Reader TTS

As the hot weather has blanketed the UK this May, with Brits across the nation basking in the sunshine, there’s been a pesky nuisance: flies. With an influx of house flies and horsefly bites

reported as people spend time outdoors or leave their windows open during the day, and with the traditionally hotter months of June, July, and August on the horizon, it seems the situation

may escalate, reports the Express. Yet, followers of Mrs Hinch have shared a handy hint that might only set you back a penny, or at most, a handful of pence. A viral post, amassing thousands

of comments, suggests an uncomplicated solution involving just a sandwich bag and some small change, notably coppers like 1p and 2p coins, to deter the unwanted visitors. One cleaning

aficionado recommended filling a transparent bag with water and a few coins and placing it by the doorstep, asserting confidently it has “stopped them from coming in” The contributor

disclosed: "Not sure why it works but it does reduce them." Some also testified to suspending 1p and 2p coins directly in front of their windows. However, what is it about a

coin-filled bag that repels these insects? Is it the scent of copper they disdain? Or perhaps the optic of cash mingling with water? Popular science explains that it's a double

deterrent for flies: they are adverse to water and the hues emitted by the 1p and 2p coins – effectively making coppers the optimal choice not due to their metallic content but the colours

they reflect. Flies possess 'compound eyes' (numerous small eyes grouped together), so from their viewpoint, the bags appear like a massive body of water, which they don't

wish to traverse, causing them to turn back. Fans of Mrs Hinch also recommended using citronella candles, incense, or inserting cloves into half a lemon, as well as positioning various

herbs, such as basil and lavender, near open doors and windows.