The most effective homemade trap for common house flies often utilizes a bait that mimics their preferred food sources, which are typically decaying organic matter, sweet substances, or fermenting materials, combined with a design that prevents escape. For smaller flying insects, such as those drawn to fermented fruit odors, a different, highly successful method is available.
Best Homemade House Fly Trap
For common house flies, a simple and effective trap can be created using a plastic bottle and a fermenting bait. This type of trap attracts house flies with a strong odor and then traps them inside.
How to Make a House Fly Bottle Trap:
-
Materials:
- An empty plastic bottle (e.g., a 2-liter soda bottle)
- Scissors or a utility knife
- Bait (see below for options)
- A few drops of liquid dish soap
- Tape (optional, for securing the funnel)
-
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bottle: Carefully cut the top third of the plastic bottle off.
- Create the Funnel: Invert the cut-off top piece and place it upside down into the bottom portion of the bottle, creating a funnel. The bottle's opening should point downwards into the larger base. You can tape the edges together if needed for stability.
- Add Bait: Pour one of the following bait mixtures into the bottom of the trap. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the bait. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing flies that land on it to sink and drown.
- Sugar & Yeast Bait: Mix about 1/4 cup of sugar with 1 cup of warm water, and add a pinch of active dry yeast. The yeast will begin to ferment the sugar, producing carbon dioxide and an attractive scent for flies.
- Sweetened Vinegar Bait: While not as potent for common house flies as for other smaller insects, some house flies may be attracted to a mix of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water.
- Meat/Fruit Bait: A small piece of overripe fruit or a tiny scrap of raw meat (placed in a small cup or on a platform to prevent direct contact with water if using a non-liquid bait) can also be highly attractive to house flies due to strong odors.
-
Placement: Place the trap outdoors, away from main entrances, or in areas where flies are a particular nuisance. Ensure it's in a location where its odor won't be problematic.
Alternative Trap for Smaller Flies (e.g., Fruit Flies)
For different types of smaller flying insects, particularly those strongly drawn to the scent of fermentation, a highly effective homemade trap can be made using a simple combination of household items. This method has been shown to be exceptionally good at attracting and trapping these tiny pests.
-
Materials:
- A jar
- Lid for the jar
- Hammer and nail (to punch holes)
- Approximately 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of liquid dish soap
-
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lid: Punch a few tiny holes in the jar's lid using a hammer and nail. The holes should be small enough to make it difficult for the flies to escape once inside.
- Add Ingredients: Fill the jar with about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
- Add Soap: Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar. As with the house fly trap, the dish soap reduces the surface tension of the liquid, ensuring that the insects drown rather than simply landing on the surface and flying away.
- Seal and Place: Securely screw the lid onto the jar. Leave the trap out in areas where these smaller flies are present, such as near fruit bowls or in kitchens.
Optimizing Your Homemade Fly Traps
Regardless of the type of trap you choose, consider these tips for maximizing effectiveness:
- Location, Location, Location: Place traps near known fly activity but out of direct sunlight, which can dry out baits.
- Bait Freshness: Refresh baits every few days, or as soon as they become less effective or dry out.
- Safety: Position traps out of reach of children and pets.
- Cleanliness: Regularly empty and clean traps to maintain hygiene and prevent new infestations.
| Trap Type | Target Fly Type | Primary Attractant | Key Component for Trapping | Ideal Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle Trap | Common House Flies | Fermenting (Yeast/Sugar), Decaying Meat/Fruit | Funnel, Dish Soap | Outdoor/Near Entryways |
| Jar Trap (Vinegar) | Smaller Flies (e.g., Fruit Flies) | Apple Cider Vinegar | Small Holes in Lid, Dish Soap | Indoor/Kitchen |
By understanding the specific attractants for different fly species, you can deploy the most effective homemade trap for your situation.
