Removing flying insects from indoor spaces without causing harm requires specific, non-lethal techniques. Standard methods like fly swatters, sticky traps, or chemical sprays are designed to eliminate the insect, which is not the goal of a humane approach. The focus is instead on temporary capture and containment, followed by a safe release back into the outdoor environment. This removal relies on simple tools and an understanding of the fly’s behavior.
The Manual Capture Technique
The most direct method for catching a single fly alive involves using a clear glass or cup and a piece of stiff paper. This technique utilizes the fly’s tendency to fly upward when startled. The transparency of the container also minimizes the fly’s panic during the process.
Approach the fly slowly while it rests on a flat surface, such as a wall or table. Quickly place the inverted glass over the fly, ensuring the rim rests flush against the surface to prevent escape. The fly will fly up into the dome of the container, remaining trapped inside.
Once the fly is contained, seal the opening using a thin, stiff piece of paper or cardstock. Gently slide the paper between the surface and the rim of the glass, maintaining constant contact to avoid creating a gap. The paper’s stiffness ensures a clean, swift seal that secures the fly for transport.
Building Non-Lethal Funnel Traps
For passive capture, a non-lethal funnel trap can be constructed from a plastic bottle or jar to lure and contain multiple flies. This method creates a one-way entrance that allows flies to enter easily but makes finding the exit difficult due to their natural upward-flying behavior. The main components are a container, a funnel, and a dry, appealing bait.
To build the trap, take a clean plastic bottle and cut off the top section where the neck tapers. Invert this top piece and fit it snugly into the main bottle body, creating a cone that acts as a funnel leading down into the container. Secure the inverted funnel piece to the main body with tape to ensure there are no gaps.
The selection of bait is important for humane containment; it must attract the flies without causing them harm or allowing them to drown. Suitable non-lethal baits include small pieces of overripe, sweet fruit like banana or peach scraps. Place the bait at the bottom of the jar, well away from the funnel opening. Avoid using liquid mixtures that contain dish soap, as these break the surface tension and cause the flies to sink and perish.
Safe Handling and Release Procedures
Once a fly is secured in a manual container or a passive funnel trap, ensure its survival during and after the release process. Flies should not be kept in traps for extended periods, so passive traps require frequent checks throughout the day. The captured insect needs to be moved a sufficient distance from the structure to prevent immediate re-entry.
House flies are known to travel between one and two miles, so releasing them a few hundred feet from the building is effective. When releasing a fly caught in a glass, gently remove the paper seal once outdoors and quickly invert the container to allow the fly to escape naturally.
Choose a safe release location away from strong winds, standing water, or immediate threats like spiderwebs. For funnel traps, carry the entire container outside and carefully remove the funnel piece. This allows the flies to fly out of the wide opening, completing the humane removal process.