This New Mac App Uses Animated Flies to Tell You When to Take Out the Trash

Managing your computer's trash directory can be a polarizing topic. Some users prefer to let it accumulate until their system warns them about low storage, while others make a habit of emptying it daily. Personally, I try to find a balance, ensuring it doesn't get out of hand. Recently, I discovered an innovative tool that adds a touch of fun to this mundane task: Bananabin.

Bananabin is a delightful Mac app that brings a quirky solution to managing your Trash folder. When the data in your Trash exceeds a certain limit, Bananabin swarms the Trash icon with animated flies. You can shoo these flies away with your mouse, adding an interactive and entertaining twist to managing your digital waste.

Flies swarming around the macOS Trash icon, ready to be shooed away. GIF: Wes Davis / The Verge

Customizable Thresholds

The app allows users to set their preferred threshold for triggering the fly animation. There are three modes to choose from:

• Janitor Mode (10MB)

• The Recycler (1GB)

• Garbage Hoarder (10GB)

These settings can be easily adjusted from Bananabin's icon in the menu bar. Currently, the app is available for free during its beta phase. According to Leon Schrijvers, one of the developers, there will be a small, one-time fee once the app is officially released.

Current Limitations and Requirements

While Bananabin is a charming addition to your Mac, it does come with a few limitations:

• The flies do not appear if the Trash folder is stored in iCloud or on an external drive.

• The app currently only supports macOS Sonoma, with plans to extend compatibility to macOS Ventura in the future.

Additionally, Bananabin requires accessibility and full disk access permissions to function properly. Schrijvers explains the necessity of these permissions:

If you are comfortable granting these permissions, you can try the app by visiting Bananabin’s website. You will need to provide an email address to receive a download link.

Conclusion

Bananabin brings a playful and practical approach to managing your Mac's Trash directory. Whether you are a meticulous cleaner or a casual hoarder, this app offers a lighthearted reminder to keep your digital space tidy. While the novelty might wear off over time, for now, it adds a bit of joy to an otherwise routine task. Give it a try and see if swatting digital flies becomes your new favorite way to manage your Trash.

Bananabin is available for macOS Sonoma, with plans to support macOS Ventura in the future.