Shades of Chartreuse - Freshly Green Tips

Along with the summer breeze, iced tea, and outdoor picnics, comes an unwelcome guest, the dreaded housefly. If you run an anti-chemical, pesticide-free home, you might want to try this easy, natural solution of hanging water filled bags to deflect the approaching fly. Yes, it's very simple. It only requires a zip-lock bag filled with water... okay, maybe a ribbon to pretty it up!

I've used this very technical "bag of water" method, and I'm with the believers that it works. The important thing is to put the bags around the areas you want to prevent the flies from venturing toward. Think "perimeter defense" - hang them on all four corners of a deck; on the trees that surround a patio; on the railing of a balcony; or on the backs of chairs. TIP: Some people suggest adding pennies or twisted aluminum foil to heighten the effect, but that is up to you. I've used plain old H20 with success.

So what's the secret? According to an article on HowStuffWorks, "...the most popular reasoning that pops up among entomologists and patent-filing entrepreneurs is simple light refraction... A housefly bases its sense of direction on the direction sunlight comes from. Some entomologists believe that when these complex, sensitive eyes experience refracted light, the insect becomes confused and flies away."

The research suggests that this won't work with other types of insects. Precautions still have to be taken for those party crashers, like ants, mosquitoes, and wasps.

While there is controversy over whether or not it works for the flies, what's the harm in trying your own experiment? It's a natural way to keep the flies at bay. If you do, let us know. Happy BBQing!