Years ago, this method was extremely popular — not only in households but even in many food stalls — because it was simple, cheap, and highly effective.

What’s the purpose of hanging a bag of water by the window?

Hanging a water-filled bag in the window is an unexpectedly effective way to prevent insects — particularly flies — from entering the house. During the summer, when temperatures rise, this method helps maintain a cleaner living environment and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.

Flies are among the most annoying insects during hot seasons. They carry harmful bacteria and are a common source of disease transmission to humans. As insects attracted to light, the structure of a fly’s eyes — made up of numerous convex mirrors — helps them react quickly to reflections.

This fly-repelling trick of hanging water bags has been around for a long time.

During the day, when a homeowner hangs transparent plastic bags filled with water right at the entrance, the sunlight reflects off the surface, disorienting the flies and making it difficult for them to enter the house.

For the best results, use thick, transparent plastic bags that allow light to pass through easily and won’t tear when hung. You can also place a few coins inside the bag to enhance the reflective effect. Besides water bags, CDs or DVDs can also be used as reflective objects.

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Advantages of Using Water Bags to Repel Flies

1. Reduces the Risk of Disease

Flies carry numerous bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and other contagious diseases. By reducing the number of flies entering your living space, hanging water bags helps lower the risk of infection and protects your family’s health.

2. Natural and Non-Toxic Method

Compared to insecticides or other chemical-based solutions, hanging water bags is a natural, chemical-free method that is harmless to both humans and the environment. All you need to do is hang the bag in a sunny spot so that it can reflect light and scare away flies.

3. Cost-Effective and Easy to Do

This trick requires no expensive tools or complex techniques. Just fill a transparent plastic bag with water and hang it in areas with direct sunlight, such as windows or doorways. It saves both time and money compared to other fly-repelling methods.

In short, hanging a water bag in your window is an effective way to keep flies away, ensuring your living space stays clean and safe.

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Other Ways to Get Rid of Flies

If flies are bothering you, try the following quick remedies:

1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Pour some vinegar into a cup and add a bit of dish soap. The sour smell attracts flies. Place a funnel on top with a hole large enough for flies to enter but difficult to escape, and the soap will trap them.

2. Essential Oils

Scents like lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender repel flies. Mix 10 drops of your preferred essential oil with hot water, then use a spray bottle or diffuser to spread the aroma throughout your home. It not only keeps flies away but also keeps your space smelling fresh.

3. Black Pepper

The strong scent of black pepper scares flies away. Mix ground black pepper with sugar and egg yolk, place the mixture on a small dish, and set it where flies often gather.

4. Citrus Peels (Orange or Lemon)

Orange peels are not only good for motion sickness but also great for repelling flies thanks to their natural fragrance. Simply place the peels where flies appear. Lemon peels work just as effectively.

5. Laundry Detergent and Chili Powder

Mix detergent with chili powder in a spray bottle and spray around areas where flies gather. The spicy chili scent will immediately drive them away.

6. Keep Your Home Clean

To protect your health, limit fly activity by regularly cleaning trash bins and drains, avoiding uncovered leftover food, and sealing cooked or uncooked food. After eating, wash dishes promptly — otherwise, flies will detect the scent and swarm in.