How to catch a fly?

Recognize that feeling of the returning irritating fly that keeps you busy? You wave your hand, you 'swat' a bit, but mister fly keeps coming back. And what's worse, swats don't help. Your fly is faster than your hand or the fly swatter.

Fly catching methods
Flies have a very highly-evolved evasion reaction which helps to ensure their survival. On the internet you may find several methods for catching such a persistent fly. Of course you can use a fly swatter.

However..., you''l have to get up from your chair and find your fly swatter to conclude that flies don't usually show up when your swatter is around. The alternative is the so called 'desperately clapping both hands method'. This method fails most of the time and increases your bad temper level. If - by accident – it is successful, you'll have to get up anyway to wash your hands.

New fly catching method
Just by accident I found out a new way to catch a fly with a newspaper or (one) hand.

I noticed that if the fly was on the table and I blew softly (starting very soft, followed by increased blowing), it would not fly away. In fact the fly would secure his position by sticking his feet to the table. As "sticking his feet to the table" and 'flying away' are two opposite - not combinable - actions, you've got enough time to swat the fly with your hand or newspaper.


Background
This new technique of swatting flies finds his background in one of the many principles of the famous book The Art of War', written by the legendary Chinese general, military theorist and philosopher Sun Tze.

Attack when the enemy is not prepared and strike where he least expects it.

However keep in mind that Sun Tzu believed that the best strategy is to "win without fighting".

So fly, be a spider, make your web and find that new way in life....

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