water and pennies. Many people, including myself, have observed flies landing nearby, noticing the glasses, and then quickly buzzing away.
A full glass of water with pennies at the bottom
Method 2: The Penny Bag Trick
For situations where glasses might be unstable or you prefer a more portable option, the penny bag trick is an excellent alternative. This method is particularly useful for picnics or smaller tables where space is limited.
What You Need:
- Resealable Plastic Bag (sandwich or quart-sized)
- Water
- Pennies
- Mason Jar (optional, for easier filling)
How to Use The Bag Trick:
Start by placing a resealable plastic bag inside a mason jar. The jar acts as a helpful stand to keep the bag upright while you fill it. Pour water into the bag until it’s about ¾ full. Next, drop a few pennies into the water-filled bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring no water leaks out. Gently spread the pennies around inside the bag so they are visible from different angles. Finally, hang the bag near your outdoor area where you want to repel flies. You can hang it from an umbrella, a tree branch, or any other convenient spot. For optimal fly repellent, consider hanging multiple bags, especially in larger spaces.
Dropping a penny in a full glass of water to keep flies away
A fully glass of water with pennies at the bottom
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
Does the Penny Trick Really Work to Repel Flies? My Experience
Skeptical as I was, I put the penny and water trick to the test, and the results were undeniable. Using glasses of water with pennies, we experienced a significant reduction in flies. It was truly remarkable! I estimate that it decreased the fly presence by about 90%. We were able to enjoy our outdoor meal practically fly-free. It was almost comical to watch flies approach, then seemingly spot the water-filled glasses, and veer away. The more glasses we used, the more effective the fly repellent became. Even my kids were amazed by this simple science in action, and quickly learned not to drink the “penny water”!
Clip art of flies on a balcony
While the exact science behind why this trick works remains a bit of a mystery, one popular theory suggests that the flies perceive the pennies in the water as the compound eyes of a much larger insect. This perceived threat may scare them away. Another theory involves the reflective properties of water and pennies, which might disorient flies or create an unpleasant visual experience for them. Regardless of the precise mechanism, the anecdotal evidence, including my own experience, points to its effectiveness.
A child eating at a picnic table
Beyond Pennies: Other Ways to Repel Flies Outside
While the penny trick is a fantastic starting point, there are several other complementary strategies you can employ to create an even more fly-free outdoor zone.
Plants That Naturally Repel Flies
Nature offers its own solutions for pest control. Certain plants emit natural compounds that flies find repulsive. Incorporating these plants into your garden or patio décor can act as a natural fly repellent. Some of the most effective fly-repelling plants include:
- Sweet Basil: This herb not only enhances your culinary dishes but also deters flies and mosquitoes.
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent for humans, lavender is disliked by flies, moths, fleas, and mosquitoes.
- Rosemary: This fragrant herb is a great addition to your garden and effectively repels flies and other insects.
- Mint: Mint varieties like peppermint and spearmint are excellent at keeping flies, mosquitoes, and even ants away.
- Wormwood: This herb has a strong, pungent aroma that is particularly effective at repelling flies.
Placing potted versions of these plants around your outdoor seating or dining areas can create a pleasant and naturally fly-free ambiance.
Reflective Surfaces: The CD Trick
Another intriguing home remedy involves repurposing old CDs or DVDs. The reflective surface of CDs can disorient flies. Hanging old CDs with the reflective side facing outwards allows sunlight to bounce off them, creating flashing lights that flies reportedly dislike. This simple recycling trick can add a decorative element to your outdoor space while serving a practical purpose.
Physical Barriers: Food Tents and Mesh Covers
For ultimate protection, especially when food is involved, physical barriers are highly effective. Food tents or mesh covers create a protective shield, preventing flies from landing on your food while still allowing air to circulate. These are ideal for picnics, barbecues, and any outdoor dining occasion where food is left out in the open.
Fly Repelling Fans
Battery-operated or electric fly-repelling fans are another convenient option. These fans often feature soft, rotating blades with reflective tips. The movement of the blades deters flies, and the reflective elements may further contribute to their repellent effect. These fans are portable and can be placed on tables or hung in strategic locations, providing a consistent fly-free zone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repelling Flies
Here are some common questions people have about keeping flies away, along with helpful answers.
How Does the Penny Trick Actually Repel Flies?
As mentioned earlier, the exact mechanism isn’t definitively proven, but the leading theories revolve around visual deterrence. Flies might perceive the pennies as large insect eyes, or the combination of water and reflective pennies might create a visual effect that they find disorienting or unpleasant, leading them to avoid the area. Some anecdotal reports suggest that older, tarnished pennies work even better, but this is not scientifically confirmed.
Are There Certain Plants That Are Most Effective at Repelling Flies?
While all the plants listed above (Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint, Wormwood) are known fly repellents, the effectiveness can vary depending on the specific type of fly, the concentration of plant oils, and environmental conditions. Experimenting with a combination of these plants may yield the best results for your particular outdoor space.
How Do Old CDs Keep Flies Away?
The reflective surface of CDs is believed to disorient flies due to the bouncing and flashing of sunlight. Flies have compound eyes that are very sensitive to light and movement, and the erratic reflections from CDs might disrupt their vision and deter them from staying in the vicinity.
What If the Penny Trick Doesn’t Work for Me?
If you find the penny trick insufficient, especially with a large number of flies or particularly persistent ones, combine it with other methods. Using fly-repelling plants, food tents, and fly fans in conjunction with the penny trick can significantly enhance your fly control efforts. Consider the specific conditions of your outdoor space and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Fly-Free Outdoors
Don’t let flies spoil your outdoor enjoyment! With these simple and effective methods, you can take back your patio, deck, or picnic area and create a fly-free haven. Give the penny trick a try – you might be surprised by how well it works. Combine it with fly-repelling plants, reflective CDs, or food tents for even greater protection. Experiment and find the best combination that works for you, and get ready to savor those precious outdoor moments without the annoyance of buzzing flies.
Have you tried the penny trick or other fly repellent methods? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
Amazing Trick for Repelling Flies at your next outdoor picnic or party using just THREE common household items! via makinglemonadeblog.com
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