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Jose de la O's Dramatic Anti-Fly Device Repels Insects with Light

By Lisa Smith - October 13, 2010

in Object Culture

According to Netherlands-based designer José de la O, the proprietors of outdoor taco kiosks in Mexico use an ingenious form of pesticide based on light; a plastic bag full of water hangs from the ceiling, amplifying colors and movements through the refraction of light. The fly's pick this up with their (many) sensitive eyes and keep their distance—it either scares or confuses them.

For Dutch Design Week, José has taken this traditional technology and formally revamped it, using a glass bottle and stopper in place of the plastic bag. As far as repellants go, this one is dramatic and quiet, keeping insects at bay instead of trapping or killing them on the spot .

To buy one, get in touch with José directly.

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Mike

14 years ago

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I'm under the impression that the bag of water trick is an old wives tale. I first noticed this at a local burger shop here in phoenix. Maybe the bugs here are just hard core.

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/water-bags-repel-flies2.htm
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Chris

14 years ago

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I think this concept goes beyond Mexican taco stands. They're hanging all over here in Miami whether a Cuban restaurant or somebody's back patio.
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Nick Newcombe

14 years ago

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I'm pretty sure the idea of a bag filled with water hanging off a light bulb meant that flies (which I thought were attracted to light hence them always flying into them) would hit the light bulb, drop into the water and voila, no more bugging. easy to pour out and refill at the same time, not sure I'm a fan of this glorified plastic bag.

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Joel

14 years ago

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This is a popular solution around where I live, but I really question how well it works, as I always seem to get bit anyway... Is anyone aware of a study showing its effectiveness?
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