Flies can be a major nuisance when they invade your home. Not only are they annoying, but they can also spread germs and bacteria. The best way to control flies indoors is through non-chemical methods like fly traps. Here are 5 easy DIY fly traps you can make at home using common household items.
Why Flies Are a Problem
Flies reproduce rapidly and can quickly become a big issue if left unchecked. A single female fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. These eggs hatch into larvae within just 24 hours. The larvae then mature into adult flies in only 7-10 days. This means the fly population can explode exponentially in just a couple of weeks.
Flies also pose health risks by transferring germs and bacteria wherever they land. They pick up pathogens from garbage, fecal matter, and rotting food. When they come into your home, they can transfer these germs to your food, surfaces, and utensils. Flies have been linked to diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.
For these reasons, it’s important to control flies and keep their numbers down through effective fly management strategies.
Benefits of DIY Fly Traps
DIY fly traps allow you to get rid of flies without using harsh chemicals and pesticides. They provide a natural way to reduce the fly population around your home. Here are some of the benefits of homemade fly traps:
- Chemical-free pest control
- Safe for use around food, people, and pets
- Cost-effective and reusable
- Easy to make with common household items
- Help break the fly life cycle by trapping adults
- Better for the environment than pesticides
5 DIY Fly Traps to Make at Home
1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
This simple trap uses vinegar and dish soap to lure and drown flies. The vinegar provides an irresistible scent that attracts flies while the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid so flies sink and drown once they land.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Few drops of dish soap
- Jar/bowl
Instructions:
- Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar or bowl.
- Add a couple drops of dish soap and swirl gently to combine.
- Place the trap wherever you want to catch flies.
2. Rotting Fruit Trap
This trap uses decaying fruit to entice flies. Fruit flies are especially drawn to the scent of fermenting fruits and vegetables.
What You’ll Need:
- Old ripe fruit such as banana peels, strawberries, mango or melon slices
- Plastic wrap
- Toothpicks or fork
- Mason jar
Instructions:
- Place the chopped ripe fruit in the bottom of the mason jar.
- Cover the top with plastic wrap and seal it on with toothpicks or a fork.
- Poke several small holes in the plastic wrap.
- Set the trap out in an area where you see flies congregating.
3. Red Wine Vinegar Trap
Red wine vinegar has an especially attractive odor for flies. For this trap, you’ll combine wine vinegar with soap and a funnel to direct the flies into the solution.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- Few drops of dish soap
- Jar
- Paper funnel
Instructions:
- Mix the red wine vinegar and dish soap in a jar.
- Roll the paper funnel and place it in the mouth of the jar with the narrow end facing down into the vinegar solution.
- Put the trap out in a problem area and wait for flies to land on the paper funnel and fall into the jar.
4. Water Bottle Trap
With this trap, you’ll puncture holes in a water bottle and bait it with sugary liquid to tempt flies to enter. Once inside, the angled neck of the bottle prevents them from escaping.
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic water or soda bottle
- Scissors
- Sugary liquid like maple syrup, fruit juice, or sugar water
Instructions:
- Cut the top third off the bottle using scissors.
- Invert the top cut portion and place it back into the base like a funnel.
- Add 2-3 inches of sugary liquid to the base.
- Position the trap in an area where flies are present.
5. Funnel Trap
You can easily make a funnel trap from a 2-liter bottle. The funnel guides the flies into the trap filled with an attractant solution.
What You’ll Need:
- 2-liter plastic bottle, washed out
- Scissors
- Sugary liquid bait like maple syrup, fruit juice or vinegar
- Dish soap
Instructions:
- Cut the bottle in half to make a funnel shape.
- Add bait liquid to the base.
- Put a drop of dish soap into the liquid.
- Arrange the funnel end facing down into the liquid.
- Place the trap where flies are found.
Tips for Using DIY Fly Traps Effectively
- Place traps near fly entry points like windows and doors.
- Switch up the bait liquid regularly as flies become desensitized.
- Use many traps and place them in different areas to attract more flies.
- Clean traps frequently to prevent new fly eggs in old bait liquid.
- Pair traps with other methods like cleaning up food spills promptly.
- Monitor fly numbers to see if the traps are working well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the bait liquid?
Change the bait liquid every 2-3 days. Flies will become used to the same scent so rotating the bait keeps them interested.
Where is the best place to position fly traps?
The best spots are on counters or suspended from ceilings or rafters where flies are active. Place them near windows, doors, trash cans, compost bins, and other fly magnets.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, while apple cider and red wine vinegar work best, you can also use white, rice, or balsamic vinegar in traps. Avoid distilled white vinegar as it is not as attractive.
What dish soap should I use?
Any brand of unscented dish soap will work. Dish soap helps break the surface tension of the liquid so flies sink more readily.
How many fly traps should I use?
Start with 3-4 traps placed in areas you see the most flies. Monitor their effectiveness and add more traps if needed to cover all problem areas. The more traps, the faster you’ll gain control over the fly population.
Conclusion
DIY fly traps are an inexpensive, non-toxic solution you can easily make at home to deal with pesky fly problems. Rotting fruit, vinegar, sugar water, and dish soap make excellent fly bait. Use many traps and move them around to different spots for the best results. Maintain cleanliness and promptly remove food spills to prevent flies from breeding. With some diligent trapping, you’ll soon have your fly situation under control.