A woman has taken to TikTok to share a “weird” hack that will help keep flies out of your garden, and all you’ll need is a sandwich bag, some water, and a penny
When sunny weather hits Britain, it’s safe to say we all get very excited. Many are quick to head outdoors to sunbathe and enjoy some drinks with pals.
But nothing ruins a good garden gathering like a swarm of flies, leaving guests flapping about in dismay, trying to fend off the pesky intruders. Thankfully though, there’s a way to prevent the problem.
Enter one savvy TikToker, who’s let us in on an age-old trick to keep those bothersome bugs at bay using nothing more than a sandwich bag, a bit of water, and a penny.
Sheila Reviews posted her video online, alongside the caption: “This outdoor hack has been used for years but I’m not sure why it works. Ziploc bag, water and a penny keep the flies at a minimum.”
In her clip, she advises: “When you’re getting ready to have an outdoor event just place it throughout your yard and it keeps the flies at a minimum.”
She credits her neighbour for the tip, revealing she’s been doing it ever since she was told about it. Curious about the science behind it, Sheila called on TikTok’s “scientists” to explain the hack’s effectiveness.
This prompted a flurry of amusing theories. One user quipped: “Because the flies feel that we are poor because we only have a penny so they fly away.” Another chimed in with a tongue-in-cheek comment, writing: “It must be witchcraft”.
But what’s the actual secret? It’s all about the “reflection”. The trick is based on simple light refraction through the water bag that confuses the housefly.
And one person in the comments argued that you don’t even need the penny to make it work. They added: “You don’t need the penny at all. Just water in a clear plastic bag or bottle. The fly will see a bigger insect. Is just the reflection.”
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