The foolproof trap to eliminate house flies: you won’t see one around

Optional: A piece of fruit like a banana or a small bit of meat for added bait.

How to Make the Fly Trap

1. Prepare the Container: Start with a clean, clear jar or a plastic bottle. If using a plastic bottle, cut off the top (just below the neck) to create a funnel shape. This makes it easy for the flies to enter but hard for them to escape. If you’re using a jar, you can skip this step.
2. Mix the Bait: Pour 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar into the jar or bottle. Flies are irresistibly attracted to the smell of vinegar, so this will act as the perfect lure. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to sweeten the vinegar, enhancing its appeal. If you want to make the bait even more tempting, you can add a small piece of overripe fruit, such as a banana peel, or a little leftover meat.
3. Add Dish Soap: Add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar, which causes the flies to sink when they land on it. This is the key to making the trap effective. Without the soap, the flies could land on the surface, walk around, and fly away. With the soap, they’ll get stuck in the liquid and drown.
4. Create the Funnel (If Using a Bottle): If you’re using a plastic bottle, invert the top section and place it into the body of the bottle, forming a funnel shape. The flies will be attracted to the bait, fly into the bottle, and then have a harder time finding their way back out.
5. Place the Trap: Set the trap near the areas where you’ve seen the most fly activity. Ideal spots include kitchen counters, trash bins, or near windows. If you’re dealing with a persistent fly problem, you can set up multiple traps around your home.
6. Dispose of the Flies: After a day or two, you’ll start to notice the flies getting trapped in the mixture. Once the trap is full, simply dispose of it in the trash and set up a fresh one.

Why It Works

The combination of apple cider vinegar and sugar is irresistible to house flies. They are attracted to the sweet and fermented scent, which mimics the smell of decaying organic matter—a fly’s favorite food source. The dish soap ensures that once the flies enter the trap, they won’t escape, as it disrupts their ability to land and fly away.

The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. You don’t need to purchase toxic chemicals or expensive fly traps from the store. This natural solution not only catches flies but also prevents the spread of bacteria since it doesn’t involve any harmful chemicals or sprays.

Additional Tips for Keeping Flies Away

While this trap will take care of the immediate problem, you can combine it with other simple measures to prevent flies from returning:

• Seal windows and doors: Flies often enter through cracks or gaps in windows and doors. Make sure screens are intact and close windows when possible.
• Clean up food debris: Make sure to clean up crumbs and food scraps immediately. Flies are drawn to food waste, so maintaining a clean kitchen will make your home less inviting to them.
• Empty trash regularly: Flies are attracted to trash, especially food waste. Be sure to take out the trash regularly and keep trash cans tightly sealed.
• Use herbs and essential oils: Flies dislike certain smells, such as basil, lavender, and eucalyptus. You can plant these herbs around your home or use essential oils to repel them.

Conclusion

House flies don’t stand a chance against this foolproof homemade fly trap. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create an effective, natural solution to eliminate flies from your home. Once you set up the trap, you’ll notice a significant decrease in fly activity. Say goodbye to the buzzing and enjoy a cleaner, more hygienic environment. Trust us—after using this trap, you won’t see a fly around again!