The term “fly catcher” refers to a device used to catch and kill flies. Fly catchers are commonly used in homes, restaurants, food processing facilities, and other locations where flies can pose a nuisance or health hazard. There are several different types of fly catchers, but they all serve the purpose of trapping and disposing of flies in an efficient and sanitary manner.
What are the different types of fly catchers?
There are a few main types of fly catchers:
Fly paper
Fly paper is a strip of paper coated with a sticky adhesive. Flies get stuck to the adhesive when they land on the paper and are unable to escape. Fly paper can be hung in areas where flies are problematic. It provides a low-cost and easy way to start catching flies. However, fly paper isn’t very elegant and some find it unsightly. It also requires periodically replacing the paper once it fills up with dead flies.
Fly zappers
Fly zappers, also sometimes called electronic fly killers, use electric grids to electrocute flies. The flies are drawn to the unit by ultraviolet light and are then electrocuted when they touch the high voltage grids. Fly zappers effectively kill flies and the dead flies are collected in a tray below the unit for easy cleaning. However, fly zappers can produce an unpleasant burning smell when zapping flies and some find the popping sound as flies are electrocuted disturbing.
Fly traps
Fly traps utilize various methods to lure and trap flies. Some common types include:
– Bait traps – These have a bait like decaying meat, vinegar or sugar to attract flies. When the flies enter the trap, they become trapped inside and are unable to escape.
– Cone traps – These have a cone shaped opening that flies can enter through. Once inside, the flies are unlikely to find the small exit point and remain trapped.
– Bag traps – These traps are simple bags with attractants inside. Flies enter through the bottom opening but cannot find their way back out.
– Glue traps – Sticky glue boards attract flies but don’t allow them to escape once stuck inside the trap.
Fly traps can capture higher numbers of flies than fly paper and are often more discreet. However, they require emptying or replacing the trap once full of dead flies.
Where are fly catchers commonly used?
Homes
Fly catchers are often used in homes, particularly around food preparation and dining areas. They help control fly problems that can occur during summer months or in homes located near potential fly breeding grounds like farms or stables. Fly traps and fly paper strips are common home fly catcher options.
Restaurants & food service
Controlling flies is crucial in restaurants and commercial kitchens to maintain proper sanitation and prevent flies from contaminating food. Fly light traps are a popular option since they attract and kill flies without the use of pesticides or visible fly paper that may disturb patrons. Smartly locating fly traps away from food prep areas can provide 24/7 fly control.
Food processing & packaging facilities
Flies pose a significant risk for food processing and packaging plants where sanitation is critical. Very large electric fly killers are often hung in key locations to attract high volumes of flies. Traps may also be used around doorways and windows to prevent flies from entering the facility. Regular fly monitoring can identify problem areas.
Farms
Farms, stables and other agricultural facilities can experience heavy fly populations due to the presence of livestock, manure, feed and other fly attractants. Fly traps and zappers can provide fly control in tack rooms, around stalls and in other areas prone to flies. Reducing fly breeding spots is also important by managing waste and debris heaps around the property.
Composting operations
Facilities that process organic waste and composting materials must take precautions to control flies, which can thrive in decaying organic matter. An IPM program should include sanitation, traps, insecticide applications and proper management of waste piles. Monitoring fly hot spots allows timely intervention.
Why are fly catchers an important fly management tool?
There are a few key reasons why fly catchers are an important component of an effective fly management program:
Immediate fly reduction
The most obvious benefit of fly catchers is they start working immediately to trap and kill flies in a given area. Fly populations can rapidly get out of control, so using fly catchers is a fast way to begin reducing fly numbers right away while implementing additional fly management practices.
24/7 fly control
Many electric fly traps and glue boards will keep capturing flies continuously day and night when located in key fly zones. Passive fly control while you are away.
Reduced reliance on insecticides
Fly catchers provide fly control without the need for broad spraying of insecticides. This helps reduce chemical applications which can have drawbacks like insecticide resistance in flies, harm to beneficial insects and human health concerns.
Monitoring fly hot spots
Checking fly catcher catches help identify areas with heavy fly activity that may need sanitation improvements or other interventions. Noticing fly population trends over time is useful for assessing fly management efforts.
Reducing fly breeding
Each mated female fly can lay hundreds of eggs and produce hundreds to thousands of offspring. Promptly trapping female flies helps break the breeding cycle and prevent exponential population growth.
Multiple control methods
There is no silver bullet solution for flies. Fly catchers used along with sanitation, insecticide applications and exclusion tactics provide comprehensive fly management.
What are the pros and cons of common fly catcher options?
| Fly catcher type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fly paper |
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| Fly zappers |
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| Fly traps |
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Tips for getting the most out of fly catchers
Strategic placement
The location of fly catchers is critical for best results. They should be placed near fly breeding hot spots like trash cans and manure piles, on fly flight paths and routes towards buildings, and close to locations where flies are problematic such as food prep areas.
Routine maintenance
Adhere to recommended cleaning and maintenance for fly catchers. This includes changing fly paper and fly trap bait regularly and emptying collection trays under zappers when full. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning light fixtures and grids on electronic fly traps.
Assess performance
Periodically check fly catcher catches to assess their capture rates and effectiveness. Make adjustments such as trying new locations, different baits or additional units if fly numbers remain excessive.
Supplement when needed
During times of heavy fly activity, supplement permanent fly traps and zappers with additional fly control tactics. This can include installing more traps, applying insecticides directly to walls/surfaces, releasing parasitoid wasps and improving sanitation practices.
Identify and eliminate breeding sites
While fly catchers trap adult flies, identifying and eliminating fly breeding sources is key for reducing overall fly populations long-term. Monitor for sources like animal manure, compost piles, overripe produce and leaky garbage bins. Implement proper sanitation and exclusion.
Conclusion
Fly catchers provide an important tool in the battle against filth flies. They help control adult fly populations, monitor fly hot spots, and demonstrate proactive pest management to customers. However, fly catchers should be just one part of an integrated fly management plan. Practices like excellent sanitation, insecticide applications when warranted, and eliminating breeding areas are also critical for satisfactory, long-term fly control. There are various fly catcher options available that should be selected and positioned based on site-specific conditions and fly control objectives. When used properly and strategically, fly catchers can significantly contribute to reducing nuisance and health hazards posed by flies.
