A plastic bag full of water is the kiss of death
By cynthiann
@cynthiann (18602)
Jamaica
June 17, 2009 2:01pm CST
to flies. I kid you not.
I slipped out today to get some jerk chicken for lunch. I know - I am on a roll spending money these days what with buying a BB etc.
Anyway, the jerk chicken and pork at this place is fabulous and it is cooked outside in front of you with lots of other food. A foodie's heaven.
Well, at the counter I saw lots of clear plastic bags three quarters full of water. 
Admittedly I had seen this before but forgot the reason for them being there. When I enquired I was told that the bags of water kept away flies and other insects.
It was true - there wasn't a fly to be seen in the whole place. Do you understand how this works because I don't? Have you ever used plastic bags of water to keep away flies before?
I slipped out today to get some jerk chicken for lunch. I know - I am on a roll spending money these days what with buying a BB etc.
Anyway, the jerk chicken and pork at this place is fabulous and it is cooked outside in front of you with lots of other food. A foodie's heaven.
Well, at the counter I saw lots of clear plastic bags three quarters full of water.
Admittedly I had seen this before but forgot the reason for them being there. When I enquired I was told that the bags of water kept away flies and other insects.
It was true - there wasn't a fly to be seen in the whole place. Do you understand how this works because I don't? Have you ever used plastic bags of water to keep away flies before?5 people like this
9 responses
@rocketj1 (6955)
• United States
17 Jun 09
Don't think I believe that one. I know that mosquitoes would love that here. Open water is a breeding ground for them! I'm wondering if there is something else in there. Otherwise it would seem there would be no flies at the lake and that's not the case. Hmmmm.... this one has me wondering....
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
17 Jun 09
Oh dear - I forgot to say that the bag is tied at the opening. It is just a bag of water placed on the counter. Actually, several bag. I do not know if it would work for misquitoes but iot works for flies and wasps. Blessings
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 09
Thank you for this. It really works and from other responses it is used elesewhere in the world. I did ask how it worked but they were unable to give me an explantion
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
18 Jun 09
I've never heard of it either. Interesting.
PS What's jerk chicken?
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 09
It's something to do with light and reflection that scares the bejeebers out of flies and they stay away. It works.
Many years ago I asked someone 'What is jerk pork" and they went into a long explanation about two persons holding on to the legs of a live pig and jerking it up and down! I would not say the same to you because, unlike me, you are too savvy. O.K. so I believed him, so what?
Jerk meats have been seasoned with a special mixture of seasoning before cooking. It can be grilled over charcoil- the best - or baked. If you trust me to send an address then I will post some of the seasong and recipes for you to try.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 09
If you read the opther posts you will see that it does work with other people too.
Evidently it is something about the light reflection or something that stops the flies from coming. Really amazing.
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
18 Jun 09
I have seen it as some people I know do this. I have two bug zappers but now I have another door and will probably put a plastic bag by this one this year. I don't know how or why it works. I just know that it does.
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
18 Jun 09
My two friends that do this have one hanging outside of each door that they use in their home. It does work. I've seen it.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 09
Yes, it does work. Outside cooking wioth raw meat and no flies in a hot country? Not a fly or bee in sight.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
22 Jun 09
I've never heard of that I'll have to try it sometime, if the person who said they found out it's because of the way the light is refracted then it should work with glasses or jars too surely? Unless it's some kind of scent it gives off but I thought water was neutral in that department. And can flys even smell? The mind boggles. 
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
I don't know what 'refracted' means. I expect if the jat had a glass lid then it might work. I was there at lunchtime today and not a fly in sight. It really does work.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
21 Jun 09
If you look at the second response - from rocket - then you will find that it is something to do with the light soemthing or another. Can't really work it out but is is scientifically proven to work. Just put water in a clear plastic bag and tie the end. Put it near food that is going to be cooked outside or wherever and not a fly in sight. Sares them away. Isn't it amazing?
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
18 Jun 09
How interesting! I have no idea why this would be so effective? It reminds me of something I've seen people do back in my home country though..... I used to see all these lawns with 1 litre soft drinks bottles filled with water scattered all over them. When I finally had the opportunity to ask someone why they did it, I was told that it stops dogs from crapping on their grass! I have no idea why this works either??? Water is obviously far more powerful then we realise! lol.
It reminds me of something I've seen people do back in my home country though..... I used to see all these lawns with 1 litre soft drinks bottles filled with water scattered all over them. When I finally had the opportunity to ask someone why they did it, I was told that it stops dogs from crapping on their grass! I have no idea why this works either??? Water is obviously far more powerful then we realise! lol.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
17 Jun 09
I have never heard of that before either. I know some good soapy water will attract them and it will kill them too because once they get in it, they cannot get out because it is too slick.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
17 Jun 09
Now I can understand that one. But this is just a clear plastic bag of water that is tied at the top of the bag. I don't know how it works but it was working
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
18 Jun 09
I have never heard that before & sure don't know how it works but if it keeps pesky old flies away i'm all for it. Wish u had ask how it works. wOULD BE INTERESTING TO KNOW THE ANSWER. Thanks for sharing.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
18 Jun 09
I did ask how it worked but they could not give me the answer. From other responses, it used elsewhere quite satisfactory. It would be good to place a few
around when we have a barbeque. rocket ggogled it and got an explanation but I don't really understand what it meant
The bag must be of clear plastic - nearly filled and ties at the open end. try it
The bag must be of clear plastic - nearly filled and ties at the open end. try it