Glass fly traps have been used for many years. While they would have been blown by hand originally, they were later mass produced. They worked by placing a sticky substance in the reservoir which would attract insects via the opening at the base. They would have become obsolete with other methods such as sticky tapes which hung from ceilings, spray insecticides, and electric blue light bug zappers. This one is complete but for a stopper for the hole in the top. While this item would have been a common household object, it remains an item of interest for its clever design. It will prove a useful object in our local What IS IT?" box thus providing excellent interpretive value.This item is circular blown glass standing on three glass legs. The top is open with a small circular opening and a larger one which leads to the interior of the container. There is a stopper missing from the top.glass fly trap., warrnambool

Mankind has been bothered by flies ever since time began. This has led to the invention of a number of different fly traps or fly catchers.Glass fly traps were popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The flies, being attracted by some sweet liquid or other bait in the bottom, were unable to find their way out. This trap has small glass legs enabling it to be used standing on a flat surface such as a table. Most were suspended by wire handles. This is an example of a common domestic item no longer commonly used today.Moulded clear glass fly catcher on small glass legs. Glass stopper. A piece of bait is suspended in the centre and the top opening is covered up with a piece of cloth and a fluid such as kerosene or similar is put in the gutter below the outer part of the dome. The flying insect is drawn inside by entering the underside opening and then, when trying to leave, flies against the glass and then drops into the catching fluid below.fly-catcher pest-control glassware