Some technologies have been improved in the 21st century. Others haven't. Personally, we'll take an old-fashioned, long-handled fly swatter:
Above: A Leather Fly Swatter with a handle of white ash is $13.95 from Kaufmann Mercantile.
Above: Made in Germany by Redecker, the Wire Fly Swatter is $12 at Nessentials.
Above: A Natural Wooden Fly Swatter from Present; £7.50.
Above: Two wire-handled choices: A Real Old-Fashioned Fly Swatter (L) from Garrett Wade is $7.95 and a Leather Fly Swatter (R) with a 15-inch wire handle is $5.95 from Lehman's.
Above: A Fly Swat with a hole-punched leather flap and a beech handle, from Crocus; £9.99.
Had enough of summer's buzzing pests? Try making a batch of Alexa's DIY: Bug Repellent Balm. And check out Erin's astonishing Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies (hint: used tea bags are one of seven answers).
N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published July 25, 2012.