A fly swatter is the ultimate hand-held device that can help you to eliminate flies as well as other biting and stinging flying insects from your home and garden. The portable fly swatter is a fast and effective solution for killing insects. As it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, you can safely use it around your family and pets.
The 6 Best Fly Swatters
- Yonzone Fly Swatter 5-pack
- REDECKER Fly Swatter
- Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter (Our Top Pick)
- Hope Woodworking Leather Fly Swatter
- Tregini Fly-Swatting Bug Zapper Tennis Racket
- ZAP-IT! Bug Zapper Racket
Our Top Pick for the Best Fly Swatter
Our top pick for the best fly swatter is the Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter.
Whether you need to eliminate flies or other flying insects from your home or keep your gardening chores or outdoor entertaining insect-free, this heavy-duty fly swatter is destined to be your new fly-fighting weapon. With a super-strong metal handle and shaft and an extra-large plastic paddle, this swatter can kill flies fast with just one swipe.
A very effective and affordable device, the Enoz Sergeant Swat Fly Swatter makes eliminating disease-carrying flies or any sort of insect so easy!
Check the price on AmazonThe Invention of the Fly Swatter
The fly swatter may be a simple device but as well as killing flies, it can be used to kill mosquitoes, moths, gnats, wasps, hornets, and even crawling insects such as roaches. This simple approach to pest elimination was invented via a collaboration between Samuel J. Crumbine and Frank H. Rose in Kansas, US in 1906.
Samuel J. Crumbine was the Kansas Secretary for Health and one of the leading medical reformers against the diseases that flies can spread in the community.
The birth of the fly swatter had a humorous beginning – it was during a baseball game that a reference was made to a “fly-ball”, which caught the attention of Crumbine who later came up with the slogan for the fly swatter, “Swat that fly!” for his anti-fly campaign. Frank H. Rose, who made window screens, used leftover material to create what he called “fly bats”.
After showing one of the “fly bats” to Crumbine, the fly swatter got its name and become the No.1 tool for killing flies in America. It has gained worldwide recognition as a simple, but effective way of disposing of flying insects.
Fly Swatters: A Fast and Effective Way to Kill Flies
Although they are small, flies are relentless and continually make a big nuisance of themselves inside and outside our homes. They are the most common type of flying insects. These annoying tiny creatures are expert carriers of diseases. Flies love to interrupt our daily activities especially if there is food involved.
Of course, you can use an insect spray to kill them. However, an insect spray can be toxic and its odor can cause allergic reactions in some people. The smell can also be offensive. Insect sprays have their place, of course. They are very effective at killing lots of insects in one spray and some surface sprays can last up to a month.
Even so, they cannot be sprayed around food so this is when the fly swatter becomes the best device for killing flies and other flying pests.
Fly swatters are very versatile, you can use them during the day; whether you are in the kitchen, while you are watching television, out in the garden tending to your plants, or when you are entertaining guests. You can use one in the bedroom at night when biting mosquitoes interrupt your sleep. They are also an excellent option for camping, backpacking, and hiking.
Whether you are at home or away on holidays, always keep a fly swatter within easy access as you never know when a fly or mosquito will be in your vicinity.
Fly swatters have a simple design. They have a lightweight, slim handle that is attached to a regular or square-shaped mesh “swatter” paddle. Some fly swatters have a longer handle that measures 18.5-inches, which gives you an extended reach to swat any brave fly that tries to escape. The paddle has small holes drilled into the material that allows the air to flow through so that it is easier to hit a fast-moving fly with greater precision.
The swatter’s mesh material can either be made out of strong plastic, EVA rubber, or it can be made out of genuine thick leather.
How to Choose the Best Fly Swatter
The fly swatter has come a long way since its introduction in 1906. The first fly swatter was just left-over pieces of window screen mesh that was attached to a yardstick. Fly swatters may still use the same design that Crumbine and Rose first came up with. However, manufacturers may introduce some variations to the original design or even change the overall look and opt for a more high-tech streamlined design.
The most common form of fly swatter is the manual swatter. Manual fly swatters can be made out of plastic or graphite or they may make the handle out of strong wire with a leather paddle. There are techno-fly swatters, that use electricity to zap the flies. Whether you choose a plastic fly swatter or you would like to purchase an electronic fly swatter, they all have their distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic
Plastic fly swatters are made out of flexible thick plastic that is also very lightweight, which gives you that quick and easy movement for striking flies and the plastic material will not scrape or damage any surfaces. The swatter’s paddle has small holes drilled into the plastic that makes sure that no flies escape, but still allows the air to flow through, which helps you to deliver an effective strike at any unsuspecting flying pests.
Plastic is very easy to clean and some plastic fly swatters may come with a hole or a hook on the handle, so you can store them anywhere. They will also not take up any space in your camping gear. Although many manufacturers design their fly swatters out of durable plastic, plastic is more prone to snap especially if the swatter makes contact with a hard surface.
One of the highlights of the plastic fly swatter design is that they come in a range of attractive colors, which can encourage your kids to get in on the action, just as long as you supervise them and they do not start swatting each other.
Metal
A metal fly swatter will be a combination of metal and plastic or even rubber. The handle will be made out of lightweight metal, while the paddle can be made out of plastic or EVA Rubber. If you want a heavy-duty solution for swatting flies, why not choose a fly swatter such as the Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter, which has a sturdy wire handle and shaft that is made from industrial-strength metal.
The wire handle allows for greater movement when you strike out at an offending insect and the strong meshed plastic paddle that looks similar to a large spatula makes the swatter very effective at hitting and squashing small insects and large pests such as wasps and hornets. The downside of using a metal fly swatter is the extra-large, thick plastic paddle, which can cause some damage if it makes contact with surfaces.
Graphite
A fly swatter which is made out of graphite is another excellent choice. This type of swatter is very sturdy but the graphite construction makes the swatter very lightweight and comfortable to hold and can help you to deliver a more accurate swing than a plastic swatter. Unlike plastic that can crack after making too much contact with a hard surface, a graphite swatter is more durable and longer-lasting.
Leather
A leather fly swatter has a paddle that is made from hand-sewn, thick tanned cowhide and a wire handle, which delivers a powerful blow that can kill all types of flying and crawling insects, especially large insects. As well as being strong and sturdy, the leather material has an attractive appeal. Once you have delivered the fateful blow, the insects can be washed off in warm, soapy water.
Electronic Fly Swatter
The electronic fly swatter is a very popular and effective way of killing flies. It looks just like a tennis or badminton racket and it is powered by rechargeable batteries. The device is easy to use, just press the button which actives the electrical grid that is located in the mesh paddle. As soon as the insect makes contact with the mesh, it receives 2,500 or 3,000-volt of electricity that stuns them and may also kill them.
You can tell they have made contact as there is a buzzing noise and sparks may emanate from the device as well.
Most electronic bug zapper swatters are very safe. However, you need to avoid contact with your skin. Some manufacturers design their swatters with three layers of insulation protection on the paddle that protects you against accidental contact, but still, the swatter is not designed to be a toy, so it should be kept out of reach of children and away from pets.
These high-tech innovative fly swatters can be more expensive than manual plastic, metal, or leather swatters. Even so, they are very effective and easy to use as you do not have to exert as much energy – all it takes is just one swipe to make contact with the fly to stun it or kill it.
Electronic fly swatters may have an LED light that can attract insects so once they are drawn to the light, they meet their doom with just a powerful zap of electricity. One of the other highlights of using an electronic fly zapper is that it is a relatively cleaner way of eliminating flies as you do not have to squash them. There is no need to make contact with a surface to kill or stun them.
This innovative approach to the original fly swatter makes it a very good choice for outdoor use and will make for some interesting fun activities around the campfire.
6 Best Fly Swatters – Reviews
1. Yonzone Fly Swatter 5-pack
The Yonzone Fly Swatter 5-pack are made from strong and sturdy plastic that will not damage any surfaces around your home. These swatters are flexible and the newly designed non-slip handle gives you a secure grip. You will have enhanced swatting speed for any flying or crawling insect as the fly swatter has a 4.85-inch wide paddle with dense mesh and a longer 18.2-inch handle so there is no chance of any fleeing insect surviving your deadly assault.
With four bright colors to choose from: green, orange, rose red, and blue, this fly swatter 5-pack will make an attractive addition to your pest elimination modus operandi at home. As the handle has a hole on the end, you can hang the fly swatter on the wall.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Made from strong and sturdy plastic
- Flexible
- Newly designed non-slip handle
- Paddle has smaller grids for enhanced swatting speed
- Easy to use
- Ideal for large insects
- Four attractive colors
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not durable enough for outdoor use
2. REDECKER Fly Swatter
Made in Germany, the REDECKER Fly Swatter is specifically designed to swat flying insects and crawling insects. So whether it is a bug crawling on a kitchen countertop or a fly aiming for your lunch while you relax on the patio, this effective fly swatter will help you to squash those pests fast. The beautiful all-natural oiled beechwood shaft is durable and comfortable to hold. The extra-long 20-inch length gives you an adequate reach.
Its large flexible leather paddle is strong and gives you great maneuverability from different angles. The holes in the material provide those much-needed aerodynamics as you take a swing and deal the death blow to those disease-carrying pests that invade your home or ruin your barbecue.
The light-colored stain-resistant leather will not leave any unsightly marks on surfaces. It is also very easy to clean with soap and water. Two things to keep in mind when you purchase the REDECKER fly swatter is that the leather can bend out of shape so it is best to hang the swatter up with the hanging cord or lay it flat. To keep the leather in good condition, use a leather conditioner to keep it nice and supple.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Made in Germany
- Durable beautiful all-natural oiled beechwood shaft
- Handcrafted non-staining leather paddle is easy to clean
- Very effective
- Long length gives an adequate reach
- Large flexible paddle has holes for improved aerodynamics
Cons
- Not ideal for striking against a hard surface
- Expensive
3. Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter
With military precision, this heavy-duty Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter will strike the fatal death blow to those pesky flies in just one swipe. The Sergeant Swat fly swatter has an industrial-strength metal handle and shaft. And the extra-large paddle is made out of strong mesh, which makes this swatter the ideal weapon for squashing all sorts of insects, flies, wasps, hornets, crickets, and spiders.
The Enoz fly swatter is one of the strongest fly swatters on the market so it is the ideal killing device for eliminating those predatory insects that seek to invade your camping site or special fishing spot. For an insect-free trip, do not leave without Sergeant Swat! You can purchase the fly swatter separately, or you can purchase it in packs of 3, 6, 12, or 24. Enoz also makes all plastic fly swatters.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Heavy-duty
- Industrial-strength metal handle and shaft
- Extra-large paddle
- Very effective
Cons
- Can cause damage to walls or surfaces
- 24-pack is expensive
4. Hope Woodworking Leather Fly Swatter
The Hope Woodworking Leather Fly Swatter is made out of genuine, thick hand-sewn tanned cowhide in Ohio, US. With an extra-long 15-inch wire handle, the Hope Woodworking fly swatter will strike terror into the hearts of any flying insects that dare to invade your personal living space.
You will able to deliver the fatal blow to any sort of insect as the spring steel handle and the shaft are very sturdy. Its extra-long length gives you a good reach to kill any insects that try to escape. The expert craftsmanship of the Amish has resulted in a high-quality, strong hand-crafted leather paddle that can deliver a significant blow to any flying insect without causing any damage to surfaces.
One of the highlights of the Amish fly swatter is the soft leather which will not make any unsightly marks on the windows. Although the wire handle is very thin and can bend out of shape, it can be easily manipulated back into its original shape.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- Strong genuine leather
- Soft leather paddle will not cause damage to surfaces
- Durable
- Extra-long shaft
- Very effective
Cons
- Wire handle and shaft can bend out of shape
5. Tregini Fly-Swatting Bug Zapper Tennis Racket
The versatile rechargeable Tregini Fly-Swatting Bug Zapper Tennis Racket harnesses the power of electricity to kill flies and mosquitoes, but it is also fun to use. The bug zapper swatter is made out of lightweight solid plastic and its ergonomic handle feels comfortable in your hand.
Flying bugs do not stand a chance as the triple-layered strong metal mesh grid delivers an extra-powerful zap of 4,000-volts which is extremely effective at killing any flying pests that invade your domain.
Tregini makes it easy to zap those pesky disease-carrying insects day or night as the swatter has a bright built-in LED flashlight that illuminates flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects so that you can eliminate them instantly, even in the dark. This bug swatter has a great safety feature: its unique protective mesh stops you from getting zapped during accidental contact. It also stops any insects from escaping.
The Tregini zapper is very easy to use. If you are sitting outside in the garden in the summer, and mosquitoes start to descend, just press the activation button and swipe the racquet at any blood-sucking insect.
You will enjoy a bug-free zone even at night as this zapper features a built-in LED light, so you can use this gadget to hunt down bugs while you are hosting a barbecue or relaxing around a campfire.
To recharge this fly swatter, plug the included USB cable into the USB port and plug the racket into a power outlet. It takes only a few hours to fully charge the swatter, depending on how often you need to use it, and the charging light lets you know when the swatter is ready to be used. As you get two bug zapper fly swatters for an extremely affordable price, they are very good value for money, and you can use one inside and the other outside.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Effective at killing insects
- Strong metal mesh
- Delivers 4,000-volts of electricity
- Unique double-sided isolated protective mesh
- Built-in bright LED flashlight
- Rechargeable
- Comes with a USB charging cable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Needs to be fully charged to be effective
- Can lose a charger easily
6. ZAP-IT! Bug Zapper Racket
If you would like a high-tech approach to the traditional fly swatter why not invest in the high-powered ZAP-IT! Bug Zapper Racket. Do not let its mini size put you off. This sturdy bright yellow and black bug zapping tennis racquet has a powerful 4,000-volts grid that kills insects with just one touch.
For your safety, the triple-layer safety mesh grid protects you from getting zapped. No more annoying flies or mosquitoes interrupting your outdoor social event or gardening chores with this zapper. It is very easy to use. Just press the activation button and when it glows, it is ready to zap those unsuspecting insects.
For 24-hour indoor and outdoor protection from any type of insects, the zapper swatter can be used at night to eliminate any insects that invade your bedroom. Or you can use it when you are enjoying a barbecue or relaxing with friends around the campfire. The super-bright built-in LED light illuminates the insects so that you can kill them before they bite or sting you.
This battery-operated zapper-swatter has ultra-fast USB charging which means it will always be ready for some bug-killing action. The ZAP-IT! racquet comes with a 100% lifetime replacement guarantee cover. So if you ever have issues with your bug zapper-swatter, contact the manufacturer immediately and they will supply you with a replacement for you Free for Life!
Pros
- Very good zapper swatter
- 4,000-volts of insect-zapping power
- Triple-layer safety mesh grid
- Super-bright LED light
- Lightweight
- Sturdy handle
- Easy to use
- Ultra-fast USB charging
- 100% lifetime replacement guarantee
Cons
- Takes a long time to recharge
- Small insects can get through the mesh
- Need to fully charge it in order to work effectively
- Not easy to clean
Our Top Pick for the Best Fly Swatter
Our top pick for the best fly swatter is the Enoz Sergeant Fly Swatter.
Whether you need to eliminate flies or other flying insects from your home or keep your gardening chores or outdoor entertaining insect-free, this heavy-duty fly swatter is destined to be your new fly-fighting weapon. With a super-strong metal handle and shaft and an extra-large plastic paddle, this swatter can kill flies fast with just one swipe.
A very effective and affordable device, the Enoz Sergeant Swat Fly Swatter makes eliminating disease-carrying flies or any sort of insect so easy!
Check the price on Amazon
