Had no clue about this

Flies are more than just a nuisance; they can also be carriers of disease. According to the World Health Organization, flies can transmit pathogens that cause illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. They are attracted to food, garbage, and other organic materials, making them frequent visitors in kitchens and outdoor dining areas.

Flies have a highly developed sense of smell, which allows them to detect food sources from up to 4 miles away. This keen sense of smell, combined with their rapid breeding cycle—females can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime—makes them a persistent problem in many households.

Many people resort to using chemical sprays and traps to deal with flies, but these methods often come with their own set of problems. Chemical sprays can be harmful to both humans and pets, and they often only provide temporary relief. Traps, while effective to some extent, can be unsightly and require regular maintenance.

Moreover, traditional methods often fail to address the root cause of the problem. They may kill or trap flies, but they do not prevent new ones from entering the area. This is why a more holistic approach, like the one my nana taught me, is often more effective in the long run.

The trick my nana taught me involves using a simple plastic bag filled with water and a few coins. It may sound strange, but this method has been used for generations in various cultures to keep flies away. The idea is to hang the bag near doors, windows, or any area where flies tend to gather.

The theory behind this trick is that the water and coins create a prism effect that confuses the compound eyes of flies, making them perceive the area as dangerous or unappealing. This simple optical illusion is enough to deter them from entering the space.

Setting up this trick is incredibly quick and easy. All you need is a clear plastic bag, water, and a few shiny coins. Fill the bag about halfway with water, drop in the coins, and seal it tightly. Then, hang the bag in a strategic location where flies are a problem.

Within minutes, you’ll notice a significant reduction in the number of flies in the area. The reflective properties of the water and coins create a visual disturbance that flies find disorienting, effectively keeping them away without the use of harmful chemicals or unsightly traps.

The science behind this trick lies in the unique visual system of flies. Flies have compound eyes, which are made up of thousands of tiny lenses. This gives them a wide field of vision but also makes them sensitive to light and movement.

The water and coins in the bag create a kaleidoscope effect that refracts light in multiple directions. This confuses the flies’ vision, making it difficult for them to navigate the area. The result is a simple yet effective deterrent that requires no ongoing effort or maintenance.

To implement this trick, you’ll need the following materials:
– A clear plastic bag (preferably a sandwich or quart-sized bag)
– Water (enough to fill the bag halfway)
– Shiny coins (3-5 coins, such as pennies or nickels)
– A string or twist tie for hanging the bag

All of these materials are inexpensive and easy to find, making this trick accessible to anyone looking to keep flies away.

1. Gather your materials: a clear plastic bag, water, shiny coins, and a string or twist tie.

2. Fill the plastic bag halfway with water.

3. Drop 3-5 shiny coins into the bag.

4. Seal the bag tightly to prevent any leaks.

5. Use the string or twist tie to hang the bag in a location where flies are a problem, such as near a door or window.

That’s it! In just a few minutes, you’ll have a fly deterrent that works without any further effort on your part.

Many people who have tried this trick have reported great success. One reader, Sarah from Texas, shared that she used this method during a family barbecue and noticed a significant decrease in the number of flies around the food. Another user, Tom from Florida, mentioned that he hangs these bags in his garage and has seen a noticeable reduction in flies entering his home.

These real-life success stories highlight the effectiveness of this simple trick, proving that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that have been passed down through generations.

Compared to other fly deterrent methods, such as chemical sprays and electric fly zappers, this trick is not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective. Chemical sprays can be expensive and require frequent reapplication, while electric zappers consume electricity and can be noisy.

In contrast, the water bag trick requires no ongoing costs or maintenance. Once set up, it continues to work without any additional effort, making it a superior choice for those looking for a hassle-free solution.

Q: Does the type of coin matter?
A: Not really. Any shiny coin will work, as the key is the reflective surface.

Q: How long does the bag last?
A: The bag can last for several weeks, but it’s a good idea to replace the water and coins if they become dirty or lose their shine.

Q: Can this trick be used indoors?
A: Yes, it can be used indoors, but it’s most effective in areas with natural light, as the refractive effect relies on light.

Flies are a common problem, but with the right approach, they don’t have to ruin your day. The trick my nana taught me is a testament to the power of simple, time-tested solutions. It’s easy to set up, requires no ongoing effort, and is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

By understanding the science behind this method and implementing it in your own home, you can enjoy fly-free spaces without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets. Give it a try, and you might just find that this old-fashioned trick is exactly what you need to keep flies away for good.