Quck answer
A bag of water can help keep flies away. The principle behind it is that the flies are confused by the bag of water and perceive it as a predator, causing them to fly away. However, this method is not foolproof and may not work for all types of flies. Some experts also suggest that the reflection of light on the water may also play a role in deterring flies. Overall, while it may not be the most effective method, using a bag of water is a simple and inexpensive way to try and keep flies at bay.
Wild Animals
The practice of hanging clear, water-filled bags in restaurants and outdoor areas is a common sight. You might wonder if it’s a new way to regulate temperature or a tactic to save money on water pitchers. However, the bags are actually meant to repel pests. People hang them outside their homes, businesses, and barns to keep flies away.
There are different versions of the water-bag method. Some people claim that the bag must contain floating flakes of tin foil, while others suggest adding a penny or two. Commercial versions of the water bags are also available for purchase.
Flies are known to spread diseases, as they frequent germ-infested areas like dumpsters and animal waste. It’s natural to want to keep these disease-carrying insects away, as they can swarm around your food. But can a bag of water really help? While experts and amateurs have different opinions on the matter, let’s explore both sides of the issue.
Why Flies and Water Bags Don’t Mix
The water-bag method has many supporters, including restaurant owners and grill-masters. The internet is full of success stories, ranging from mild to miraculous.
But how does the method work? Some people believe that the flies see the clear liquid as the surface of a body of water, while others claim that the insect flies away at the sight of its magnified reflection. However, most entomologists and patent-filing entrepreneurs agree that the reason is simple: light refraction.
Refraction occurs when a clear or opaque object alters the course and velocity of light. The rays of light bend instead of traveling in a straight line. Some species of insects, particularly houseflies, are sensitive to refraction. Their eyes provide a mosaic view of the world around them, and they use the direction of sunlight to navigate. When they encounter refracted light, they become confused and fly away. While some people claim that water bags repel all types of flying insects, most report success with houseflies.
The Head of a Housefly
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The specifics regarding the amount of water required, the quantity of bags needed, and the optimal location for hanging the bags to repel flies are unknown. Although there are skeptics who discredit the theory that water bags are effective in deterring flies, some still believe in its effectiveness. However, they may be experiencing a placebo effect, where they feel better because they believe they are treating the pest problem. A study conducted by Mike Stringham, a professor of entomology at North Carolina State University, found that areas with water bags experienced higher levels of housefly activity. However, the study did not take into account natural lighting conditions and only aimed to determine whether water bags could decrease fly populations on egg farms. While there are reasonable explanations for why water bags may work, there is also significant evidence that proves otherwise. Nonetheless, water bags can still be found hanging near restaurant patios and backyard porches worldwide.
More Information Available
Related Articles
- Learn About Houseflies
- Discover How Light Functions
- Find Out How Mirages Work
- Explore the World of Mosquitoes
- Get the Facts About Spiders
- Find Tips for Controlling Pests
Additional Resources
- Ask the Bugman for Help
- Access the University of Nebraska’s Guide on House Fly Control
Sources for Further Reading
- Alward, Joseph F. “Refraction of Light.” University of the Pacific Department of Physics. (April 17, 2008) http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/refraction/refraction.html
- Fagerlund, Richard. “Odd method persuades flies to fly away.” The San Francisco Chronicle. July 12, 2003. (July 10, 2018) https://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/Odd-method-persuades-flies-to-fly-away-Hanging-2565704.php
- Fagerlund, Richard. “Repelling Flies.” Home and Garden Television. (April 18, 2008) http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_diseases_pests_insects/article/0,,hgtv_3580_1381705,00.html
- Fischer-Nagel, Heiderose and Andreas Fisher-Nagel. “The Housefly.” Carolrhoda Books, Inc. 1990.
- Lethen, Jan. “Correlation and Causation.” Texas A&M Department of Statistics. Nov. 13, 1996. (July 10, 2018) http://archive.li/8fO9n
- Perez, Robert. “Does theory for avoiding flies at outside meals hold water?” The Orlando Sentinel. Aug. 25, 2006. (July 10, 2018) http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2006-08-25/news/WATERBAGS25_1_water-bags-plastic-bags-flies
- Shuttlesworth, Dorothy E. “The Story of Flies.” Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1970.
- Stringham, S.M., et al. “Suppression of house flies (Musca Domestica) in egg handling rooms of broiler breeder farms using Fly Fright bags as an optical repellent.” Proceedings of 48th Annual Livestock Insect Workers’ Conference. June 30, 2004.
- Stringham, Mike. “Water Bags: Optical Fly Repellent?” 2007 North Carolina Mosquito & Vector Control Annual Meeting. 2007. (April 17, 2008) http://www.ncmvca.org/Annual_Meetings/Water_Bags_Optical_Fly_Repellent.pdf
FAQ
1. Can a bag of water really keep flies away?
Yes, it is believed that hanging a bag of water can deter flies from entering the area. The theory behind it is that the flies are confused by the way the water reflects light, which makes them think it is a nest of wasps or a spider web, both of which are predators to flies.
2. How do you make a bag of water to keep flies away?
There are a few different methods, but the most common is to fill a clear plastic bag with water and hang it in the area you want to keep flies away from. Some people add pennies or shiny objects to the bag to increase the light reflection.
3. Does the bag of water need to be in direct sunlight to work?
No, the bag of water can work in any lighting conditions, although it is more effective when placed in a well-lit area.
4. How long does the bag of water last?
The effectiveness of the bag of water can vary, but some people report that it lasts for a few weeks before needing to be replaced.
5. Is there any scientific evidence to support the claim that a bag of water keeps flies away?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. However, many people have reported success with this method and it is a popular DIY solution for deterring flies.
6. Are there any downsides to using a bag of water to keep flies away?
Some people may find the bag of water to be unsightly or a nuisance if it is in an area where it could be bumped or knocked down. Additionally, some people may not like the idea of hanging a plastic bag in their outdoor space.
7. Can a bag of water attract other insects?
It is possible that the bag of water could attract other insects, such as wasps or bees, due to the light reflection. However, this is not a common issue reported by those who use this method to deter flies.
8. Are there any other natural ways to keep flies away?
Yes, there are many natural methods to keep flies away, such as using essential oils like lavender or peppermint, planting certain herbs in your outdoor space, or using fly traps or sticky strips.
9. If a bag of water doesn’t work, what is the best way to get rid of flies?
If a bag of water doesn’t work, there are many other methods to get rid of flies. Some effective solutions include keeping your outdoor space clean and free of trash, using a fly swatter or bug zapper, or using a commercial fly repellent.
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