Everything you need to know

Directions - How to use the trap?
1. Hold the Cluster Buster with the foam plug facing upward.
2. With foam plug still in place, shake trap from side to side to level powder mass.
3. Slowly remove foam plug. You may wish to keep the foam plug for disposal purposes.
4. Expose adhesive strip behind opening.
5. Press onto glass pane along the bottom of the window.
• Cluster Buster™ is simple and safe to dispose of with your ordinary garbage. Wipe excess powder with a damp cloth.






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Effectiveness

What does Cluster Buster™ catch?
Cluster Buster™ has been known to catch all flies including: cluster flies, houseflies, blowflies, stable flies, and even fruit flies! Wasps, hornets, bees, moths, nuisance ladybugs and other flying and crawling insects have also been found in the trap. Cluster Buster™ was designed specifically to catch cluster flies but will work for almost any small insect that frequents your windows.
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Why does Cluster Buster™ work so well?
Cluster Buster™ uses patented technology not available in any other trap. This technology was developed specifically to stop the insects from escaping the trap, without using harmful chemicals and toxins, sticky paper or foul smelling liquids. The cost-effective Cluster Buster™ holds 1000 flies and requires no maintenance. Cluster Buster™ users tend to forget they even have a fly problem! A system of traps - 1 in each problem window - stops the flies from going back into the walls at night to leave a fresh trail that others follow in the next day.  Thus the cycle is broken and fewer and fewer flies find their way in.
How long will it last?
Cluster Buster™ will hold more than 1000 flies by piling them layer after layer under a blanket of fresh powder. The powder will continue to work indefinitely until the trap is full, with nothing to dry up and no need to buy replacements or refills. For normal  infestations, a system of Cluster Busters™ greatly reduces the number of flies that find their way in, and should last at least a year or two. If only the occasional fly pesters you, the trap could last you many years!
How quickly does it work?
This testimonial says it all! "This morning the second - not the minute but the very second - I attached my first Cluster Buster™ to a window, a south facing window, the Cluster Buster™ entrapped its first fly." Best regards, J.R. Duncan, Caledon, Ontario.
Usually within an hour, a day at most, The Problem has disappeared.
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What's inside the trap that is so effective?
Cluster Buster's™ patented technology stops insects from crawling, climbing or flying by suspending the insects in a "cloud" of naturally sticky foot pads and clings to its body and wings, rendering the fly immobile.


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Will it work without supervision?
The Cluster Buster™ will work continuously without supervision until full! Feel free to leave the trap at your cottage throughout the winter, and return to windows and floors that are fly-free! Realtors also love Cluster Buster™ because it keeps their houses fly-free between showings.
Can I see it work?
To view a movie clip of the Cluster Buster™ in action click here (high speed) or for Dial up click here. (Windows Media Player required) and turn up the volume.
Why is it so safe for the environment?
The Cluster Buster™ effectively absorbs indoor fly infestations without using any chemicals or toxins.
How many flies does it hold?
Cluster Buster™ can hold more than 1000 flies, that's as many as twenty times the number of flies held by other traps in its size range! The important difference with the Cluster Buster™ system is that it has the capacity to actually break the cycle, reduce the number of flies that find their way into your space, and give complete relief! - from season to season, year after year.
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Usage

Will it work in my home, cottage, barn, restaurant, or other business?
The Cluster Buster™ is small and discretely designed for use in a variety of environments. Cluster Buster™ hides the flies completely, while suppressing any buzzing or odor that may be offensive. Using no chemicals or toxins the Cluster Buster™ is safe around food, animals and your family. The exterior is easily cleaned with a damp cloth and removes cleanly from your windowpane. Cluster Buster's™ super-adhesive strip will stick over minor dirt and dust in your barn, although a quick wipe of a rag will help.
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How many traps do I need?
The greater the number of traps, the faster flies are trapped once they enter your premises. By installing a complete system - 1 trap in each Problem window - you will realize maximum economy and normally be fly free for up to 2 years or more.
Home:
One trap placed in each Problem window will stop the flies from leaving trails that lead others into your space, thus breaking the cycle and giving Complete Relief! - season after season.
Cottage:
Installing one in each Problem window will work like "Magic!" to keep the cottage fly-free, even while you are away for extended periods.
Business:
One trap per window will capture insects very quickly, but one trap every other window may be sufficient.
Barns:
At least one trap per available window is recommended. However, due to the potential volume of flies, as many traps as possible should be used. Larger units are being developed.
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What kind of window do I need?
Put the trap in whichever windows attract the pests, mounting the trap to the glass pane of the window.  Cluster Buster™ requires 10" (255 mm) of glass width along the bottom edge of the window. It can be installed on smaller lites by applying it to the frame, just below the glass, and installing a piece of 2" wide clear packaging tape to form a simple ramp from the glass over to the trap. Traps for smaller windowpanes are currently in the works, so watch this site for future products.
When do I need it?
Some flies are seasonal, so install the trap at first sighting and use throughout the season. Otherwise, leave the trap in place year-round to catch all species. Warning: Cluster Buster™ can be so effective; you may think the fly season is over the day after you install it!
Where should I place the trap?
The Cluster Buster™ should be applied to the glass pane along the bottom edge of your largest windows. Otherwise, place the trap where flies are worst. Applying the trap to window screens is not recommended. Doing so may leave residue on the screen, and crosswinds may empty the ultra-low density powder.


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How long will it last?
Cluster Buster™ will work indefinitely until full, usually a year or two! In barns, attics or other extreme cases, the traps may fill faster and should be replaced when untrapped flies become apparent. If you witness flies escaping from the trap, it is time to replace the trap. Cluster Buster™ should last years if you have only the occasional fly!
How do I dispose of the trap?
All materials used are safe to dispose of with your ordinary trash.
Tip:
Use the foam plug from your new trap to plug the old one for disposal.
How do I clean it?
Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the trap. Be careful—the trap requires the internal powder to function. Vacuum cleaners can empty a trap in seconds, rendering the product useless. If you accidentally spill the contents, vacuum the spillage and wipe up with a damp cloth.
Will it work without supervision?
The Cluster Buster™ will work continuously without supervision and will last until the trap is full! Feel free to leave the trap at your cottage throughout the winter, and return to windows and floors that are fly-free! Realtors also love Cluster Buster™ because it keeps their houses fly-free between showings.
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Insect Questions

Why are the flies in my house?
Flies come into your home for various reasons depending on the species, usually to hibernate, feed, or reproduce. Cluster flies seek only shelter from the cold in your walls and attic and become active on warm days - even in winter months!
Why do flies go to the window?
Flies are attracted to the light and warmth of your windows. Installing traps in the warmest, brightest windows will therefore be most effective.
Will it trap other insects?
The trap is very effective with all Window-Bound flies including cluster/attic flies, houseflies, blowflies, stable flies, and even the occasional fruit fly! Wasps, hornets, bees, moths, nuisance ladybugs and other flying and crawling insects can also become trapped when they frequent your windows!
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Technology

What's inside the trap that is so effective?
Each Cluster Buster™ contains about 1/2" (13 mm) of patented PolyQuartz™ powder QuickSand™ for Flies made from Exploded Egg Shells™, a snow white ultra low density, odor and noise suppressing substance that incapacitates the flies, preventing escape. PowderTrap™Technology - U.S. Patent No. 6,164,009 (World Patents Pending) CDN Pat. No. 2,286,271 
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How does the powder work?
Almost all insects have tiny 'sticky' oily hairs on their feet that allow them to climb smooth surfaces. Cluster Buster™ targets these 'sticky' pads coating them in microscopic particles that stops any insect from climbing out. The powder in the trap also inhibits flying by sticking to their body and wings. This powder is much lighter than the insects, causing them to sink as though trapped in quicksand, piling them layer after layer on the bottom of the trap. It then dehydrates them, suppressing odor formation. It does so without breaking the exoskeleton, this inhibiting the spread of bacteria and pathogens.
What is the powder made from?
Called QuickSand™ Patented PolyQuartz™ powder is made from Exploded Egg Shells™ a snow white ultra low density, odor and noise suppressing substance that incapacitates the flies, preventing escape. PowderTrap™Technology - U.S. Patent No. 6,164,009 (World Patents Pending) CDN Pat. No. 2,286,271 
Will it work for other bugs?
Almost all insects have tiny 'sticky' oily hairs on their feet that allow them to climb smooth surfaces. Cluster Buster™ targets these 'sticky' pads, coating them in tiny particles that stop them  from climbing out.
Why does no one else have this technology?
We developed this patented technology in our own lab, creating a solution that was simply not previously possible. In the future, we may share our breakthrough with other companies but for now this is the only place you will find it.
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Does Cluster Buster™ use bait?
No. Cluster Buster™ does not need bait! By catching them during their normal activity cycle, the trap design eliminates the need to lure insects. Different fly species are not attracted to the same bait, but they are all drawn to windows. This makes Cluster Buster™ very effective at catching different species with one trap! Some insects, like cluster flies and ladybugs, will give off an aggregate pheromone when inside the Cluster Buster™, which actually attracts newcomers.


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More Questions

What size is the trap?
The Cluster Buster™ measures (L 255 mm x H 85 mm x D 45 mm) or (L 10" x H 3-1/4" x D 2".

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How do I get the Cluster Buster™ fly trap?
At www.cooperseeds.com. Click here - The Cluster Buster.
Is it sticky or messy like other traps?
Cluster Buster™ has no sticky paper or liquids to handle, and has no messy refill operations found in other traps; simply install the Cluster Buster™ and forget you ever had a Cluster Fly!
Can I hear the flies buzzing?
No. Cluster Buster's™ powder technology stops the buzzing noise by burying the flies under a thick blanket of noise-suppressing powder; flies go in and are never heard again!
Does it use chemicals like other traps?
Here at Powder Trap Inc. we do not believe in the use of pesticides or other toxins that harm your Family and the  Environment, so our Cluster Buster™ is chemical and toxin free!

PowderTrap™Technology - U.S. Patent No. 6,164,009 (World Patents Pending)
CDN Pat. No. 2,286,271 

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Press and Testimonials

 

CLUSTER FLIES...Finally, A Solution

Dateline: Caledon Hills
What to do about Cluster Flies! The infernal buzzing. The stains they leave on your windows. The constant vacuuming and the sickening sight of sticky papers. And even if you lace the place with pesticides, they keep coming back! These very annoying pests go from windows by day to lamps by night, and are renowned for falling in your soup and sharing your bed. They can be become very unwelcome, yet permanent house guests.

Cluster Flies were imported to combat the spruce bud worm, but sadly, don't bother with them because earthworms provide an easier host for the parasitic larvae. After enjoying up to seven cycles per summer and feasting on plant juices and nectar, the large adult flies begin looking for a warm place to overwinter. And almost any home will do, since these dozy clustering magicians can squeeze through the tiniest cracks and appear inside on warm sunny days throughout the Fall and Winter, becoming a menace in the Spring as they drunkenly try to escape to party on your lawn. Cluster Flies aren't attracted to food or bait, and they have become ever more resistant to stronger and stronger pesticides. They can live for two years or more and there just seems to be no way to stop them.		   Inventor Tom Clarke grew up in the Caledon Hills and became tired of sharing his life with Cluster Flies. He has discovered many things, from new art forms to manufacturing technologies and, inspired by materials he developed for the Aerospace Industry, Clarke invented a remarkable solution to the Cluster Fly Problem called The Cluster Buster™.

This small, attractive automatic fly trap has been credited with saving dream homes and even marriages. You put it on windows and leave it there all year to give the flies what they are looking for - A Way Out! Inside the trap is a remarkable thing, QuickSand™ for Flies! … a thick bed of ultra-low density powder made from exploded Egg Shells! which sticks to feet and wings and prevents climbing and flying. The pests sink to the bottom and are instantly silenced. The powder rises, and incredibly, will hold over 1000 flies! Completely out of sight and out of mind.

The patented mechanical concept is so simple, flies cannot adapt to it. Most importantly, It Works! without chemicals, in a clean and tidy way. If you want to take a look at Cluster Buster™, check out www.PowderTrap.com on the Web, ask your dealer, or call Powder Trap Inc. toll free at 1(877) FLY SOUP

 

Inventor's Trap Takes Flight Out Of Cluster Fly

By: Muriel Draanisms
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - A farmhouse without files is a wonderful thing.

That's the main motivation behind a product that drew a lot of attention at the 13th annual Canadian International Farm Equipment Show this year.

The Cluster Buster, a flytrap for cluster flies, is the invention of Tom Clarke, president of Power Trap Inc. and a self-describe entrepreneurial inventor who lives near Orangeville, Ont. On 85 acres of land.

"It's quicksand for flies," said Clarke in front of his booth at the show, holding up a rectangular plastic tube, about 20 centimeters long, containing white plastic powder. After the files crawl or buzz through a slot on top, they hit the powder, sinking to the bottom.

"It's a very clean solution. It intercepts their flight path."

The Cluster Buster, which sells for $15, stood out among all the high-tech equipment at the show because it was decidedly low-tech, simple and relatively inexpensive compared to the big-ticket farm machinery displayed at hundreds of booths.

Bait not attractive.

Made from recycled pop bottles with biodegradable plastic powder, Clarke said the lightweight fly trap has been designed for the cluster fly because the insect, known scientifically as Pollenia Rudis, will not go after bait. It is a pest in rural communities across the country.

Slightly larger than a housefly, it hibernates in large numbers in rural homes.

 

Eight years ago, the idea for the fly trap come to Clarke when he saw a fly fall into some lightweight powder in his home. The fly quickly exhausted itself and was unable to move.

"It was inspired in the classic way. It was one of those Eureka things, this new concept in pest control," he said.

Powder as a trap is the mechanism behind his invention: the flies tire themselves out trying to get out of the powder and it coats their wings, feet and hairs, dehydrating them as they struggle. It clogs their breathing apparatus. Stuck in the powder, they sink to the bottom and die.

In the unlikely event the files get out of the powder, there is a false ceiling in the tube that blocks the exit.

The cluster Buster eliminates buzzing because the powder muffles sound. It involves no sticky mess, no chemicals, no toxic pesticides and no odor.

With an adhesive backing, it attaches to windows, where the files congregate.

"We've got an attractive universal styling on this unit that completely hides the problem. Over 1000 flies can go into the trap and never be seen again," said Clarke.

Next on the list is a flytrap for use in barns, which would be larger than the version used in the home.

*(We do not use such words as "control" or "kill" to describe PowderTrap™ Technology, so as to preclude having this Un-Regulated, Mechanical Alternative fall under "Controlled Product" status."

   


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Testimonials

Cluster Buster has proven itself over 8 seasons to be the only way to safely eliminate the Cluster Fly Problem - completely, all year 'round. We thought you might be interested in reading a few of the many testimonials we receive:

 

Just a comment on your "ClusterBuster"™..it works! Best flycatcher I've seen in years. No messing around with harsh chemicals, or those ugly disgusting sticky tapes. This product is a winner!

Thank you, Jim McLean                                        The Chalet Manitoulin Island

Hi,
Just a quick note to let you know how pleased we are with your product. We haven't had a fly in sight ever since we put up some of your traps. Quite an endorsement from folks who live in an old remodeled farmhouse deep in the woods of Maine. Many thanks! Mary and Lee

Hello, I'm wondering if you are still in the cluster buster business. If so,
I'm going to order another case for this fall. They are starting to come in
again. I purchased a case last fall and I couldn't believe how well those
traps work. Let me know the cost. Thanks, Sarah Boles

“This morning the second – not the minute but the very second – I attached my first Cluster Buster™ to a window, a south-facing window, the Cluster Buster™ entrapped its first fly. Congratulations, and thank you, for inventing a much better fly trap. My home is regained – next, Easter weekend, the cottage !”
Best regards, J.R. Duncan,   Caledon, Ontario, Canada   PUBLIC SYSTEMS GROUP

We put ten Cluster Buster™ traps in our Vermont vacation home in October. What a difference they have made! We no longer spent the first hour we enter the house on weekends vacuuming up flies. Thank the genius who invented this product. We are spreading the news about Cluster Buster™ ! We will be ordering more traps in the future.
                                                            Ann F. Morgan

Dear Sirs:
We heard news of your wonderful windowsill gadget that catches flies, and drowns them in eggshell, from a CBC interview. We ordered twelve, for a large house at Ashburn. These have worked perfectly, and there are no flies in the house anymore. We were very very pleased, and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a great invention. Hooray! No more cluster flies.
Sincerely, Aileen E. Roy Copper Cliff, ON

Dear sirs:

I have received and put into use the ten units you sent to me last week, the results are amazing.

The fly problem, that was so annoying, no longer exists. I truly believe your product has tremendous possibilities and would therefore request you send me your dealer information package so that I might review it, with the idea of adding it to our product line @ FUN PRODUCTS INC.

Your early attention to this matter would be appreciated.

Sincerely BILL CONGDON

Well Tom, if we had any doubts about your product....we certainly do not now. The flies were starting to gather in the windows of the house and yesterday afternoon we placed a trap in each window (11 in all) This morning there is not a body or a buzz to be seen or heard! The window sills are as clean as we left them yesterday. I thought we were going to have to close down our B & B business during cluster fly season so this is an absolutely phenomenal product you have developed. David is looking forward to talking to you later today ( if you have time)

Thank you! Norma Collis. Holly Cottage Owen Sound, ON

I purchased a case of your Cluster Buster Fly Traps a year ago and continue to keep them in one or two windows of our old farm house for the spring and fall seasons. What an amazing invention! Recently I discovered that these crazed flies had found a woodshed window that they loved even better than any window in the house so they were there by the thousands. I hated to use a Flytrap on such a window but the buzzing was literally driving me crazy so I stuck one there and within minutes the window was clear of flies so now I feel wonderful again! We just returned from the IPM in Navan and fully expected to see your company there. Did I miss you? If you weren't there then you missed a fabulous opportunity to advertise and sell this wonderful product.

                                                                                Lois Perth, ON

Help!!

We have recently discovered your incredible cluster fly trap - it is truly amazing!!! We have had, over the years, had cluster fly problems in our home during the late summer and early fall - problems which last year persisted into the winter. We came across your product a couple of months ago and decided to give it a try and we have been amazed at the results.
Unfortunately we bought up the limited supply in our area and now we are running out with nowhere to get additional traps for the winter. Could you please tell us who in our area (Kinmount Ontario) would have some in stock and, if there is no-one, could we buy direct?

Thanks for your help, Max Radiff

We recently purchased your "Cluster Buster"™ powder traps for our home in New York. We have been plagued by "Cluster Flies" for many years but have resisted the pesticide treatments provided by local pest control companies.

Following placement of the traps on our windows, the masses of cluster flies that were attracted to the windows began to disappear. My wife and I were amazed at the rapidity with which the flies disappeared into the PowderTraps™. Within 15 minutes all the flies on our four large windows were trapped with the "Cluster Buster"™ and no longer visible.

It is also very comforting to know that we do not have to be concerned with any pesticide residue since you do not use any chemical in your traps. Thanks again for your great invention.

Best wishes, John J. Kupa, Professor Emeritus, University of Rhode Island
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. - Environmental Consultants

“In January we moved into an older home (close to 100 yrs old). True to my worst thoughts we soon found ourselves in a major cluster fly problem; especially in the upstairs bedrooms where they actually kept me awake at night. Luckily for my husband, he sleeps through anything and never hears them. They drove me insane!

While reading the Farm & Country magazine at work one day I came across the ad for “Cluster Buster”™ fly traps that were being shown at the farm shows. Although they sounded much too good to be true, I called to order some, received them in the mail shortly afterward, and put them up that night. Within 24 hours the problem was cleared up! In all honesty, I don’t understand why they work, or how, and I don’t care. What it comes down to is that they are simple to use, are far from being ugly like sticky fly papers, hold tons more flies than sticky paper, and WORK! Since placing my original order, I have ordered more for the downstairs as well. Thank you for finding a solution to a very annoying problem.”

Best regards, Jenn Cousineau, Elmira, Ontario

Hi Tom,

I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that your fly traps are wonderful!

I have a 120 year old schoolhouse which we use on the weekends and this is the first year I haven't had to spend hours vacuuming windows and floors every time we arrive. We normally use a mosquito netting over the bed to keep the flies from driving us crazy at night, and we haven't had to bother this year. We still have the odd fly buzzing around, but for the most part, they are now under control. The traps even seem to work on moths that get in at night. It's truly AMAZING!

Now if I could only find something that works on the clusters of ladybugs that we seem to be plagued with this year, everything would be perfect!!

Thanks again! Will be recommending your product to family and friends...

Shari in Toronto

A few weeks ago I ordered 4 fly traps to see if your claims were true. THEY ARE!!!!

I placed two of the traps in our office and two in our home, NO MORE FLIES!!!!
Within hours of putting up the units, there was peaceful silence, no more buzzing.
I wish I had found these wonderful traps a lot sooner.

Last week I ordered a case of these amazing traps, so that all the people I keep raving to can also enjoy a fly free environment. They may seem a trifle expensive at first, but they are well worth it.

I was also surprised by how fast my orders came through. It is nice to see a Canadian company doing a great job.

Thanks again for a great product and great service too!

Sue Forsythe                                                                                             Pickering, ON

Dear Mr. Clarke:
We are writing to let you know that your invention of the Powder Trap™ has made an enormous difference in our lives. We have a farm in Dummer Township in Ontario and an unrelenting problem with cluster flies. The flies were so numerous that we had to vacuum them from the windows and/or floors and constantly clean the glass, the blinds and the woodwork. They were a problem in every room including the bedrooms where they would cluster together in the corners of the ceiling and hang about in the curtains, leaving behind their dirt specks on the material.

We tried fly papers (only slightly effective) but disgusting to look at, an electric fly zapper while we were away in the city (perfectly horrible in the kitchen). We tried several makes of vacuums - from dustbusters that were not strong enough to cope; to 2 electric brooms and other more powerful hand held vacuums. No amount of vacuuming, sweeping or washing of floors, glass or woodwork made the slightest difference. When guests come, we were even more vigilant.

Last Spring we started using the Powder Traps™ which we have put on just about every window in the farmhouse. The cluster flies fly into them and they do not come out again. There is no noise and our windows are virtually clear even on bright sunny days when before the flies would be living on the inside of the glass inside our rooms. There are no more dirt specks on the curtains, windows and woodwork and we are no longer sweeping and vacuuming up cluster flies daily. In the past it was more than once a day.

It is truly pleasant now to live in our farm house. We can now invite guests to join us in a clean environment - and we do not worry that the flies will be all over the kitchen windows, floors, or buzz the lights when we read at night. All of this change is due entirely to the Powder Traps™. The fact is, they work!

We look forward to seeing a good stock of Powder Traps™ in stores across Canada.

Sincerely, Michael Pitman and Ruth Pitman                                               Warsaw, Ontario

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