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Does a Bag of Water Keep Flies Away? (All You Need to Know)

Flies are known to have compound eyes. A compound eye is different from the simple eye that a human has. Compound eyes can see things in multiple.

Apart from that, the compound eye can monitor things in multiple directions at the same time. That is an advantage for flies as it helps to protect themselves.

Following below information and tips regarding how to keep flies away by using a water bag and related knowledge would help you to choose your ways.

Does a bag of water keep flies away?

A bag of water can keep flies away. Well, there is no certain explanation yet many theories have been stated to clarify this. Some say it is due to the refraction or reflection of light. In any case, the compound eye of the fly is responsible for creating discomfort in the eye near the water bag.

Most of the insects including flies have compound eyes. A compound eye does not see the same environment and things as a simple eye.

The compound eye is capable of seeing things in multiple and also in multiple directions. They are also able to see backward without moving their head.

Mainly the compound eye creates discomfort and illusion in the eye of the fly when they look at the water bag. Some also prefer to put coins or pennies in the water bag to keep the flies away. Well, that works too.

Clear bag of water:

Clear bag of water works perfectly to keep the flies away. When the light passes through a clear bag of water, it would create refraction.

Well, refraction might look like a simple change of direction of light in our view. It is not the same case for a fly.

As flies have a compound eye, they see things in multiple. Simple refraction of light would look complex in their eyes.

This can either create illusion or discomfort in their eye. As a result, they will avoid that path to protect themselves.

Ziplock bags of water:

Ziplock bags of water can also prevent the flies from moving around.

As long as the bag is transparent and the light can pass through the bag, it will keep the flies away. Light always changes its direction in liquid.

You should put water in the Ziplock bags to make it effective. You can also hang the Ziplock bag.

Coins in a bag of water:

Some people put coins in a transparent bag of water in order to keep the flies away.

Putting the coins in the water bag creates refraction. The change of direction looks a thousand times more modified in their eyes which makes the fly avoid its path near the bag of water with coins.

Do water and coins keep flies away?

Yes, water and coins can keep flies away. Water itself is enough to keep the flies away. You can try hanging a water bag with coins. Putting 1-2 coins is also sufficient. If you want to put more coins, you can.

Flies have compound eyes. Compound eyes tend to see things from all directions and all angles. This gives them a more precise idea of what is revolving around them. Thus, they can help themselves. But this also discomforts them in many ways.

When a coin is put in the water, the light passing through the water bag creates refraction. The refraction seems complex in their eyes.

Apart from that, in water light can come out by giving colors like rainbows which can create an illusion in the eye of the fly. This prevents them from getting near to water bags or water bags with coins.

Does hanging a bag of water keep flies away?

Yes, hanging a bag of water can keep the flies away. You can hang a transparent bag filled with water in front of the balcony to keep the flies away.

This will probably help you. Even though it is not explained scientifically, yet some assume the flies avoid the path due to the illusion or discomfort created in their eyes.

You can hang a bag filled with water to keep the flies away. When the ray of light enters the water bag, it creates refraction.

The refraction may seem greater in the eye of flies. Some theory also states, when the light passes through the water bag, the water bag works like a prism.

Similarly, to the prism, the water bag passes light of different colors. The colors can create an illusion in the eyes of the fly. If you hang the water bag, the light will spread more in an open space. It would help to keep the flies away.

Why do bags of water keep flies away?

Flies roam around the places and create discomfort all around. The noises made by flies are irritating. Even looking at them flying all over is eye-soaring. To prevent the flies from roaming around the water bag can be of big help.

By putting a water-filled bag, one can keep the flies away. There is no specific explanation regarding how it actually works.

Yet, some interesting theories have been stated. Some reasons why a bag filled with water can keep the flies away is stated below.

Creates illusion:

The water bag can create an illusion in the eye of the fly when the light passes through the water bag. Some say the water bag works as a prism.

Each ray of light contains seven colors. When light passes through a prism, it comes in seven different colors.

This sudden expansion of colors creates the illusion. The exhibition of light can look a thousand times greater in the eye of the fly. That’s why flies avoid that pathway.

Exhibits refraction:

When the light passes through the water, it follows the law of light. A light exhibits refraction while traveling from one medium to another. This refraction does not appear as a small change in the eye of the flies.

They can view it from a larger angle which can create an illusion of ways. As a result, they cannot keep a track of the way. Thus, a water bag can help to keep the flies away.

How do you hang bags of water to keep flies away?

You can hang a water bag in front of the door or outside the window. Well, any place where you feel the flies can roam around, you can put the bag.

It is a simple way of preventing the flies from entering the house. To initiate this, certain steps are summarized below.

Take a bag:

You should take a plastic bag or any bag which is transparent. Remember, this method will not work if the bag is not transparent. The light passing through the transparent bags is more visible than in colorful bags.

You can also use a zipper bag. Otherwise, you would need a rope to seal the bag.

Fill the bag:

Now, fill the bag halfway with water. You can next put some pennies in it. 2-3 pennies would be okay to put inside.

Make sure to empty the air from the bag. Then, seal the bag. If it is a zipper bag, after letting the air out you can zip it up. For plastic bags, you would require a rope.

Hang the filled bag:

You can hang the filled bag with string outside the window or door. You can also hang a rope. Or else, place them on a stick. You can hang the filled bag like how you hang a dreamcatcher.

What else does a bag of water keep away?

A bag of water is quite effective to prevent flies from entering the home. It works for most insects having compound eyes. It is stated that a bag filled with water creates an illusion in the eye of the fly.

As a result, a fly sees the view in multiple. The compound eye helps to observe every direction spontaneously.

This is the reason why they have such a quick reflex. Apart from flying some other insects can be kept away using a water bag. Yet, there is no guarantee that it would work. Below a small list of insects is added on which the water bag trick may work.

  • Bees
  • Flies
  • Mosquitoes
  • Bugs

Final Thoughts

Finally, it has already been proved that a water bag can keep the flies away. The water bag with the help of light can create discomfort in the eye of the flies. The discomfort can occur due to refraction, reflection, or illusion. You can also put coins inside the water bag if you want.