We Thought So

The Independent (07.18.05):

"Flies evade the swatter by jumping, not flying, scientists say." How flies avoid a swat

When you try to swat them, they "jump forward and away from the threat." They are fast little bastards, "capable of reacting to movement in 1/50th of a second, and when fleeing predators - or a rolled-up newspaper - can make 90-degree turns in less than 1/50,000th of a second." So make sure you lead 'em a little.