Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Radio Show & Podcast Feedback => Topic started by: Michael Singmin on 16/02/2009 19:30:02

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Michael Singmin on 16/02/2009 19:30:02

Michael Singmin  asked the Naked Scientists:
   Greetings Chris and your Team,
 
Best wishes for 2009.
 
I have been listening to the Christmas 08 Show (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/)

On it was a question on swatting flies and why it is so difficult.
 
I have a solution.

I use a largish aquarium net. Dimensions 25x18cm mouth and 18cm deep. If I see a fly on a flattish surface, I hold the net pulling on the end point thereby forming a tent. I drop it over the fly and it flies up into the net. I secure the fly with a bit of the netting. The fly at this point cannot move. I have a plastic dropper and a flask of meths. 3 drops of meths and the fly is dead.
 
I have an atrium in my home. So I bury the dead fly in the soil.
Another one bites the dust.

This method works 97% of the time. Early in 2009, I caught 3 flies simultaneously with this method.
 
Be well,
 
Michael Singmin
Pretoria
What do you think?

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 16/02/2009 22:07:04

I just hold my cat up to where the fly is sat. She has much better reflexes than me and catches the fly every time. It is also less hassle than nets and meths and stuff. They do eat a lot of catfood though!

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 17/02/2009 03:28:34

I just use my hands. Easy.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 17/02/2009 22:37:41

BOG

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 17/02/2009 23:22:33

If you want to catch a fly with your hands, take a swing at about 50mm above where it is sitting and try to catch it, that's usually where it'll be by the time your hand gets there. Works all the time for me, easy way to impress people with your ninja skills :P

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 17/02/2009 23:32:58

Now this I like! I think my cat must know this too.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 18/02/2009 03:18:13

BOG? [???]
I was being serious.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 18/02/2009 22:47:26

Then I BOG you again.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 19/02/2009 04:28:49

What the smeg is BOG?

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 19/02/2009 22:32:07

The B stands for boring. If you are going to post on a science forum about catching flies you have to have a theory, a mathematical explanation or mention a cute animal. You can't say "I just use my hand." Make something up if you have to!!!

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 20/02/2009 02:59:52

Of course, how ignorant of me.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 20/02/2009 18:16:55

A BOG is also a wet marshy place.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 20/02/2009 22:47:19

You want to chuck me into one? [???]

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 21/02/2009 01:07:09

No, you are too cute, I'll save you as fly bate!

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 21/02/2009 01:14:34

Alright mate!
I think I might go chuck meself into one anyway.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Make it Lady on 21/02/2009 22:28:52

C4M come back, I didn't mean it. *squelch* and now the Chemistry questions will be mine, all mine. Wah, hah,ha,hah,hah,har.

Do you think my part in the panto is going to my head.

On the subject of fly catching. Is there any way you can stop flies going into your mouth when you are cycling along.

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 22/02/2009 08:28:32

Yeah wear a darth-vader style helmet :P

Title: I have a trick for catching flies!
Post by: Chemistry4me on 22/02/2009 08:41:54

Close your mouth and breath through your nose! [:D]