Are you tired of swatting at flies every time you try to enjoy a meal outdoors or relax in your backyard? If so, you’re not alone. Flies can be a nuisance, and their presence can quickly ruin an otherwise pleasant experience. But did you know that there’s a simple, non-toxic, and cost-effective way to keep them at bay? It’s a trick that’s been around for ages, and it involves nothing more than a few pennies and a bowl of water. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind why pennies in water keep flies away and explore the various theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon.
What’s the Theory Behind Pennies in Water Keeping Flies Away?
The concept of using pennies in water to repel flies is based on the idea that the combination of the copper in the pennies and the water creates a surface tension that flies find unappealing. But what exactly is surface tension, and how does it affect flies?
Understanding Surface Tension
Surface tension is a property of liquids that causes them to behave as if they have an “elastic skin” at their surface. This skin creates a barrier that makes it difficult for objects to penetrate the surface of the liquid. In the case of water, surface tension is caused by the attraction between the water molecules at the surface and the surrounding air molecules.
How Copper Affects Surface Tension
Copper, which is a key component of pennies, has a unique property that affects the surface tension of water. When copper is introduced into water, it creates a chemical reaction that alters the surface tension of the liquid. This reaction, known as the “copper-water interface,” creates a surface that is more difficult for flies to land on.
The Science Behind Why Flies Don’t Like Copper
But why do flies find copper so unappealing? To understand this, we need to take a closer look at the biology of flies.
The Compound Eye of Flies
Flies have a unique visual system that is based on compound eyes. These eyes are made up of thousands of individual lenses that give flies incredible vision and the ability to detect even the slightest movements. However, this visual system is also highly sensitive to certain wavelengths of light, including the blue-violet end of the spectrum.
How Copper Reflects Light
Copper has a unique property that causes it to reflect light in a way that is unappealing to flies. When light hits a copper surface, it is reflected back in a way that creates a “dazzle” effect. This effect is particularly pronounced in the blue-violet end of the spectrum, which is the same range of light that flies are most sensitive to.
Other Theories Behind Pennies in Water Keeping Flies Away
While the surface tension and copper theories are the most widely accepted explanations for why pennies in water keep flies away, there are other theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon.
The Carbon Dioxide Theory
One theory is that the copper in the pennies reacts with the water to produce carbon dioxide. This reaction creates a buildup of CO2 in the surrounding air, which is unappealing to flies.
The pH Theory
Another theory is that the copper in the pennies alters the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This change in pH creates an environment that is unappealing to flies.
How to Use Pennies in Water to Keep Flies Away
Now that we’ve explored the science behind why pennies in water keep flies away, let’s take a look at how to use this trick effectively.
Materials Needed
- A bowl or container
- Water
- Pennies (preferably copper pennies)
- A few rocks or pebbles (optional)
Instructions
- Fill the bowl or container with water, leaving about an inch at the top.
- Add a few pennies to the water. The exact number of pennies is not important, but it’s recommended to use at least 5-10.
- If desired, add a few rocks or pebbles to the water to create a “landing strip” for the flies.
- Place the bowl or container in the area where you want to keep flies away.
Conclusion
The use of pennies in water to keep flies away is a simple yet effective trick that has been around for ages. While the exact science behind this phenomenon is still not fully understood, the theories outlined in this article provide a compelling explanation for why it works. By understanding the science behind this trick, we can better appreciate the complexity of the natural world and the simple yet effective solutions that it provides.
Additional Tips for Keeping Flies Away
While pennies in water are a great way to keep flies away, there are other methods that can be used in conjunction with this trick to create a fly-free zone.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella, have natural fly-repelling properties. These oils can be added to the water or used in a diffuser to create a fly-free zone.
Herbs and Spices
Certain herbs and spices, such as basil, mint, and cinnamon, have natural fly-repelling properties. These can be added to the water or used in a potpourri to create a fly-free zone.
Final Thoughts
The use of pennies in water to keep flies away is a simple yet effective trick that can be used in a variety of settings. By understanding the science behind this phenomenon, we can better appreciate the complexity of the natural world and the simple yet effective solutions that it provides. Whether you’re looking to keep flies away from your outdoor dining area or simply want to create a fly-free zone in your backyard, pennies in water are a great place to start.
What is the science behind using pennies in water to keep flies away?
The science behind using pennies in water to keep flies away lies in the way light interacts with the water and the pennies. When sunlight hits the water, it creates a ripple effect that reflects the light in various directions. The pennies, being made of copper, have a shiny surface that amplifies this effect, creating a dazzling display of light and color. This phenomenon is known as “total internal reflection,” where the light is completely reflected back into the water, creating a mirror-like effect.
This display of light and color is what keeps the flies away. Flies have compound eyes that are highly sensitive to movement and light, and the rippling water and shiny pennies create a visual disturbance that confuses and deters them. The flies are unable to navigate through this “optical trap” and are therefore kept at bay. This simple yet effective trick has been used for centuries to keep flies away from food and other areas where they are not wanted.
How do the pennies in water affect the flies’ behavior?
The pennies in water affect the flies’ behavior by creating a visual disturbance that confuses and disorients them. The rippling water and shiny pennies create a dynamic display of light and color that is difficult for the flies to navigate. This visual disturbance makes it difficult for the flies to land or approach the area, as they are unable to get a clear visual fix on their target. As a result, the flies are kept away from the area, and the pennies in water serve as a simple yet effective deterrent.
The pennies in water also affect the flies’ behavior by creating a sense of uncertainty and unease. Flies are highly sensitive to their environment and are able to detect even slight changes in their surroundings. The pennies in water create a sense of unpredictability, making it difficult for the flies to feel comfortable or secure in the area. This sense of unease keeps the flies away, as they are unwilling to take the risk of approaching an area that seems uncertain or threatening.
Can I use other objects instead of pennies to keep flies away?
Yes, you can use other objects instead of pennies to keep flies away. Any shiny object that can create a visual disturbance in the water can be effective in keeping flies away. Some examples of objects that you can use include coins, marbles, or even small pieces of glass. The key is to create a dynamic display of light and color that is difficult for the flies to navigate.
However, it’s worth noting that pennies are particularly effective because of their small size and shiny surface. The small size of the pennies allows them to create a more subtle visual disturbance, while the shiny surface amplifies the effect of the light. Other objects may not be as effective, so it’s worth experimenting with different objects to see what works best for you.
How many pennies do I need to use to keep flies away?
The number of pennies you need to use to keep flies away will depend on the size of the area you are trying to protect. A general rule of thumb is to use one penny per inch of water surface. This will create a sufficient visual disturbance to keep flies away. However, you can adjust the number of pennies based on the size of the area and the number of flies you are trying to keep away.
It’s also worth noting that the pennies do not need to be evenly spaced or arranged in a particular pattern. Simply dropping the pennies into the water will create a sufficient visual disturbance to keep flies away. The key is to create a dynamic display of light and color that is difficult for the flies to navigate.
Can I use this method to keep other insects away?
Yes, you can use this method to keep other insects away. The principle behind using pennies in water to keep flies away is based on the way light interacts with the water and the pennies, creating a visual disturbance that confuses and deters insects. This principle can be applied to other insects that are sensitive to light and movement, such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes.
However, it’s worth noting that different insects may have different sensitivities to light and movement, so the effectiveness of this method may vary. For example, bees and wasps may be more attracted to the light and color created by the pennies, while mosquitoes may be more sensitive to the movement of the water. Experimenting with different insects and adjusting the number of pennies and the size of the area may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Is this method safe for pets and children?
Yes, this method is safe for pets and children. The pennies in water do not pose a risk to pets or children, as they are simply creating a visual disturbance that keeps flies away. The water is not toxic or hazardous, and the pennies are not sharp or pointed, so there is no risk of injury.
However, it’s worth noting that pets and children may be curious about the pennies in water and may try to investigate or play with them. It’s a good idea to place the container with the pennies in water out of reach of pets and children to avoid any accidents or messes.
How long does this method last in keeping flies away?
The length of time that this method lasts in keeping flies away will depend on several factors, including the size of the area, the number of flies, and the amount of sunlight. In general, the method can last for several hours, as long as the sunlight is shining and the water is rippling.
However, the effectiveness of the method may decrease over time as the water becomes stagnant or the pennies become dull. To maintain the effectiveness of the method, it’s a good idea to change the water and clean the pennies regularly. This will ensure that the visual disturbance created by the pennies in water remains effective in keeping flies away.