Will This Quirky Water Bottle Octopus Keep Flies From Your Patio?

Summer is synonymous with many wonderful things — picnics, beach days, lazy afternoons on the patio, and of course, outdoor grilling. Unfortunately, all of these activities are like a siren call to flies. It's no wonder we're always looking for new and inventive ways to keep them at bay without resorting to hardcore pesticides. But home remedies, like using hydrogen peroxide to deter flies, aren't always that effective. So when something new shows up that promises better results, we're quick to investigate further.

If you've spent any time on TikTok lately, you may have seen a peculiar DIY hack that content creator Barb Sage is raving about: the water bottle octopus. The idea is simple: cut strips into a plastic bottle (after removing the bottom) and hang it up on your patio or in front of your door. As it moves in the breeze, the bottle takes on the look of an octopus or jellyfish — and allegedly keeps flies away. The creator claims it's reduced the number of flies on her deck from "50 or 60" to just a handful while grilling. That said, even she admits the results may vary. In another video, she had this to say about the lack of flies: "It could be it's too hot, too windy, or they're just taking a break."

In theory, anyway, the octopus water bottle hack sounds like it has potential. The concept is reminiscent of the familiar trick of hanging water-filled bags to repel flies, which is based on the theory that light refraction confuses their vision. Perhaps the plastic strips on this DIY octopus catch and scatter sunlight in a similar way. But since there's no research to support it, you're better off treating it as a fun experiment rather than a surefire solution. (If you do want to try it, you can always take a look at this video where the TikTok creator demonstrates how she makes a water bottle octopus.)

When it comes to one of nature's more persistent pests, prevention goes a long way. Do your best to dissuade flies by cleaning your kitchen after each meal, store leftovers in airtight containers, and take your garbage out at least once a day to avoid lingering smells. Of course, in some areas, flies are inevitable — especially during summer. To keep them out, you could consider installing physical barriers like fly screens. There are also plants that can repel flies from your home, such as lemon grass, rosemary, and catnip. Essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint) have been shown to help, too. But if you're battling large numbers, commercial fly traps or DIY vinegar-and-dish-soap traps are far more effective in reducing fly population than novelty hacks.