Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, warm evenings on the porch, and spending time outdoors. But if you’ve ever had to cut an evening short because of relentless flies and mosquitoes, you know how frustrating it can be. It feels like every year, the bugs get worse, forcing you to retreat indoors or cover yourself in layers of chemical bug spray.
But what if there was an easy, affordable, and chemical-free way to keep pests at bay? This clever hack is making waves online, and the best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
The Simple Trick to Keep Bugs Away
No need for expensive sprays or fancy gadgets—this easy DIY bug deterrent requires just a few household items:
- A heavy-duty freezer bag
- A sprinkle of table salt
- A splash of lime juice
- A few coins
- Water
This may seem like an odd combination, but when used together, these items create a natural and effective bug repellent that keeps flies and other pests from bothering you.
Video: If You See Your A Neighbor Hanging Bags Of Water Over Their Front Door, Here’s What It Actually Mean
How to Make the Bug-Repelling Bag
This trick is incredibly simple to put together. Just follow these quick steps:
- Fill the freezer bag with water, leaving enough room so it doesn’t overflow when sealed.
- Add a sprinkle of table salt—this helps preserve the mixture and enhances the reflective properties of the bag.
- Squeeze in a splash of lime juice, which deters certain types of insects.
- Drop in a few coins (pennies or any reflective coins work best).
- Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks.
- Hang the bag near entry points, like doors, patios, or windows—anywhere bugs tend to gather.
How Does This Trick Work?
At first glance, it seems too simple to be effective, but there’s actual science behind it. The key to this hack lies in the way light interacts with water and coins.
- Disrupts Vision: Flies and other insects have compound eyes, which means they see the world in a series of fragmented images. When sunlight (or indoor light) reflects off the bag and coins, it creates an overwhelming visual distortion that makes it difficult for them to navigate.
- Confuses Bugs: The intense reflections disorient insects, making them want to avoid the area entirely.
- No Chemicals or Harmful Ingredients: Unlike traditional bug sprays, which can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment, this method simply redirects bugs without killing them.
Why This Hack Is So Effective
Many people swear by this trick because it:
- Costs almost nothing—you likely already have these items in your home.
- Is eco-friendly—no pesticides or harmful chemicals involved.
- Requires zero maintenance—once you hang it up, it works all summer long.
- Can be used indoors and outdoors—perfect for patios, porches, campsites, and even inside near windows or lights.
Where to Hang the Bug-Repelling Bag
For best results, place your bug-repelling bag in areas where insects usually gather. Here are some of the best spots to hang them:
- Above your front and back doors to prevent flies from sneaking inside.
- Near outdoor seating areas, like patios or picnic tables, where food and drinks attract pests.
- Close to garbage bins, since flies tend to swarm around food waste.
- Near windows and lights, where insects are naturally drawn at night.
If you want to use this trick indoors, try hanging the bag near kitchen windows or entryways where bugs often find their way inside.
Other Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Away
While this water-and-coin trick is an excellent first line of defense, combining it with other natural bug repellents can provide even better results. Here are a few additional methods to consider:
1. Use Citronella Candles
Citronella is one of the most effective natural insect repellents. Lighting a few citronella candles around your outdoor space can help mask the scents that attract bugs.
2. Plant Bug-Repelling Herbs
Certain herbs naturally repel insects, making them great additions to your garden or patio. Try planting:
- Basil
- Mint
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
These herbs not only keep bugs away but also smell fantastic!
3. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean
Bugs are drawn to food scraps, standing water, and rotting organic matter. To make your space less appealing to them:
- Keep trash bins covered and empty them regularly.
- Remove any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
- Clean up food and drink spills as soon as possible.
4. Use Essential Oils as a Bug Spray Alternative
If you prefer a natural bug spray, try mixing a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. This DIY repellent works great for keeping mosquitoes and other insects away.
Does This Hack Work for All Bugs?
While this trick is particularly effective against flies, it may not be as strong against mosquitoes, ants, or wasps. For a complete bug-free experience, use this method alongside other natural repellents like essential oils, herbs, or mosquito nets.
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Effective, and Affordable Solution
If bugs are ruining your summer evenings, this water-and-coin hack is a must-try. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and completely safe for your family, pets, and the environment. While it may not work for every type of insect, it’s an excellent first defense against flies and other common pests.
So, the next time you’re planning a backyard barbecue or relaxing on your porch, hang up a few of these DIY bug-repelling bags and enjoy a pest-free evening!
