Why Some People Put Water Bottles Outside Their Homes

If you’ve walked through towns in Italy—or increasingly in other countries—you might have noticed something odd: plastic water bottles placed outside doorways, garages, or in building corners. At first, it seems like a quirky habit. But for many, this is a deliberate tactic aimed at a very specific goal: keeping animals from peeing on walls.
The Idea Behind the Bottles

Homeowners who use this method believe they are deterring dogs or cats from marking their property. The theory is that water-filled bottles create reflections or glints that confuse or startle animals, making them think another animal is nearby. Some suggest the bottles act as a visual warning to pet owners, signaling that the area is “claimed” or monitored.