This simple ‘coin trick’ will keep flies out of your home

As the weather warms up, flies become unwelcome guests in kitchens, patios, and living rooms. Their presence is not only irritating but can also ruin meals and moments of relaxation. In response, more and more people are turning to natural, inexpensive remedies to keep them at bay – avoiding chemical sprays and electric diffusers. One of the most popular is the so-called “coin trick.”

How to get rid of flies at home

This method, which has gone viral thanks to social media, involves filling a clear plastic bag with water and dropping several coins inside. Once sealed tightly, the bag is hung near doors, balconies, or windows. The light reflecting off the water and coins creates an optical illusion that confuses flies and drives them away.

Home cleaning and organization expert Paula Seaton helped boost the trick’s popularity by explaining it on Instagram. “It repels flies and gives old coins a new purpose,” she said. She added that “the light passing through the plastic and the coins confuses the flies – they perceive it as a threat.” Its simplicity and low cost have made the method an appealing option for those seeking natural alternatives.

While there are no definitive scientific studies confirming that the reflections deter flies, many users report success, particularly in open or semi-open areas like patios, kitchens, and courtyards. Its effectiveness also depends on factors such as the brightness of the light and the angle from which flies perceive the reflection.

Other ways to keep flies at bay

Despite its usefulness, experts caution that the coin trick shouldn’t replace basic hygiene measures. Keeping your home clean, avoiding food scraps, properly sealing trash bins, and ventilating rooms are all essential to preventing these insects from appearing.

There are also other natural solutions that can help, such as window screens, fans, or aromatic plants like basil, rosemary, or mint. By combining these strategies, it’s possible to maintain a fly-free home without relying on chemicals or invasive methods.

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