An old-fashioned summer staple in the Napa Valley, where I live, is a plastic bag filled with water and hung from the backdoor of a farmhouse. It took me a while to realize that this not-so-glamorous device is an effective way to keep flies and other summer insects at bay (alas, mosquitoes are not deterred).
Leave it to the chaps at Kaufmann Mercantile to source a good-looking equivalent: the Anti-Fly Glass Sphere by Mexico City-based designer José de la O of Studio José de la O. Now there's no excuse not to give it a go.
Above: It's the refraction of light against the water that confuses insects, especially flies, and keeps them away. The Anti-Fly Glass Sphere hangs from a leather rope and sells for $79.
Above: De la O worked with a family-run glass-blowing business in Mexico City to create these mouth-blown vessels. Just fill with water and suspend near food.
Looking to add to your insect arsenal? See Five Favorite Fly Swatters and consider mixing up a batch of Alexa's DIY: Bug Repellent Balm. And if the bugs have already bitten, have a look at Erin's Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies (used tea bags are one of the seven answers).
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