Best Electric Fly Swatter

Flies.

They are a nuisance pest throughout the entire world. Flies are common in almost every region and active during almost every season.

Flies are annoying, but they can also be dangerous and unsanitary. Luckily, there are a plethora of products and systems put in place to help repel and prevent flies from becoming overwhelming in your home and on your property.

One of those products is the topic of today’s article – electric fly swatters.

But Before We Dive In, Let’s Talk About Flies

There are around 18,000 flies in the United States alone. 

There are roughly 120,000 different species of flies throughout the world and nearly 18,000 species alone here in the United States.

As we mentioned above, flies can live relatively anywhere and are generally active during most seasons. The only place you likely won’t find flies, according to experts, is Antarctica.

Though flies do have their place in a healthy ecosystem, they are typically not considered to be beneficial insects when it comes to agriculture, sanitation or pest control. They are also considered a serious pest in most regions not only because they can accumulate in overwhelming numbers but also because many types of flies can spread serious illnesses.

Some species of flies even bite and can cause irritation to animals, pets and people.

The common house fly alone, (one of the United States’ most common fly species) can transmit illnesses that lead to cholera, Typhoid Fever, Shigellosis and E-Coli. Yikes!

With that being said, we should note that flies are considered beneficial decomposers. They are attracted to rotting waste and decaying organic matter, making them an essential part of a healthy ecosystem.

Unfortunately, their less than appetizing diet means they spend a lot of time in unsanitary situations, landing on fecal matter, dead animals, and hanging out in garbage bins and dumpsters.

Bacteria and pathogens are then collected on the fly’s legs and body and transmitted when flies land on human food or surfaces.

For this reason, it’s very important to monitor and control fly problems and infestations around your home.

And with that in mind, let’s talk now about the electric fly swatter, how it works, and different types you may come across.

What Is An Electric Fly Swatter?

Electric fly swatters often look like hand-held tennis rackets.

Electric fly swatters are not necessarily new, but they are not the most common form of pest control you might think of when considering how to get rid of flies and other annoying pests.

Electric fly swatters are also somewhat controversial, as they use an electric shock to kill pests instantly upon contact. However, some argue that electric fly swatter products may be more humane than other fly removal methods like sticky fly tape or fly traps.

Some of these products kill flies slowly, while electric fly swatters and electric fly zappers kill the pests instantaneously upon contact.

Are you considering an electric fly swatter? There are many reasons you might be. These products are easy to find, simple to use and effective.

They also reduce the need for unsightly pest control products hanging in windows or traps that use stinky odors to lure flies to their demise.

But what exactly is an electric fly swatter?

Electric fly swatters come in a few different forms. In particular, an electric fly swatter is generally a swatter that looks like a tennis racket. The mesh inside the racket itself is electrified, and it instantly kills the fly when you swat it.

There are other electric fly swatter products as well, with some that sit stationary and lure flies in as they fly by while others need to be used manually to kill pesky flies that get into your home.

Electric fly swatters don’t only work for flies; they can also be used for other small flying pests like wasps, hornets, and sometimes even mosquitos (if the mesh is small enough).

However, like most pest control products, electric fly swatters do come with a list of pros and cons that you should consider.

Let’s take a look.

Pros and Cons To Using An Electric Fly Swatter To Get Rid Of Flies

If you are not careful about which electric fly swatter you get, some could cause a small and painful shock to a child or pet if accidently touched.

As we did mention briefly above, electric fly swatters can be considered controversial. There also seems to be a fine line between how people feel about them. Some either love them and find them to be highly effective while others steer clear in preference of other pest control remedies like sprays, traps and sticky tapes.

So, what are the pros and cons to using an electric fly swatter to get rid of flies? Let’s break it down.

Pros To Using An Electric Fly Swatter

• Electric fly swatters do not use chemicals or harsh ingredients
• They are generally safe to use around children and pets
• Electric fly swatters can be used repeatedly and are often battery operated or rechargeable
• They are easy to use and store
• They eliminate the need for unsightly pest control products like tapes and traps
• They are odor free
• Electric fly swatters come in both handheld forms and stationary forms
• They are generally inexpensive
• They kill pests instantly upon contact
• They work for a multitude of insects, not just flies

Cons To Using An Electric Fly Swatter

• Electric fly swatters are considered controversial
• Some come without a protective barrier and can cause a painful shock to people if touched
• They can be noisy
• Electric fly swatters leave you with dead flies you must find and clean up if you kill them inside your home
• They will not prevent or repel flies
• Electric fly swatters only control flies in the immediate vicinity

So, what do you think about electric fly swatter pros and cons? Are these products right for you? If you think they’re worth checking out then keep reading. We have listed some of our favorite products below.

Best Electric Fly Swatter Products We Love

Electric fly swatters can be helpful in controlling flies, though it’s important to choose quality products. 

Electric fly swatter products are not for everyone, but they can be highly effective in removing and reducing flies in the immediate vicinity.

We also like that many electric fly swatters are portable and can be battery operated, making them the ideal pest control product to take on camping trips or road trips.

But remember, not all electric fly swatter products are made equally. When looking for the best products for your home, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and where you will be using the electric fly swatter most.

If you have pets or children, we would recommend an electric fly swatter or bug zapper with a shield or protective mesh to protect little fingers or curious sniffing noses.

We also recommend reading the reviews, safety guidelines, and other instructions before investing.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at some of our favorite electric fly swatter options below.

Tregini Large Electric Fly Swatter

No products found.

First on our list of electric fly swatter products is a large fly swatter made by Tregini. This order includes a pack of two electric fly swatters and even comes with a built- in flashlight to help locate and kill pests.

Not only does this electric fly swatter work for flies, but it also works to kill mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying pests.

Best of all, this electric fly swatter is rechargeable, so you don’t have to continue to buy batteries. It is also a safer option for electric fly swatters because you need to press the button while you use it. It also includes a triple mesh protection layer, so even if you do accidentally touch it when it is turned on, you won’t get shocked.

Intelable Electric Fly Swatter

No products found.

Another electric fly swatter that works similarly to the one listed above is the Inteleable Bug Zapper and Fly Swatter. This product is for use both inside and outside and also includes a three-layer safety mesh that prevents you from being zapped if you accidentally touch it.

This electric fly swatter kills pests instantly using a 4,000 volt grid, a detachable flashlight and even an LED light for easier locating of pests.

You can order it in two colors depending on your preferences, which doesn’t help kill the flies but is a nice bonus. We also like that this electric fly swatter comes with a rechargeable battery that plugs in using a USB cable. This means you won’t have to continuously buy batteries to keep this electric fly swatter active.

YISSVIC 2-In-1 Electric Fly Swatter

No products found.

We don’t want to pick favorites, but we really like the above electric fly swatter by YISSVIC. This product brings you the best of both worlds in an electric fly swatter because it can be both stationary and handheld.

It also includes a purple light that attracts pests like flies to fly directly into it. The product is ideal for camping and patio use but it can also be used indoors as well. It works against flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other annoying pests.

The battery is rechargeable using a USB plug and the electric fly swatter itself is made with a nickel plated stainless steel mesh that will not shock you to the touch.

It is also more sanitary to use over and over as it does not collect bugs inside the mesh, so there will be no nasty cleaning up of dead bugs after they are zapped.

SYOMEA 3 in 1 Electric Fly Swatter

No products found.

If you liked the 2 in 1 electric fly swatter option then you’ll love the 3 in 1 electric fly swatter above. This product is a bug lamp, a bug zapper, and a hand held electric fly swatter all in one tool.

It also works for mosquitoes, which we give it bonus points for.

The order includes a two pack of electric fly swatters that can be both stationary or handheld, depending on your needs. Like most of the electric fly swatter products on this list, the above product includes a safety msh so that it will not shock you if you accidentally touch it.

The grid includes a 3,000 volt shock, ensuring that the pests are killed instantly upon contact.

Other Products You Can Use Use Alongside Of Or In Place Of An Electric Fly Swatter

Why not have fun with your fly control methods by purchasing a venus fly trap plant?

Electric fly swatter options are not right for everyone. As we did discuss above, they do come with their share of pros and cons. Furthermore, those with children or pets in the home may be concerned that electric fly swatters could pose a hazard.

If you’re interested in other products for how to get rid of flies without the use of an electric fly swatter or to use in conjunction with an electric fly swatter, we have you covered with a few alternative products below.

Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray

No products found.

Flies can be a serious problem both indoors and outdoors, which is why we do recommend investing in alternative pest control methods outside of just an electric fly swatter.

One of the products we like for outside pest control is Wondercide. Wondercide is a natural pest control spray that works using plant based ingredients and essential oils to repel and kill pests like flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, gnats, roaches, chiggers, and a multitude of other outdoor pests that can become problematic.

The spray above is gentle enough to be sprayed directly on garden plants and vegetation, making it ideal for those growing edible garden fruits and veggies.

There is no spray and wait time for this product either, and it is completely safe to use around children and pets. It treats up to 5,000 square feet and can offer long-term protection when applied correctly.

Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repellent

No products found.

If you’re dealing with flies inside your home, we recommend investing in an ultrasonic pest repeller like the one above by Neatmaster. This product is safe to use around children and pets as it works by emitting ultrasonic sound waves and vibrations as opposed to chemicals or toxins.

These sounds and vibrations are harmless to people and animals but highly irritating pests like flies, spiders. roaches, and even larger pests like rodents.

The ultrasonic pest repellent above covers up to 120 square meters. However, while we do like ultrasonic pest repeller products, we should note that the above product is unable to penetrate through walls.

For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase multiple products and plug them into different areas throughout your home to repel pests.

Giant Venus Fly Trap

No products found.

If you’re looking for alternative and creative ways to get rid of flies, (and who isn’t, these days?) why not try a venus fly trap? These famous carnivorous plants feed on flies and other pests, which can help you control them both inside and outside of your home.

Venus fly traps are a completely natural way to control pests, though caring for a venus fly trap does require some commitment and time.

To properly care for a venus fly trap, you must have your trap in direct sunlight and water it appropriately.

Each plant ordered from Joel’s Carnivorous Plants shop comes with a detailed care sheet, a questionnaire sheet, a diagram for potting, and a living and growing plant.

Katchy Indoor Fly Trap

No products found.

If using an electric fly swatter or fly trap is more up your alley, we would recommend this Katchy Indoor Fly Trap by the Katchy Store. This product works to catch and kill flying pests using suction, a bug light, glue and electricity.

It is a silent trap, which we like, and is not technically a bug zapper. Instead, it works by luring pests like flies and mosquitoes into the purple light. The built in suction then swallows the pests, sticking them to the glue paper inside.

This trap does work well, but it has it’s cons. You’ll need to clean this trap out often and this fly trap is also made for indoor use only.

However, it works on many pests outside of flies, including moths, gnats and mosquitoes. Bonus points for being able to order this fly trap in two colors to match your interior aesthetic, with color options currently including black or white.

Home Remedies For Keeping Flies At Bay

Essential oils can help repel flies and many other pests. 

Electric fly swatters can be effective, but they generally target singular flies and don’t help to repel the pests as a whole.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can go about repelling flies using products and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet. When using these home remedies for do it yourself pest control in conjunction with an electric fly swatter, you’re sure to notice a difference in your fly problem.

Some home remedies you can use to repel and remove files include:

Essential Oils

Essential oils have long been used for pest control purposes, but as organic gardening and natural pest control options have become more popular, the use of essential oils for these purposes has skyrocketed.

With that being said, remember that not all essential oils work for pest control, and certain essential oils work better for certain pests than others.

When it comes to getting rid of flies, the best essential oils include:

• Lavender Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Tea Tree OIl
• Rosemary Oil
• And Basil oil

You can make your own essential oil fly repellent spray easily using any of the above listed essential oils and a bit of water and dish soap. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 Spray Bottle
• 2 Drops Of Liquid Dish Soap
• Two Cups Of Water
• 10 Drops Of The Essential Oil Of Your Choice

Instructions:

Combine the above ingredients in the spray bottle and shake it until the water is sudsy. You can then use this spray to spray around your home to help repel flies. You can also use this spray to kill flies on contact.

This works because the soap in the spray coats the flies’ bodies, suffocating them. The essential oil smell will also help repel any future flies from coming around.

Companion Planting 

Because flies are sensitive to certain smells, it makes sense that companion planting would be a good way to keep them out of your garden. Companion planting is especially helpful if you have vegetables or fruits growing in your garden, as over-ripe or rotting fruits and veggies can attract these annoying pests.

Some of the plants we would recommend using in your garden to repel flies include:

• Tansy
• Mint
• Marigold
• Lavender
• Basil
• Sweet Woodruff
• Citronella
• And Rosemary

Make Your Own Fly Traps

There are a few ways you can go about making homemade fly traps that can work well in conjunction with electric fly swatter products.

One way is to use the vinegar and dish soap method. Pour some vinegar into an open bowl and drop several drops of liquid dish soap into the bowl. Stir until the liquid is mixed.

Vinegar is attractive to flies, so place this open bowl away from areas you will be congregating. The vinegar will lure the flies in and the dishaop will coat them and drown them in the bowl.

Vinegar And Soap Spray

Another homemade repellent you can use alongside using an electric fly swatter is a cayenne and water spray. Combine cayenne pepper and two cups of water in a spray bottle to repel the pests. You can add a few drops of dish soap to spray directly on the flies if you wish to kill them on contact.

Other Tips and Tricks For How To Control and Prevent Flies

Invest in garbage bins that seal and be sure to dispose of garbage properly. The above image shows a scenario that would be highly attractive to flies.

Flies are annoying, unsanitary, and a health hazard. That’s why it’s important to invest in proper methods for fly control and removal.

While we do like the idea of using an electric fly swatter to help control pesky flies, we should remind you that these products typically work to kill flies in the immediate vicinity. This means electric fly swatters, while effective in killing flies, will not help prevent flies from coming around.

If you’re looking for ways to repel flies and prevent them from coming around your property, we recommend also investing in a quality pest control regime that will work year-round. This could include pest control sprays, contacting professional pest control experts, and some of the above methods mentioned in the home remedies section of this article. (Companion planting, for example).

We also recommend you do the following to help ensure your home and property is less attractive to these annoying pests.

Clean Up Pet Waste Often

Pet waste is one of the most common attractants to flies outside. To help reduce flies, clean and dispose of pet waste as often as possible and as properly as possible. This might include investing in a quality disposal bin specifically designed for pet waste removal.

Keep Garbage Bins Sealed Both Inside and Outside

Flies are attracted to garbage and dumpsters, so it’s a good idea to invest in bins and dumpsters that seal properly. You can also spray ammonia or alcohol into the garbage bins before sealing them to help cover odors that might attract flies.

Collect Fallen Fruits or Ripe Veggies From Gardens Or Fruit Trees

Rotting or overripe fruits and veggies from your garden or your yard’s fruit trees not only attract flies, but many other pests as well. If you can, clean up fruits and veggies as often as possible in your yard and dispose of them properly.

Store Pet Food And Bird Seed In Air-Tight Containers

Avoid storing pet food or bird seed in your yard, in your garage or even in your home if it’s not properly sealed in an airtight container or bin. This will not only help keep the food sanitary and fresh for the animals you are feeding, but it will keep a number of pests at bay including flies.

Store Garbage Bins And Dumpsters Away From Areas You Eat

Even if you do invest in sealed bins, you may not be able to keep flies from being attracted to the odors of rotting foods inside. To help ensure you and your family are safe from unsanitary flies, try and store garbage bins far enough away from where you eat or congregate.

Keep Your Yard and Home Clean And Tidy

Last but not least, try and ensure your home and yard is tidy and well-kept. Clean up debris, remove garbage, and don’t leave dirty dishes out in the open or in the sink. This will not only help reduce the number of flies you encounter, but it can also help ensure other pests stay away from your home as well.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on electric fly swatter options! Now we want to hear from you. What do you think about using an electric fly swatter to keep flies from becoming overwhelming?

Give us your opinion in the comment section below.