Life Hack: Can a disco ball really keep flies at bay this summer?

Irish Examiner

7 days ago

Flies: every summer they become persistent bothers, buzzing around and spreading bacteria.
Our sunny weather in Ireland coincides with peak breeding season in the fly world, meaning just as we throw open our windows and doors to let a summer breeze into our homes, the flies come in with it.
There are many reasons we don't want flies invading our space, namely that they carry and spread bacteria, viruses, and even parasites that can cause various illnesses in humans.
In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates house flies can transmit at least 65 diseases, including conjunctivitis and gastroenteritis.
On top of this, their loud buzzing around a room can be very annoying – especially if, like me, you have a dog who tries (and generally fails) to catch them barrelling around in their wake.
With all of this in mind, keeping my home and garden fly-free during the summer is a top priority.
I have tried many methods over the years, with some proving successful that I have shared in this column in the past.
Four years ago, I shared a formula for a DIY fly trap using ingredients that you likely already have at home and it was a popular solution for many readers.
Now, a new trick has been doing the rounds on social media and it was one I was keen to try, not least because of the bougie vibes it would bring to my garden.
With flies being described as the unsung heroes of pollination, they have a crucial role to play in our ecosystem so this cruelty-free alternative to keep them away certainly piqued my attention.
Is disco the answer?
It's not news that flies are disoriented by reflected light – CDs on strings have long been used to deter them from an area.
However, a similar option has been circulating online that used the same theory but in a more trendy style to elevate your outdoor dining and relaxing: hanging a disco ball.
The way it works is simple. Flies have light-sensitive eyes, which means the refraction of light confuses them so when they see changing light patterns while they are flying, it makes them less likely to land.
As disco balls have recently become a trending home decoration, they're quite easy to pick up in a shop or online, or an even cheaper alternative may be found at a party supply shop.
Another option is to make your own disco ball with a sheet of mirrored stickers, perhaps giving an old Christmas bauble new life for a different season.
Looking for cheaper alternatives?
Not everybody either wants to add a disco ball to their garden or can afford to buy one, but luckily there are many pocket-friendly alternatives that make use of things you probably have at home.
As mentioned above, a CD or DVD on a string is a simple but effective way to get the same effect.
Simply tie the disc at one end of a string and hang it in the area you want to keep fly-free. It does the trick and it's a great use for any discs you won't use anymore.
If you've gone fully digital with no CDs or DVDs to hand at home, there is another practically free option.
Fill a clear plastic bag with water and hang that outside. Some people swear by water alone, while others add coins and tinfoil to make it super reflective.
Again, with these methods, the fly will become confused by the changing light patterns and change direction.
It is worth keeping in mind that these methods only cause temporary confusion for the fly, which may redirect and still land near you or your food.
However, it will likely limit the number of flies in the area anyway, so it's certainly worth a try the next time you're planning a barbecue or want to enjoy some uninterrupted time outside.
You can also hang these by your windows and doors to deter flies from entering your home too.
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