Houseflies can be difficult to catch and get out of the home, as they fly quickly and can anticipate movement from changes in the air.If you don't have a fly swatter, what are you going to do?You can swat a fly with either your hand or another object.You can learn how to use these methods to swat flies.
Step 1: Put one hand on the fly.
You can swat a fly by trapping it between one hand and a hard, flat surface.Slowly move toward the fly and slap it with your hand.Slowly approach the fly until you are within arm's length.If you want to hit it, keep your arm still until you are in position, then move it as quickly as possible.If you are approaching the fly from behind, you should aim your hand in front of it for the slap.If you are coming at the fly from the front, make sure you put your hand behind it in case it flies backwards.
Step 2: To hit the fly, propel one finger.
The best way to lift up one finger on your swatting hand is with your other hand.Release your finger and hit the fly at a rapid rate when you position that hand flat on the surface.If you want the fly to land on the flat surface, you have to move your hand very slowly.Before you release the finger, make sure it is in a perfect position over the fly.It may not work with flies that are quickly moving.Try it on flies that have slowed down.
Step 3: Clap the fly between your hands.
Approach a fly with two hands on either side and palms facing the fly.If you were clapping to trap the fly between them, you should bring your palms together quickly.Bring your hands together and aim a few inches above the fly.If you want to release a fly outside without killing it, use a variation of this method.If you want to catch the fly instead of bringing your two palms together, make one of your hands cupped in a cupped position.
Step 4: There is a spatula.
To catch a fly between a flat surface and a regular fly swatter, use a spatula.The flat part of the spatula should be moved quickly so it hits the fly.If possible, choose a spatula with small holes.The change in air pressure will be harder to detect by the fly because of less air resistance.Before you use the spatula for food, wash it with dish soap and water.
Step 5: Hit with a heavy object.
Swing at the fly with a heavy object that will help propel the swatting motion.Try a shoe, book, or solid object.If you want to swing with one or two hands, choose something that is small and easy to do.You want to move slowly to position yourself close to the fly, then move in one very fast motion to swat with your object.Many people like to use a rolled-up newspaper or magazine to swat flies because the paper is light enough to swing quickly and easily.You should aim carefully when using this method and make sure that it doesn't come unrolled.
Step 6: There is a dish cloth or towel.
Pull at opposite corners of a dish cloth, rag, or small towel with two hands.Release one hand as you hit the fly with the towel.The towel will hit the fly with force if it is damped with water.To swing at the fly, use a small hand towel size of fabric.A bigger towel won't reach the fly with as much force.
Step 7: The fly into the desired direction.
If you want to get the fly to an area you can easily swat it at, you should go to a small, clean room with lots of flat open surfaces.Move it in the direction you want by waving your hand near it.Fly to one room can be contained by closing off interior doors.This will help you see it and keep a record of it's movements in a smaller space.You can use a newspaper or magazine to help shoo the fly by fanning it or moving the air around it to guide it in the right direction.
Step 8: There is a good flat surface.
If you want to swat a fly with your hands or another object, find a suitable surface.It is easier to hit the fly on hard, flat, and even surfaces.If you want to swat downward, a horizontal surface like an empty table is the best option, as you have the additional help of gravity.You can be ready to approach slowly if you pick out a few possible surfaces in the fly's area.Any surface you have in mind should be free of items that might get disrupted or broken by a swatting motion.Don't hang pictures on a wall or a coffee table.
Step 9: Wait for the fly to land in a good spot.
If you want to swat a fly, wait until it lands on a surface that is good for swatting.Be patient as you wait for this to happen.If you can, try to catch a fly later in the day.Houseflies are more active in the hottest part of the day, so it's harder to catch them resting in a single spot.You can try to lure a fly to one of your ideal surfaces by putting a small amount of moist food on it.Try a small amount of fruit jam or a piece of raw meat.