Flies are a real nuisance, no matter what you’re doing. Whether you plan to have a BBQ, cook dinner for friends, swim in the backyard or nap in the hammock, flies are unwelcome guests.
There are so many products on the market to keep flies away that it can be overwhelming to choose. Plus, some valid concerns around chemical sprays and glue traps are driving many Australians to switch to Electric Fly Swatters.
It also depends on your space. Our best-selling Commercial Grade Mega Fly Trap is perfect for restaurants and larger spaces such as offices and schools, but it’s not ideal for the family home. Our Non-Toxic Hanging Fly Net Traps are absolutely amazing for the yard, but if you’re having a BBQ and the delicious smells are drawing flies over to you… you might need some extra help.
A lot of customers contact us with questions before buying, so we’ve rounded up all the most useful info that our customers ask for, and created this blog post. We share when Electric Fly Swatters can be effective, and some limitations you should be aware of.
We hope this helps you find the right solution for you.
What Is an Electric Fly Swatter
Electric fly swatters are battery-powered devices using an electrified grid to kill insects as soon as they come in contact with the grid. Most are shaped like a tennis racquet with a metal mesh layer. The metal mesh layer delivers a mild electric shock between 2000 to 4000 volts when triggered by a button.
How Do Electric Fly Swatters Work?
There are two main types of electric fly zappers: racquet-style zappers and LED zappers. Both use electricity to kill pests, but they catch insects in completely different ways.
Racquet-style electric fly swatters are essentially battery-powered zappers shaped like tennis racquets. Pressing the button charges up the metal wire grid on the frame. An insect does not need to be squashed against a wall to be stopped; it just needs to touch the mesh mid-air. The moment the bug touches the wires, its body completes the electrical path, delivering a sudden shock that kills or knocks out the insect instantly.
These swatters are far more effective than traditional plastic ones because of the way flies sense danger. A normal plastic swatter pushes a gust of air ahead of it as you swing, giving the fly an early warning to jump away. The open wire mesh lets the air pass straight through, so the fly cannot feel the attack coming. By the time the insect notices the movement, it is already too late for its quick reflexes to save it.
An LED zapper works on its own by using light to lure insects in. You simply place or hang the device wherever you need it. Flies and mosquitoes are naturally drawn to the glowing lights in the centre. Wrapped around the lights is a metal cage carrying an electric charge. As soon as a bug flies up to inspect the light, it touches the metal frame and gets shocked straight away.
Benefits of Using Electric Fly Swatters
Do electric fly swatters work in real life? Electric fly swatters have fantastic benefits. For instance, they offer instant eradication of mosquitoes and other insects. Chemical bug sprays and insect repellents expose your household to severely toxic substances, whereas an electric zapper provides an immediate, toxin-free result the moment it strikes the insect. Since electric fly swatters are chemical-free, they are ideal for use in the kitchen, around the BBQ or on a picnic. Because they are portable, you can use them both indoors and outdoors. For individual flies or other flying pests, these are the perfect devices to protect you and your family from bites and disease.
Limitations You Should Know About
Swatters are perfect for instant management of a few flies or mosquitoes bothering you while you’re having a picnic, or a quiet evening at home., If you notice flies or mosquitoes in greater numbers, pairing swatter with other fly and mosquito repellent solutions can provide you with a robust defence against pests.
Can an Electric Fly Swatter Kill a Cockroach?
No it cannot. Cockroaches have a hard exoskeleton and tend to hide in spaces which are challenging to reach. Electric fly swatters are ineffective against cockroaches. Instead of an electric swatter, sticky cockroach traps provide a comparatively simpler and cleaner alternative for managing cockroaches.
How to Use Electric Fly Swatters Effectively
There are numerous tips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your electric fly swatters are effective. Follow these tips to ensure that you catch that fly every time.
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Wait for the perfect moment: The best time to strike the fly is when it has settled. Then you can use a quick, fluid motion.
- Use two hands: For accuracy, two hands are more effective.
- Regular cleaning: Use a dry brush or cloth to remove debris and keep the electric fly swatter clean. Make sure the swatter is switched off to avoid getting a shock.
- Store safely: When in use, ensure it is stored safely, keeping it away from pets and children. Also, reduce the exposure to moisture and dust.
Never place electric swatters near flammable vapours. A spark from the device can ignite a fire.
Electric Fly Swatters vs. Other Pest Control Options
Electric fly swatters are not the only products on the market. But are they more or less effective?
Why Fly Swatters Work Better Than You Think
Traditional fly swatters rely on brute force. However, electric models combine speed with voltage and with accuracy, they can be more effective, offering a higher kill rate. Plus, there is no mess, smell or spray.
Comparing to Chemical Sprays
For instant management of bugs, electric fly swatters are regarded as safe compared to chemical sprays. Chemical sprays contain toxins that can pose both short term and long term health risks to humans and animals, especially from prolonged use. These chemicals are also severely detrimental to the environment. Chemical sprays leave strong odours and surface residues that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal issues among adults, children and pets. Electric swatters, on the other hand, offer a non-toxic alternative to short term management of flies, mosquitoes and other bugs.
Electric swatters are effective for fly management during your active hours. They will be lethal to flies and bugs as long as you can use the swatter to swat them. But what about when you’re occupied? LED traps or Sticky traps are a convenient choice if you want a long-term solution against mosquitoes, flies and other bugs, or when you need a hands-free approach to managing bugs.
Final Word: Are Electric Fly Swatters Effective?
Are electric fly swatters effective? Yes, in most scenarios, they are one of the most effective fly control devices. They are quick, clean and eco-friendly. They can also be used at home, outside and when travelling. However, to utilise the swatters to their full potential, you will need to choose the right model, follow the best practices and use it safely.
