Day 284: The Trick to Catching a Fly

There’s not much too it really. It will take practice and you won’t always succeed. But the plus side of catching flies is that you can release them outside instead of killing them. I know that may seem like a crazy idea to some, but it’s extremely rewarding for many reasons. For one, the skill it takes to catch a fly is a Mr. Miyagi reward on its own. Plus, you are allowing a helpless insect to escape the certain doom of the indoors. Additionally, there will not be exploded fly guts smashed against your countertop that you now must clean. And, potentially most important, there will be one less fly buzzing around your house.

Quick hands are a must. Patience and practice are key. Most people, I assume like myself, are used to coming down on a fly to kill it. That seems like the most logical approach for murder. But catching straight down is extremely hard, and you run the risk of injurying your fingers or squishing the fly.

It is best to give the fly mutual respect up front. Attempt to give off an aura of nonviolence. While this may not give off any real signals to the insect, it will calm your mind and your nerves. That will help with your concentration. Focus on not giving in to the baser instinct of killing the fly. Albeit, that may be faster; it does not serve the aforementioned rewards. Instead, focus on life. You both want to come out of this experience alive.

Onto the techniques!

Younger and smaller flies are typically quicker than older or larger flies. Funny how they share the same physical attributes as humans. The large ones you may be able to catch in the air, but most of the time you will want for the fly to land first. Move calmly and position your hand behind the fly if you can. Now, this is the most important part: when you fling your hand forward to catch it, do not aim for the fly; instead, aim for the space of air that you think the fly will move toward first. It’s worth noting (even if it obvious) that flies are extremely lightweight. The quick movement of your hand is going to push the air in front of it. I have lost many of flies because the wind caused by my hand twirled the fly out of reach.

Attempt to get your hand about six inches from the fly. Too close and you’ll scare them off. Too far away and you won’t be quick enough. If time permits, stay in that position; allow the fly to get comfortable with your presence. It may move around the surface a bit. That’s even better. It will be less expecting. A still fly is an alert fly.

You will want your hand in a cupped form. Not fully closed, but make sure the four fingers are tight together and slightly curled. Practice closing your hand into a fist a few times. You want to leave an opening inside of your hand because if you close too tightly you will have a squashed fly in your hand. Aim your index finger for the fat part of the thumb base. After your fingers are closed make sure to squeeze the thumb to the side, covering the exposed opening. The thumb should be outside of the first, pointed up.

When you are ready, try to catch it. It will take some practice at first, but don’t worry: even the experienced flycatcher doesn’t always get their mark. If the fly flies away then you will have to wait for it to land again or try to catch it in the air: Warning: Be aware of your surroundings! Throwing your hand around the room may lead to some sore phalanges. If the fly is too high or in a tight spot, attempt to move it by wiggling your fingers close to it or blowing on it. You may be able to guide it to the open spot of your choosing.

Once you think you caught the fly, don’t open your hand to check! Some flies do not move once trapped. And some flies flail about like they have claustrophobia. Granted, I would freak out too if a giant hand encompassed me in darkness. If you are unsure if you got it because you don’t hear it buzzing around anymore, take your hand outside anyway and open it. You may be surprised.

Good luck, dear reader. If you need a reminder of why to catch flies instead of killing them, remember that every creature on Earth wants to live. You are just helping them do that. And getting rid of an annoyance in the house.

Cheers!