It’s probably safe to assume that most people don’t like bugs, except maybe an Entomologist. Some insects are pretty to look at, like Butterflies. Others, like wasps, flies and those creepy crawly things that hide in the dark corners of your basement, most of us would rather avoid.
When it comes to bugs I would rather capture the bug and release it outside rather than kill it. I only kill a bug at a last resort, or if it’s something that freaks me out. Very few insects creep me out, but things like Brown Recluse Spiders, Praying Mantis and those freaky hairy looking things with a million legs certainly do. Most spiders I’ll try and catch and release unless its a rather scary looking one, then I’ll have to kill it otherwise my kids will never sleep again.
One insect I especially cannot stand are flies. When I think of flies I think of germs, disease and garbage.
Our condo overlooks the parking lot and the dumpster. During the summer months flies tend to find their way into our condo, compliments of the dumpster and all the uneaten food people toss away. We do have live-in fly catchers (our cats) but often the flies are just too quick to get caught.
How many times have you had to chase a fly around your home with a fly swapper? Probably many times. Some how, some way those pesky flies always know when the swatter is about to hit them. I guess it’s because you have no choice but to get close to them and they can sense your presence. What you need is a way to get them from far away. That is where Bug-a-Salt comes in.
Bug-a-Salt sent me a free product sample to review. There was no compensation.
Bug-a-Salt is unlike any other “fly swatter” you have ever seen. It looks more like an assault weapon (get it – assault /a-salt?) weapon than a fly swatter.
Bug-a-Salt is a uniquely designed “gun” that you use to SHOOT flied dead (or other creepy crawly insects). Instead of bullets you load the gum with salt. That’s right – plain old salt.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A TOY!!!!!!!!! Do not let children handle this!!!!! Not intended for persons under the age of 18 without adult supervision.
To use Bug-a-Salt simply load the gun with salt, pump the handle, switch the safety switch, aim and fire. That pesky ol’ fly won’t know what hit him – literally!
Each shot only uses a pinch of sat. There is almost no mess, except the dead fly carcass of course.
Here is a video of Bug-a-Salt in action. Don’t worry. There are no flies used in the demo.
If you are reading this post via e-mail you can find the video here, http://bit.ly/14ss0QX.
I am grateful that the gun does have a safety switch on it, and that you cannot shoot it by accident because the gun needs to be “pumped” before it’s able to be fired. None the less this can be dangerous if not used properly. It can’t kill anyone but it can sure hurt you, especially if you are shot in the eyes. The salt does come out at great force.
We have not had one insect to shoot at to really give the Bug-a-Salt a full review. We’ve got entered Spring so I’m sure we’ll start seeing bugs around here soon. Thus far we haven’t had anything except an occasional itty bitty spider and a lone stink bug (we caught the Stink Bug and let him go outside).
This does take a lot of practice to master. Just like in the video I put a black mark on some foil and pinned it to the railing outside on our balcony. Our balcony is 6′ x 12′ so I was able to practice with the distance. The salt should be able to hit it’s target within three feet. I tried several different distances.
I’ve never held or shot a gun before in my life so it too a lot of getting used to. I’m not even sure if I’ve perfected it or not. I guess only time will tell when we finally have a fly in our home for me to aim and shoot at.
Pumping the gun is a bit hard for me. I don’t know how military guys do it. I guess they are really strong. I have to put a lot of muscle into pumping the gun. Maybe because it’s new. Perhaps after it’s been used a lot it will be a bit easier and become a little bit looser.
The gun is also A LOT bigger than I thought it would be. Thankfully it’s not heavy.
I have no doubt this will work providing you hit the fly. The salt does leave little dents on the foil so I can imagine it hits the target with great force, similar to swatting a fly with a fly swatter with great force. The only difference is that the fly won’t splatter all over the place when hit by the salt compared to a swatter.
I’ve only shot this at foil and a few times I accidently shot the wood on my balcony. I didn’t see any marks on the wood. I haven’t tried this on one of our interior walls yet. I don’t think it will make any marks.
I figured that the salt would be all over the place when you use this. Most of the salt seems to disappear. Either that or the force of the salt hitting the wall makes it turn into dust or something. There was some salt to sweep up (I didn’t want the dog or cats licking it up) but there seemed like there was less to sweep up than I actually used.
Do I think Bug-a-Salt can help you to get rid of flies and other insects in your home – YES.
Bug-a-Salt is also exceptionally well made.
I would consider this more of a novelty device more than anything else. I can see how this would appeal to “macho” men who would rather pretend to be Rambo and rid the home of flies than chase flies around with a dainty pink plastic fly swapper. 🙂
Just remember this is NOT A TOY! Please do not let persons under the age of 18 handle this without adult supervision.
For more information about Bug-a-Salt and for other videos and demonstrations, visit www.BugaSalt.com. You can also find the brand on Facebook, Twitter and check out videos on their YouTube channel.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Lucy says
I LOVE this! That’s such a man toy! Have you seen the electric tennis racket swotters too? They are amazing at night when outside and all the flies explode and sparkle.
Mer says
This is hilarious! I can think of more than a few manly men who would fight over one of these.
Janet W. says
What an interesting product! Didn’t know something like this even existed. I think my husband would like this more than me!
Alicia K says
this looks epic
June M. says
I have never seen anything like this but I love it! Unfortunately, my house tends to get a lot of flies during the summer, mainly because I leave my sliding doors open to the back deck for my pets to be able to come & go unless it is very hot. I will have to check this out 🙂
Donna George says
Haha how much fun is that! Really, I know it’s not a toy but it sure seems like fun.