The complete guide
How to get the most from your mafiti fly swatter
An electric fly swatter is the most direct way to deal with the fly you can see right now — no waiting for it to land, no waving a magazine around. Here's how to get the most out of the mafiti Electric Fly Swatter Racket (2200V).
Charge it, then swing through
Hold the button on the handle to charge the grid, then swing so the insect passes through the mesh rather than bouncing off the frame. A steady follow-through does better than a fast flick — you want the fly to make full contact with the grid.
Let the mesh keep you safe
The layered safety mesh means a brush against the outer surface is harmless, and the charge clears within a second or two of releasing the button. Even so, treat it like any charged device: don't touch the inner grid while the button is held, and keep it away from young children.
Keep it working
Wipe the grid occasionally with a dry cloth so nothing builds up between the wires. Swap the AA batteries when the zap feels weak. Stored dry and out of reach, it lasts for years of summers.
When a swatter beats a lamp
A swatter is unbeatable for the single fly or wasp that's bothering you in the moment. For a steady stream of mosquitoes at night, a plug-in or standing UV zapper does the patient work for you — many homes keep one of each.