Insect swatter, United Kingdom, 1900-1930

Giant Killer, insect swatter, British made, 1900-1930

Insect swatters are used to kill flies and other insects. Flies are not only a nuisance, they can also spread germs that cause disease. Killing them has often been encouraged as a public health measure. Flies can spread disease in a number of ways, for example by picking up germs from rubbish, faeces, and dirt before contaminating uncovered food which is then eaten by humans.