Last summer, I noticed a small gadget sitting on almost every outdoor restaurant table while I was on holiday. It was a fly fan, and after seeing just how well it keeps insects away from everyone's food. I was so impressed, I ordered a couple while I was still there.
So when I spotted Aldi launching its own Ambiano Bug Repellent Fan for just £2.99, it immediately caught my eye as I'll probably pick up a few more when they arrive in stores on Thursday, 9th July. Having used fly fans last summer, I can safely say they are a genius little gadget that keeps flies and other flying insects away from food, making outdoor entertaining pest-free.
If you love hosting BBQs, garden parties and alfresco lunches, having one or two of these is definitely a must. And at that affordable price, I don't think they'll stick around for long!
After watching these fans in action day after day on holiday, I was convinced they were worth trying myself. I bought two and use them near our outdoor kitchen setup and on the outdoor table.
They work brilliantly at keeping flies away from food without relying on citronella candles or sprays. Of course, they don't create a bug-free garden, but they do make a noticeable difference to where food is prepared and served, which I think is pretty important when entertaining.
If you're wondering how something so small can keep flies away, it's actually surprisingly clever. The fan's soft, flexible blades spin to create a gentle stream of air that disrupts a fly's flight path, making it difficult for them to hover or land on your food.
At the same time, the blades feature reflective holographic patterns that catch the light as they spin. Flies' compound eyes are particularly sensitive to movement and flashes of light, so the constantly shifting reflections make the area appear threatening, encouraging them to steer clear (which is a lot like the disco ball hack we covered recently).
Best of all, it does all this without chemicals, sprays or strong-smelling citronella candles, making it a simple, food-safe solution for eating outside.
While I mainly use mine for BBQs and garden parties, they're also great for picnics and camping trips. Their compact, battery-powered design (some are USB rechargeable) means you can pop one into a picnic basket or camping box to help keep flying bugs away from all sorts of delights wherever you're eating outdoors. And of course, you can use them indoors too, as we all know, flies love to visit us indoors in the summer.
And at £2.99 (which is way cheaper than others on the market), Aldi's version is fantastic value, making it really easy to recommend if you're looking for a simple way to make outdoor hosting that bit more enjoyable.
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Having relied on fly fans throughout last summer, I know just how effective they can be. Aldi's £2.99 version is an absolute steal, so I'd be quick if you want to get your hands on one (or five).
