Flies are more than just a buzzing nuisance—they’re uninvited guests that can ruin a summer meal, invade your kitchen, and even spread harmful bacteria. While most people turn to chemical sprays, sticky traps, or electric zappers, these solutions often bring their own problems. What if there were a natural, effortless, and affordable way to keep flies away? Believe it or not, the answer lies in an old-fashioned trick passed down through generations—one my nana swore by—that takes just five minutes to set up.
The Real Problem With Flies
Flies aren’t just annoying; they can be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, flies are capable of carrying and spreading diseases like typhoid, cholera, and diarrhea. Their powerful sense of smell allows them to detect food from as far as four miles away. Add in their ability to lay hundreds of eggs in a short lifespan, and you’ve got a recipe for nonstop infestations.
Why Most Methods Don’t Work Long-Term
Chemical sprays might kill flies on the spot, but they fill your home with toxins that aren’t healthy for kids, pets, or the environment. Traps and zappers are often unsightly, noisy, or expensive to maintain. Even worse, they only target the flies that make it inside—not the swarms waiting outside your doors and windows. What’s needed is a prevention method, not just a reaction.
The Strange but Brilliant Trick My Nana Taught Me
Here’s where old-school wisdom comes in: a simple plastic bag filled with water and a few shiny coins. It might sound like folklore, but the science behind it is fascinating. When hung near doors, patios, or windows, the water and coins reflect light in multiple directions. This creates a confusing prism effect that scrambles the vision of flies, making the area seem unsafe. Instead of heading toward your home, they turn around and buzz off.
How to Set It Up in 5 Minutes
You don’t need expensive gadgets—just a few everyday items:
- A clear plastic bag (sandwich or quart size works best)
- Clean water (enough to fill halfway)
- Three to five shiny coins (nickels, quarters, or pennies)
- String or a twist tie for hanging
Video : 10 Cleaning Hacks to get rid of HOUSE FLIES in Monsoons – TESTED! | Non-Toxic ways
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Fill the bag halfway with water.
- Drop in the shiny coins.
- Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks.
- Tie a string around the top.
- Hang it where flies gather—near doors, patios, or windows.
That’s it! No chemicals, no cleanup, no maintenance. Just set it and forget it.
Why This Trick Works So Well
Flies have compound eyes made of thousands of tiny lenses. These eyes are highly sensitive to light and movement, which helps them detect threats and food sources. The water-and-coin combo refracts light like a kaleidoscope, tricking their vision and making it nearly impossible for them to fly straight. To them, it looks like a shimmering danger zone, so they stay away.
Real-Life Success Stories
People everywhere swear by this method. Sarah from Texas tried it during a backyard barbecue and said it cut down fly numbers almost instantly. Tom from Florida hangs them in his garage and near trash bins and has noticed a dramatic decrease in flies entering his home. It’s one of those rare hacks that’s been tested across generations and still works today.
Why This Beats Other Fly Hacks
- No chemicals: Safe for kids, pets, and the environment.
- No ongoing costs: Once you set it up, it lasts for weeks.
- No ugly traps: Clear bags blend in better than sticky fly strips.
- No effort required: Unlike sprays or zappers, you don’t need to reset or reapply anything.
Common Questions About the Trick
- Do the coins have to be a specific type?
No—any shiny coin will work. - How long will the bag last?
Usually several weeks. Replace the water and coins if they start to look dirty. - Can it work indoors?
Yes, but it works best in areas with natural light, since the effect relies on reflections.
Video : How to Get Rid of House Flies (4 Simple Steps)
Final Thoughts: Simple Solutions Work Best
Sometimes the best solutions don’t come from a store—they come from tried-and-true wisdom passed down through generations. This water-and-coin trick is proof. In just five minutes, you can set up an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to enjoy your meals, gatherings, and home without the constant battle against flies. Forget sprays and traps—this clever little hack might just be the simplest (and smartest) way to keep your space fly-free.
