Keeping those pesky flies away from your picnic table

Monday, July 12th 2004, 10:26 am

By: News On 6

So you've tried fly swatters, fly traps, even fly paper and the flies still won't shoo. News on 6 reporter Rick Wells says why not try the newest shoo fly fad, plastic bags full of water.

He's found some folks who swear by them. Nothing will ruin a backyard cookout faster than un-wanted guests, like flies. Often the products designed to get rid of them are as bad as the flies, but a tried and true technique is making a comeback, plastic bags filled with water. Apparently the flies mistake them for hornetâ€™s nests or the reflection frightens them.

Sue Gray of the OSU Extension Service says whatever the reason, the bags work. â€œIt sure works to keep them out of houses. It's not 100% but it's sure better than swatting them all day long with a fly swatter."

She recommends freezer bags because they hold their shape better. Put them out on the table before the food comes out, fill them about a third full, tie the top with a string and use them anywhere there will be food.