For sale is a vintage GLASS FLY CATCHER WITH A GLASS TOPPER. This large glass fly trap rests on three feet so it can function while standing on a table. The fly catcher’s neck has a glass lip so the trap can be easily hung from a wire or string. Catcher measures 9 1/2 inches tall and 6 inches diameter. An interesting eye-catching collectible.
This glass fly catcher was an antique insect control method. The catcher held a sweet food or liquid to attract wasps and something more ‘savory’ for flies. The top of catcher was plugged with a stopper, cork, or cotton wool. Insects are attracted by scent of the bait and enter the bottle from the underneath. They are able to fly upwards, but not down. Glass fly traps were popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries before indoor air conditioning. In the early 1900s, many “bottle” fly traps were made from bottle molds. These pieces have definite mold marks, molded lips and simply appear to be bottles with the bottom pushed in.
