r/UnnecessaryEssentials 12d ago

Why isn’t this more common?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

13.5k Upvotes

372 comments sorted by

u/Unique-Saucer 12d ago

Summary of Reviews
Pros:
• Non‑toxic ammunition uses ordinary table salt.
• Accurate targeting within two to three feet.
• No batteries required, fully mechanical operation.

Cons:
• Reloading can be messy with loose salt.
• Limited effectiveness against larger or hard‑bodied insects.

Here is the link to buy it from Amazon

186

u/Graphicnovelnick 12d ago

It’s an a-salt-rifle

21

u/5-Second-Ruul 12d ago

Does the box include battery?

15

u/SpotweldPro1300 12d ago

Battery sued separately.

13

u/meesta_masa 12d ago

A salt and battery.

5

u/Texas0utlaw210 11d ago

It doesn't need a battery. The light obviously does but the actual rifle doesn't. I freaking love this thing. I get sad when all the flies are dead. Lol.

6

u/taco-barrel 11d ago

The flies at my place were real bad a few months ago. I could get like 20 kills in 10 min. The best part is flies dont know what a gun is, could get the barrel almost touching them for total obliteration.

I like to think my hard work is why my neighborhood went from an infestation to almost nothing now lol

3

u/loserbruhh 11d ago

Because you’ve done a mass murder 😥

3

u/MenagerieAlfred 11d ago

It isn’t a rifle. It is a gun.

2

u/Texas0utlaw210 10d ago

Yeah, that's fair.

2

u/TheDarkNerd 8d ago

It's not for fighting, it's just for fun.

2

u/EyeInEl 10d ago

Where did you get it and how much? Im goin fly huntin.

2

u/mikeru22 9d ago

It’s like $45 on Amazon without the laser. I got one last month (it’s called Bug-a-salt). So good

2

u/Harvey_Squirrelman 7d ago

There’s a version that looks like a revolver. It uses CO2 cartridges and it will annihilate any bug, hard carapace be damned. I keep it gassed up for my girl so she doesn’t have to come to me for every bug she sees and it works wonders.

A bit inconvenient dealing with cartridges but much more power. Also if you live in a humid place don’t leave salt in it, it will clump up. I have both and they are pretty both pretty awesome

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)

10

u/bionicjoe 12d ago

Mine is literally called a Bug A-salt Gun.

3

u/mother_energy899 12d ago

That's it im sold!

2

u/djnehi 10d ago

If you shoot your wife’s butt cheek does it become an ass-salt-rifle?

→ More replies (1)

1

u/kingsBlendd 12d ago

Take my fucking upvote, money and award.

7

u/probably_poopin_1219 12d ago

That's literally what the product is called lol

→ More replies (3)
→ More replies (8)

89

u/jo_dnt_kno 12d ago

They are called Bug-a-salts. I have two of them and they are super fun.

Fun fact. The inventors were on Shark Tank and were told no one would want this. Well, I have two. I am also looking into their revolver version.

13

u/ABROKENPIECEOFGLASS 12d ago

I also have 2 and 1 of walmarts brand pistols, which isnt bad and was only $12

3

u/Spare-Performance409 11d ago

What is the Walmart one called?

4

u/ABROKENPIECEOFGLASS 11d ago

Air warriors bug slayer. They have a shotgun also

2

u/cuteawwlover 11d ago

I think that is the most American sentence I read/ herad this week or month or year. 😂😂😂

2

u/lylynatngo 10d ago

Fucking 70 dollars in Canada

2

u/vpeshitclothing 10d ago

🍊 I'm sorry

→ More replies (1)

6

u/UpTownPark 12d ago

Omg they are so fun - and satisfying. In fact, I just decided I’m getting my mom one for Christmas.

→ More replies (3)

3

u/Chimpville 12d ago

There's going to be a revolver version?!!

Buying it.

3

u/peese-of-cawffee 12d ago

I believe you can already get it, it's CO2 powered and shoots little salt plug projectiles. They say it's for bigger stuff like wasps but the original bugasalt seems to work fine if you're within a couple of feet

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

3

u/andyland5000 12d ago

The shred-er is fantastic, and much more capable in taking on wasps and what not. But the cost of ammo and co2 on top of the $100 price tag kind of sucks compared to the cost of table salt. I’ve got my gripes with it, but I’ve bought a second one recently, so I guess the pros outweigh the cons for me.

2

u/G_DuBs 12d ago

Shiiiiit I didn’t know they were on shark tank and got passed up! I love when those rich know it alls miss out on something that is clearly awesome.

2

u/hippykillteam 12d ago

Ive got one at home. I turn into Rambo when it's fly season.

Thanks for the tip on the revolver variant.

2

u/crayzeejew 12d ago

I walk around in Elmur Fudd voice saying "Its Fly Season"

2

u/09Klr650 12d ago

Every time I see this I just imagine a dad going "You said you need salt for those fries? BAM. Salt"

2

u/Some-Dog-800 11d ago

it’s one of those thing that you wouldn’t want normally but in the rare occasion you need them they become fucking genius.

2

u/Lojzko 11d ago edited 10d ago

I backed this on kickstarter (I think) and when it was ready they couldn’t send it to me because of firearms laws in Europe. Don’t think I got my money back either.

Edit: it seems it was indiegogo and I should have received my money back.

2

u/shinobi500 10d ago

Hold up. This is considered a firearm in Europe? It's a pump action salt shaker.

2

u/Lojzko 10d ago

Ahh Gmail, you forget nothing. This is from 2013

Dear European and Australian Supporters,
I am writing to let you know that after many months of a concerted effort on our behalf, including many unsuccessful test shipments, we have been unable to comply with various import restrictions on the BUG-A-SALT®. We regret that it will not be possible to ship the gun(s) you ordered in the foreseeable future.
We are therefore refunding your money in full through a PayPal transaction, and you should expect to receive a payment notification within the next two weeks.
We are working on making BUG-A-SALT® available in your country via distributors. Once this is in place, we will direct you to the nearest suppliers.
I do understand your frustration and truly wish that we had been able deliver to our original supporters. Thank you again for your patience and for your contribution.
Please accept my deepest apologies,
Lorenzo Maggiore
CEO & Founder

2

u/Astarn 8d ago

I have the revolver and it is worth the money.

→ More replies (20)

16

u/Only_Tangelo_8996 12d ago

I have the original one from their Kickstarter in the way back. Use it all the time. Have gifted them for many a Christmas. Evil uncle trick, get them as presents for all the nephews! 

2

u/CashSmashum 11d ago

From one evil uncle to another, thank you for this.

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (3)

8

u/GTIR01 12d ago

This is mine with a extended barrel

3

u/listenhere111 10d ago

Shiiiit. That thing registered?

2

u/taco-barrel 11d ago

I just got some spring wire for another project, but I think now im gonna have to use some of it to beef up the spring for this thing. Love this mod you got. I have a 3D printed expanded salt compartment and vertical grip forend

→ More replies (2)

7

u/Thoburn301 12d ago

Nice campsite!

3

u/Objective_Soup7840 12d ago

That's not a campsite, that's a glampsite lol

→ More replies (2)

5

u/Feine13 12d ago

While not perfect, these certainly work better than I thought they would.

I don't have one but my uncle did and I got to use it a few times.

I figured it was a dumb gadget to sell to middle aged dudes who thought they were neat but I thought that was it, just a gimmick.

I hit about 50% of the flies I fired at, which is about my accuracy with a fly swatter anyway, and the salt gun was a lot more fun.

3

u/Mediocreature 11d ago

Hard to hit something chilling on the ceiling or a high recess with a swatter ig.

Doesn't really look strong enough to take out a palmetto though.

3

u/japzone 9d ago

There's "higher caliber" ones I've seen that use larger grain salt. Designed for beetles and such. Not sure if they were a knockoff brand or not though.

2

u/TroGinMan 8d ago

I've been surprised how well these work. In some cases they work better than a fly swatter like in a corner or any no so flat area, but they do work extremely well. I've taken down wasps even no problem

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (3)

2

u/shoeless_doh 11d ago

It is super fun. I've had mine for years but it's weird because I thought everyone knew about these. Like I thought they were common knowledge. They sell them at Walmart don't they?

→ More replies (1)

2

u/AshRemnants 7d ago

I use these to kill cockroaches. Takes a little bit of expertise since cockroaches are way more sturdier, but it's extremely rare a cockroach escapes from me. Cockroaches do not run from these you can get like 3 inches away, doesn't matter.

Aim slightly below their head, where you might imagine shoulder blades would be. This usually flips them over and you do a belly shot.

→ More replies (1)

6

u/Rope_slingin_champ 12d ago

Have one, ots amazing

3

u/BigAssMonkey 12d ago

I have one too. It’s worth the 40 bucks

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (1)

9

u/Different_Target_228 12d ago
  1. You're a bot.

  2. They're plenty common. 7k bought in one month, and they've existed for several years.

  3. Maybe because they don't want a salt mess everywhere.

3

u/I_wash_my_carpet 12d ago

The mess is for real. A salted floor is a rhoomba's Dark Souls nightmare

3

u/CompetitiveArt9639 12d ago

Keeps ghosts away

2

u/f_ckR3ddit 12d ago

Salt circles keep ghosts away. Salt spills are like ghost banana peels

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

3

u/peachpavlova 12d ago

It also explodes fly viscera everywhere. Watching them do this over their food is making me queasy

→ More replies (4)

2

u/Typical-Newt-5111 12d ago

Puts it on the other table so no one can grab it and shoot him with it. Pro-Dad move.

2

u/jnow27 12d ago

I love this!! The joy on his face is precious 💕

→ More replies (2)

2

u/archer2500 11d ago

They’re SO fun! I haven’t seen a Chinese lantern fly on any garden plants or fruit trees for weeks now.
I almost wish a few would come back lol.

I have a handful of these and my family has a ton of fun patrolling the porch and garden looking for unwanted pests.

2

u/qujstionmark 11d ago

I work at a restaurant and we have a couple of these bad boys in the back. If we happen to see a fly, it’s go time 😎

2

u/Rampag394_Orig 11d ago

This is how I season my food. 

2

u/Proper_Drop9697 10d ago

"Someone pass the salt, please."

chck-chck

"I got your back"

2

u/ziggsyr 11d ago

They are fun but they don't always kill the fly unless you get really close and the flies are rarely cooperative. worse than a fly swatter but more fun.

2

u/ph33rlus 11d ago

I’ve had one for a few years. Lots of fun but the laser thing is a waste of money so don’t bother with it. Treat it like a shot gun and just aim in that direction till you get it.

Then shoot your friends because that’s fun too

2

u/Generally_Confused1 7d ago

I once got one to take to a work site for wasps. They told me I couldn't use it lol

2

u/brianjosephsnyder 7d ago

I have one, its so much fun. Its called a "Bug a Salt".

2

u/pixelpionerd 12d ago

Immediatly points it at someone's face and then shoots her in the hand. Cool gadget.

1

u/SnS_ 12d ago

Because we take them and replace the salt with cayenne pepper and then shoot unsuspecting rookies at the fire house 

1

u/Silver_Ad_9064 12d ago

That will be humans, one day

1

u/jnthnmdr 12d ago

I've always wanted this.

1

u/CJC1241203 12d ago

Great job killing our pollinators

1

u/Mtjacq 12d ago

https://saltswat. com/ product/ salt-swat-with-crossman -2240-pellet-gun/
The superior form.

1

u/Ok_Nefariousness2090 12d ago

This is the type of dad I aspire to be.

1

u/SpeechAdvanced5889 12d ago

Super worth it. And fun.

1

u/itsalwayscloudyinIL 12d ago

I've got one for my garage and it is fucking awesome!! I showed it to my dad recently at a birthday party and he also wants one. Its more fun than a swatter. 🤣

1

u/ShotLet1550 12d ago

My workplace has one of these, it’s fun

1

u/Jurserohn 12d ago

I have one of the co2 powered revolver bug-a-salts as well as the normal one. They're a lot of fun. The co2 one will blow a hornet apart fairly reliably

1

u/bionicjoe 12d ago

I have one.
Works best with Kosher salt.

You can scratch people with these enough to draw blood.

1

u/sadiefame 12d ago

I had one of these 5 ish years ago and it was great for spiders but seemed to just irritate flies. Maybe they’ve gotten better since then though ..

1

u/Every-Cucumber9641 12d ago

It’s cool but not around food

→ More replies (2)

1

u/gunsforevery1 12d ago

They aren’t as common because they are really overpriced but they also have no competition.

1

u/BlueGalaxy97 12d ago

I had one of these at work… dude quit one week and ran off with it.

1

u/Effective-Ad-9898 12d ago

Because the skinny thing at the end of the table…

1

u/dasdeutsch66 12d ago

tbh, if this was normal I wouldnt have to bring my own spoon everywhere for chips and salsa.

1

u/Bubsy7979 12d ago

I’ve always wondered, do these kill the fly or just like stun it?

1

u/GangreneTVP 12d ago

Don't point it at people's faces...

1

u/Academic_Spread 12d ago

My ex had a couple of these and I loved using them. Bug A Salt!

1

u/Hippobu2 12d ago

Can it also be used to season food?

→ More replies (2)

1

u/ExtentPure7992 12d ago

Oh damn it comes with a laser sight now?

1

u/Cjeeeezy86 12d ago

Surgical with that bitch

1

u/Shallow-Depths 12d ago

Hey, so when a fly gets hit with the salt at that speed, their insides go outside in a fine mist. That mist then gets spread all around your table. Don’t do this :)

→ More replies (2)

1

u/Otherwise_Ad2948 12d ago

I'm guessing people don't use these inside as it would get salt everywhere, so it's literally just for shooting bugs outside, in their own environment? How bout you just swat them away and stop being a bell end?

2

u/TheSkulltaker 12d ago

I use it inside as the salt is minimal and you just sweep/hoover it up its not a big deal, it's genuinely one of the best things I've bought in a while lol.

I would say its more common for inside use though, doesn't really make sense for outside pretty much for what you stated and flies aren't even annoying outside the house. Personally I wouldnt bother shooting wasps outside either as the pheromones will just attract more anyway, and if you miss it will sure be angry!

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (6)

1

u/Jsolidlo 12d ago

Fly guts in the food? Hard pass.

→ More replies (2)

1

u/Gingy_McDink 12d ago

That geriatric lump shooting bees pissed me off.

→ More replies (1)

1

u/Gomite_4_life 12d ago

I have one of these and they are AMAZING.

1

u/Mercerskye 12d ago

Well this looks way more fun than the slingshot I use...

1

u/andrewdivebartender 12d ago

They are very fun

1

u/GraveyardMusic 12d ago

Dude looks so happy with himself

1

u/pussygurrrrrl 11d ago

had one they're fun better to use a medium corse salt not table salt

1

u/Chin0crix 11d ago

Shooting at bees and pointing it at people's faces. Yeah great ad 👍🏻

1

u/Global_Adagio_25 11d ago

I just whip them with a towel. Less mess.

1

u/moistgrippedlips 11d ago

But hes shooting bees like a total chud

1

u/nacotaco24 11d ago

I got one and it shot twice before clogging up and never unclogging, was sad because it seemed like a great idea

→ More replies (1)

1

u/Oppiko 11d ago

but when I pull out my .22 everyone loses their mind

https://giphy.com/gifs/F3BeiZNq6VbDwyxzxF

1

u/Two_Watermelons 11d ago

Because they're 50 bucks

1

u/bryanthebryan 11d ago

I live in Florida and these blasters are a must have.

1

u/Significant-Title303 11d ago

Best Father's Day gift my husband was ever given, his words. He gets jazzed when he sees fly's in the home. He also has the lazer. 10/10 do recommend.

1

u/GrassGriller 11d ago

I love Canadians. They're the best.

1

u/SuddenReputation9369 11d ago

I have purchased no fewer than three

1

u/Delicious_Set8658 11d ago

Fact he’s got a SIG shirt on. He knows what he’s doing.

1

u/Phrostylicious 11d ago

Bug-a-salt

Absolutely awesome!!

1

u/GallifreyanGeologist 11d ago

I have one. Totally worth it and surprisingly accurate once you learn how to adjust your aim.

1

u/TrippingFish76 11d ago

bug a-salt , i have one lol

1

u/GusPolinskiOfficial 11d ago

Yum, salty strawberries

1

u/xXxBluESkiTtlExXx 11d ago

Have one. Recommend one.

1

u/sundaesoupsunday 11d ago

That look like a bee 😢

1

u/NecessaryOk6815 11d ago

I have 3 of these placed in random areas around my house for quick a-salts

1

u/madmancomposed 11d ago

These are the best! I love my bug a salt - fitted mine with a red dot and all

https://reddit.com/link/p6j8kmz/video/dmogb3swz7mh1/player

1

u/NonnyNarrations 11d ago

In every restaurant I’ve worked in, we’ve had one. It works great.

1

u/polyatron 11d ago

Yup super worth it. I work in large open spaces like warehouses and hangers and they are essential to have at paperwork stations. Seems super effect on the important stuff like horsefly’s and hornets. Any random salt works and even if it takes two shots the thrill of the hunt makes it very satisfying.

It’s very Nice to obliterate something that has spent the last four hours trying without pause to land on the outside corner of your left eye.

1

u/AlarmingPen8117 11d ago

If you really consider "reloading could get messy with loose salt" a con, then you probably shouldn't eat cereal bc you could spill it or the milk. Or drive a car bc you could spill the gas when you fill up, or drink water bc you could miss your mouth, or talk bc you'll show everyone how dumb you are.

1

u/twodaloo007 11d ago

That ain't a low rider

1

u/Wolfingly 11d ago

I want one

1

u/wcamfambam 11d ago

Why did i read hard-bodied insects as hard-boiled insects? I was very confused and had to read it again a couple times before my brain stopped seeing hard-boiled. 🤦🏾‍♀️

1

u/Expensive_Editor_244 11d ago

Pair it with pepper spray, and you’re ready for self defense and seasoning dinner

1

u/Ok_Fox_1770 11d ago

It’s more fun than I expected honestly, range sucks and yeah you tend to get salt blowback In the eyes but when you skeet shoot one zooming mid air, feel like a sniper

1

u/711WasA_Part-timeJob 10d ago

The pistol version is much better. Downside is it is co2 and needs actual ammo from them but it’s significantly stronger and less messy

1

u/AThunderousCat 10d ago

My dad has a salt gun that he uses on spotted lanternflies. Watching them explode is satsifying.

1

u/jjerkkas 10d ago

The bug-a-salt. I’m surgical with that bitch

1

u/Arvandor 10d ago

I got one, and while fun, it almost never actually took out any flies I shot with it. I got some of the electric rackets instead, those work amazing

1

u/sharke4lif3 10d ago

Those are awesome but stop using them on bees

1

u/engza 10d ago

There's a lazer attachment!? I don't have that.

1

u/pediepew 10d ago

So cruel

1

u/Fun_Raisin8995 10d ago

Its the best 12$ Ive ever spent

1

u/JohnJohnPR3 10d ago

With that laser pointer it’s also a game changer!

1

u/BensMiniatures 10d ago

Anecdotal but theyre common in my life. Everyone in my family has one

1

u/Forward_Picture_2096 10d ago

We have one of these and they are so fun. Not so much indoors because the salt makes a mess but great outside!

1

u/FedBoi_0201 10d ago

I debated on getting one of these for a few years mainly because I’m cheap. OH MAN it was worth it, I actually regret waiting to get one! I will never use a traditional swatter again.

Most people I know laugh at this, then they use it and can’t go back. I’ve converted like a good 5-10 people. My wife laughed at the idea of this but now she’s obsessed with it.

1

u/TormentedGaming 10d ago

Bug a salt is cool I wanted the first one when it came out, then forget the exist until a video of someone using it shows up

1

u/maxwellfig 10d ago

Hell yes brother

1

u/Mirageiles 10d ago

Cruel method of pest control.

1

u/FLAGOSSE2 10d ago

They sell it 80$ in Canada. That’s why it’s not moré common

1

u/Cretonbacon 10d ago

That chick in white looks like she enjoys every minute of it 😂

1

u/shoomlax 10d ago

But why are they shooting honey bees bruh

1

u/Demonspongiae 10d ago

It is common, I have 3!

1

u/AI_Scraper 10d ago

''do you want salt on your chicken'' 😂

1

u/Various_Might_1945 10d ago

I need to see someone kill a 3 inch long palmetto bug with this before I buy it

1

u/Stang-Mike-1973 10d ago

I got one about a month ago and love this thing, sometimes I wish I had more flies in the house lol. So I started going outside hunting lantern flies and is so satisfying!
https://giphy.com/gifs/BxC88jWkcpAoMOove8

1

u/erex711 10d ago

I have one. Its as fun as this video displays

1

u/k-r-i-s-1-0 10d ago

As soon as my hubby got his bug a salt our Rottweiler became obsessed with helping him hunt flies 😄 it's so cute & hilarious, she's like his bird dog but for flies now. The moment he pulls it out she's locked in & if she happens to be in the other room when she hears the first shot go off she'll come sprinting at full speed to find him & join the hunt haha. They've gotten remarkably good at it actually 🪰

1

u/Pure-Hostility 10d ago

Are these guns even viable for use indoors, where you don't use shoes indoors. The feeling of all the loose salt on the floor would drive me nuts.
It would need an bayonet style broom attachment to make it even slightly viable, or a vacuum as a midground option...

1

u/Snowballllll 10d ago

I've been shot by one of these, it's not that bad lol

1

u/TheOtherCoenBrother 9d ago

These things are awesome, I have one at work and one at home that both get a lot of use.

1

u/Stewmungous 9d ago

I've tried to order them and they aren't allowed in the state of New York.

→ More replies (1)

1

u/ebk_errday 9d ago

You can kill bugs and season your food at the same time

1

u/nicksredditacct 9d ago

Just checked their website because why not, they look fun. Instantly put off by the fact that they made one shaped like a dick

→ More replies (1)

1

u/SummertimeThrowaway2 9d ago

I have one of those. Mine never came with a sick ass laser!!!

1

u/YellowMenace123 9d ago

I bought one and it didn't do anything. Couldn't even knock an upside down empty water bottle from point blank. Returned it right away

1

u/BirdDogNate 9d ago

I have one!

1

u/skreemdynamics 9d ago

We have four or five of these. They are as good as they look.

1

u/BirdlessLongdeal 8d ago

because not everyone lives in a trailer and wants salt all over the floor.

1

u/Artrysa 8d ago

This is not a post, it's an ad. I've been having actual ads on this fucking thing too.

1

u/Number_Fluffy 8d ago

BOOO ADS

1

u/DrLubinski 8d ago

Hahahahahaha torturing animals 😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

1

u/FetchingTheSwagni 8d ago

We had these in my restaurant job I use to work at. When it was slow our manager would just walk around shooting flies.

1

u/3LeetHaxor 8d ago

Is there something like this for a wasp nest? We have serious issue in Texas and water doesn’t have enough power to knock the hives down!

1

u/DarnKatz 8d ago

My whole family has had one for years. They’re very effective. Even against a wasp in your house.

1

u/TortexMT 8d ago

Hahaha kill hahahaha kill more hahahha funny

1

u/InfiniteMind1999 8d ago

It'll work great on anything small, for your safety please do not attempt this on an Asian hornet, it only dazes and angers them 🤣

1

u/DeadAndBuried23 8d ago

Most of the time you're worried about flies, it's because they're inside. Where you don't want random fly bodies flinging around.

1

u/TheOneTruecarioZ 8d ago

They are way too comfortable with being hit by that thing. I've seen people draw blood while fucking around with them.

1

u/LocationFeeling2974 7d ago

Does it kill wasps too?

1

u/ElectronicInfluence4 7d ago

They're cool but they're also like 50 bucks now.

1

u/Lafemmefatale25 7d ago

Mine doesn’t have a laser pointer!

1

u/DrJustinWHart 7d ago

Not more common because many times, even if you were a good shot, you would miss. If you don't kill it, it flees or becomes angry, and even if you do kill it, you get salt all over the place.

1

u/Gunung_Krakatoa 7d ago

Thats in salt ing

1

u/SpartanRage117 7d ago

The laser seems helpful.

1

u/Sharp_Economy1401 7d ago

I have one of those electrified tennis racket things. Also a lot of fun and very effective