After an unseasonably warm and dry Seattle summer this year, fall finally arrived. And with it, an abnormal amount of houseflies. In talking with my neighbors, I realized I wasn’t alone. I don’t know exactly why a warmer summer and later fall result in more houseflies (I’m sure there’s a reasonable and scientific explanation), but understanding it doesn’t fix the problem. Killing flies fixes the problem.

I didn’t want sticky fly strips hanging in the kitchen, and I didn’t want to run around the house spraying an aerosol can of bug killer, either. We’ve all seen those strange blue glowing wall sconces hanging on the walls in fast food restaurants to kill flies, so I figured I’d fire up Amazon.com and see about applying that same technology in my house. I found the Aspectek Electronic Indoor Insect Killer Zapper, which was on sale for $34.99 (MSRP is $99.99). At that price, I figured I’d give it a shot. Click on any of the images for a better look

The fly trap is powered by two UV bulbs that attract pretty much any flying insect (house flies, fruit flies, mosquitoes, etc.) from up to 80 feet away. When they approach the light, they get zapped by 2,800 volts. A protective grid keeps hands away from the electrical grid, so it’s save to use around kids and pets (we have both). A removable (and washable) plastic tray at the bottom catches the carnage.

The zapper comes with a chain if you want to mount the unit on the wall, but I simply plugged it in and sat it on a counter in the kitchen. Within 45 minutes, three dead flies were sitting in the tray (shown by the last photo in the gallery above). We’d turn the unit off at night, because our dogs sleep in the kitchen at the eerie blue glow would probably keep them awake. But after a few days of use, our fly problem was totally solved. I put the unit in the closet, where it can be quickly retrieved next spring.

For less than $40, I have no reservations recommending the Aspectek electronic fly trap / zapper / killer, or whatever you want to call it. I recommended one to my neighbor, and they had similar success. The only drawback (if you consider it as such) is the “zap” noise when a flying insect meets its end. It doesn’t bother me, but some of the more “jumpy” members of my family found it startling. I happen to think it’s the sweet sound of victory. The zapper works just fine in a residential setting, but I can also see it being hung on the wall in a restaurant, food truck, or anywhere else that flies are unwelcome. Pick one up at Amazon today!

As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback below!