Thread subject: Diptera.info :: How to kill a fly?

Posted by Michael Ackland on 21-04-2008 14:40
#7

No one has mentioned using crushed laurel leaves. Collect the leaves in April/May(only the young newly emerged leaves will do) and put them through a mincer. When the two layers of the leaves combine, they will give off weak cyanide gas (harmless to humans) but kills flies quickly. The crushed leaves will last from 6-12 months in the bottom of a large jar, or you can put them in the bottom of a small tube under wadding, where they won't last so long. The flies remain relaxed for 2-3 days, and I never pin them straight away. Also no mould will grow. This method was used by the Victorians, also famous dipterists such as J.E. Collin. And it is completely free!;)