Posted on 08/26/2006 12:39:07 AM PDT by carlo3b
NewsTrack - Quirks
Bags of water hung to keep flies awayORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Restaurant operators along the coasts of Florida are trying a new, yet simple, way to repel flies on dining patios -- hanging bags of water.
Scientists say the method has no real merit, but restaurateurs on the Florida Keys and as far away as Texas swear by it, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
"It seems to be working," said Jeannie Eckbloom, a longtime server at Gator's, on the Seminole-Volusia line. "It's even keeping the birds away."
Some scientists believe the way the light shines through the water disorients the flies, which is why they are repelled.
The idea reportedly started in North Carolina a couple of years ago, where the bags were marketed as "Fly Fright." The company that sold those bags now appears to be out of business, the newspaper said.
It works. I have seen this in Thailand and vendors swear by it. The distorted reflection of itself is supposed to scare the Clinton out of them, leaving us bipeds to dine in peace. :)
Got em in New Mexico ...I have some hanging up (my wife)
Does it work?
I dont know
Anything special about these bags?
No ...Clear Ziplock Bag
So now, being called, "Ya old bag!" takes on a new, environmentally-friendly meaning.
I was skeptical.
My sister tried it at her place in New Mexico - i was there.
The flies were actually lighting on the bag.
This is just like the Mexicans you see driving around with a CD hanging from the rear view mirror - they believe it makes their car invisible to police radar!
Sorry, but I have a 2 science degrees + a bit of the "show me".
ya want to get rid of flies? go to the hardware store and get something they call the flybag. Follow the directions. use 2-3. Keep them at least 30 feet from where you want to be...they stink, but they work. after a few days you will have to go cut the bag down and throw it away because it will be FULL of flies.
BTW, got fleas? Put nematodes in your soil....get'em at your feed store.
google around for beneficial nematode and flea
The vendors say it's the reflection. They think it's an uberfly coming to eat them so they cut and run like wanton liberals.
Never saw that before. SOunds pretty cool. It's like no fly strips fan.
They do this everywhere in TX.
I've tried it here to keep the elephant seals away. It really seems to be working.
Sounds like a great bb gun target
This would be an awesome experiment for some kid to do at a science fair. Capture some house flies, put em in an empty room or outside area with netting, set up half the area with a bag of water... and report what you observe!
Makes me wish I had a kid.
I dropped by a friend's house and was going to pick up the garbage on his yard (beat-up plastic water bottles). He said "leave them there - they keep the dogs from crapping on the yard". He then went on to explain that the dogs won't "go" near their water supply!? He swears it works - even though the bottles were old and empty (after being run over by parking on the yard).
Who was I to say?! Plus, the house is leased property on an Indian reservation so it helps him fit in too!
I was in a tiny town in Northwest Missouri attending an outdoor church social a few years ago, and the church had hung bags of water for the same purpose.
I thought it was silly, but I couldn't really speak against it because I never saw a fly.
It doesn't work on East Texas flies. I hung some up one summer and the flies were actually lighting on them.
We saw one hung from a drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant. There were a few pennies in the bag of water. The girl said flies think it is a wasp and move elsewhere. I've got one at the front door and one on the back deck. I don't know for sure if it works but have had no problems with flies since. However, it blows any sense of outdoor decor.
You have these bags hanging on your wife?
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