Not everyone can catch a fly like the Shaolin monks. You won't always have a flytrap or a roll of newspaper on hand when these insects are flying around. However, you can use your hands to catch them. Success is not always guaranteed, but by using the right technique, you can increase the chances of success.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using a Surface
Step 1. Locate the fly
Just because you hear a buzz doesn't mean it's a fly. Watch out for bees and wasps. You shouldn't kill them as they are important to the environment and can sting.
Also pay attention to horseflies. They are larger than the medium sized flies that routinely enter the home and can bite
Step 2. Consider your surroundings
Once you have located the fly, look around the room and the items you have available. If there is a shelf nearby, you can use it as a hard surface to crush the insect on.
Step 3. Don't lose sight of it
If you want to take it with your hands, you have to follow it with your eyes. When flies are indoors, they usually try to escape and are fooled by the light coming in through the windows. Therefore, it is likely to go close to glass, unless there is rotting food nearby.
Step 4. Plan the attack
After following the fly's behavior and identifying where it is, prepare to attack it. Before killing her, consider if there is an alternative to getting her out of the house. Follow the trajectory of his movements with your gaze.
Slowly move to a spot where you have a chance to get it
Step 5. Squeeze it
Once you've positioned yourself near her, it's a good time to kill her. Make sure you have both hands free. Deliver a sharp blow. Your goal is to use the palm of your hand to swat the fly on a hard surface.
Be ready to use your other hand if you lose it. This way, you can crush it in a lightning bolt
Step 6. Disinfect everything
If you managed to kill her, you need to wash your hands well. Use an antibacterial soap to clean them better. Put the fly in a napkin and throw it in the basket. Remove the stain on the wall if necessary.
Part 2 of 3: Capturing the Fly with both Hands
Step 1. Locate the fly
Before you kill it, you need to make sure it is this insect. Just because you hear a buzz doesn't mean there's a fly around. Watch out for bees and wasps.
You shouldn't kill bees as they are important to the environment and can sting
Step 2. Study your position
Look at the objects around you. Sometimes the behavior of a fly prevents you from using the tools you have at your disposal, such as a wall or flytrap. In these cases, it is very difficult to catch it.
Step 3. Learn the attacking technique with both hands
This method is slightly more complicated, but it is the most intuitive. To catch it, you have to use your hands as if you want to clap. In theory, you should catch it by trapping it in your hands.
Step 4. Don't lose sight of it
Before clapping your hands wildly, you need to briefly study the trajectory and habits of the fly. This way, you won't be able to predict every movement, but you'll get a general idea that might help you.
- Also, by training your gaze to follow her movements, you can better coordinate when you need to capture her.
- The fly may also come out of the window as you observe it. This way, it will save itself and spare you the chore of cleaning.
Step 5. Make your move
Once you are comfortable with his movements, you can deliver your blow. Wait for the fly to be close enough to your position, or to your plate if you are eating. When it is an arm away, promptly squeeze it with both hands.
By keeping your hands extended close to the fly, you will be able to move faster
Step 6. Clean
Throw away the fly and wash your hands well. These insects can transmit many harmful bacteria that are best not to come into contact with.
Part 3 of 3: Use One Hand
Step 1. Learn the one-handed technique
Some patience is needed. This method consists of catching the fly using only one hand. For some people, it's not easy, but you don't need anything else to complete this mission, other than some nearby objects to grab.
Step 2. Locate the fly
Wait for it to rest on a flat, clear surface (for example, a table). Watch out for bees and wasps. You shouldn't kill them as they are important to the environment and can sting.
Step 3. Place your hand
Keep it about 30 cm away from the fly, above the shelf it is sitting on. You should hold it open with your thumb facing the insect. Rotate it so that your palm turns diagonally towards the floor and towards the fly.
Step 4. Squeeze it
Quickly move your hand towards the fly while keeping your palm facing it. When you reach the point where it rests, close it quickly. You will surprise her with a quick movement, making her fly directly into the palm! Keep moving your hand for another 30 cm.
Step 5. Check if you have captured it
Flies are small insects, so you might catch them without realizing it. Carefully open your hand to see if you managed to trap it.
If you missed it on the first try, don't be discouraged. Try again, adjusting the speed of your hand. Once you get used to using this technique, it will always work
Step 6. Cover it with your hand
Another method worth trying is to hold a cupped hand in front of the resting fly and catch it with a quick forward motion as it takes off. This is the technique of the Shaolin monks. It requires patience and, if done correctly, allows you not to kill her.
After capturing it, free it in the open
Advice
- If you are scared to take it with your hands, you can always use a sheet of paper and a cup!
- It can be very effective to use the lower part of the palm.
- If you are experienced enough, try catching one in flight. Be careful, as you may not notice that you have taken it.
Warnings
- Always wash your hands after touching a fly with your bare hands.
- Remember that flies are dirty and can transmit harmful bacteria.
