Discover how to make a cost-effective homemade fly trap using items you already have around your home. You’ll find easy step-by-step instructions in the guide below.

Flies can be a nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Chemical-based pesticides may work well to rid your home of these pesky insects, but they bring toxins into your home and take a toll on your budget. Homemade fly traps do the job well without hurting your health and wallet. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about making effective DIY fly traps to help you get rid of flies.

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Types of Homemade Fly Traps

Homemade fly traps are easy to make and free of toxins. You likely have most of the materials and ingredients you need at home already.

Water Bottle Fly Trap

The water (or soda) bottle fly trap is the easiest to make. For this project, you need the following materials:

• Bait, such as a piece of overripe fruit or sugar
• Dish soap
• Empty plastic bottle
• Sharp knife or scissors
• Tape or stapler
• Water

Take the following steps to build this trap: 

1. Cut the top third of the bottle off with a knife or scissors.
2. Mix water with a few drops of dish soap in the bottom part of the bottle and add your chosen bait.
3. Invert the top part of the bottle and place it into the bottom part, creating a funnel.
4. Tape or staple the edges of the bottle to secure the funnel in place.

The soda bottle trap works by attracting flies with the bait and then trapping them inside the bottle. The dish soap helps break the surface tension of the water, making it difficult for flies to escape. However, this type of trap may not be aesthetically pleasing. You have to replace the bait regularly for the trap to remain effective.

Plastic Wrap Fly Trap

This type of trap can work well both indoors and outdoors. The key to its effectiveness is strategic placement. For this project, you’ll need the following:

• Bait
• Plastic wrap
• Rubber band
• Shallow dish or container (can be a glass jar)
• Toothpick

Here are the instructions:

1. Place the bait in the bottom of the container.
2. Stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the container.
3. Secure it with a rubber band.
4. Use a toothpick (or fork) to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap.

This trap attracts flies to the bait and traps them underneath the plastic wrap. The holes allow the flies to enter but make it difficult for them to escape. This trap is easy to make, but you must inspect the plastic wrap regularly and replace it if it’s dirty or damaged.

Paper Cone Fly Trap

This trap is the most ecological option since it uses only natural materials (no plastic). Here’s what you need for this project:

• Bait
• Glass container
• Piece of paper or cardstock, which will last longer
• Tape or staples

Here’s how to make a paper cone fly trap:

• Roll the paper into a cone shape, leaving a small opening at the pointed end.
• Tape or staple the cone to hold its shape.
• Place the bait in the bottom of the container.
• Insert the narrow end of the cone into the container, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bait.

The paper cone trap lures flies into the container through the small opening, making it difficult for them to find their way out. It may not be as effective at trapping large numbers of flies as other traps.

Wine Fly Trap

This trap contains wine, but you’ll only need a little. This small amount helps with odor. Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

• A shallow dish or container
• Liquid dish soap
• Wine (red or white)

You can make this homemade fly trap in just two steps:

1. Pour half a cup of wine into a shallow dish.
2. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap and mix gently.

Flies are attracted to the scent of the wine and become trapped in the dish. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid. You can set up multiple traps in different rooms. However, they may appear unsightly after a while because of the dead flies. Remember to refresh the wine regularly for the best effect.

DIY Sticky Flypaper Fly Trap

Why buy sticky flypaper when you can make one yourself? Here are the ingredients and materials you will need:

• Cardboard
• Corn syrup or honey
• Granulated sugar
• Scissors
• String
• Water

Here’s how to make it:

1. Cut your cardboard or heavy paper into strips (about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long).
2. In a saucepan, combine equal parts corn syrup (or honey) and water.
3. Add about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the mixture.
4. Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
5. Dip each strip of cardboard into the mixture until it’s completely coated.
6. Allow the excess syrup to drip off.
7. Tie a string to one end of each strip.

Sticky fly paper attracts flies to its adhesive surface, where they become trapped. It’s a cost-effective and straightforward solution for catching flies without using chemicals. However, it can be unsightly and may not be suitable for areas where children or pets can reach it.

Rotting Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies love rotting fruit. You can use this as a weapon against them and create an effective fruit fly trap. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mason jar
• Overripe or rotting fruit 
• Plastic wrap
• Toothpick or fork

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose one or more pieces of overripe or rotting fruit.
2. Place the selected fruit in the bottom of the jar.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
4. Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap.

A rotting fruit fly trap capitalizes on the natural attraction fruit flies have to decaying fruit. As the fruit breaks down, it releases odors that lure fruit flies into the trap. They can’t escape once inside the dish.

This trap is environmentally friendly and safe to use around food. However, it may be less effective for catching other types of flies. You need to replace the bait regularly to avoid unpleasant odors.

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Best Baits for DIY Fly Trap

Choose the most suitable fly trap bait to maximize the effectiveness of your trap. Here are a few baits to consider:

Ripe or Rotting Fruit

Ripe or rotting fruit is one of the most effective baits for attracting fruit flies. As fruits ripen, they release ethylene gas and other compounds that are irresistible to flies. Bananas, apples, grapes, and melons are popular for baiting fruit fly traps.

Vinegar

Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, emits a strong, fruity odor that attracts flies. When combined with other ingredients, such as sugar or syrup, vinegar becomes even more enticing to these insects.

Sugar Water

A mixture of sugar and water creates a sweet solution that appeals to houseflies because it’s a great energy source. Adding a few drops of dish soap to the mixture can help break the surface tension of the water. It doesn’t allow the flies to leave the mixture and causes them to drown.

Fermented Liquids

Fermented liquids such as wine, beer, and even old juice can be as effective bait as overripe fruit. The fermentation process produces strong odors that flies find irresistible. The lactic acid in fermented liquids is a delicacy to fruit flies.

Protein-based baits such as raw meat, fish, and pet food are also possible baits. However, their odors and bacteria growth may not be suitable for indoor fly traps.

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Why Are Flies Attracted to My Home?

Any place where humans live and eat can be attractive to flies. The conditions people create for themselves are also appealing to the insects. Here are some common reasons flies are attracted to your home. 

Food Sources

Flies are attracted to your home because it’s a great source of food. These insects crave leftover food scraps, spilled beverages, and other organic matter for energy.

Breeding Sites

Flies reproduce quickly in warm, moist environments. They also reproduce in the same place they eat. Your home can have many appealing breeding sites, including garbage cans, compost piles, pet waste, clogged drains, and birdbaths. Places where organic matter meets moisture are attractive to flies.

Environmental Conditions

Flies thrive in warm, humid environments because they offer optimal conditions for their reproduction. Poor sanitation, clutter, and inadequate ventilation can contribute to moisture and organic matter buildup. This combination creates a perfect habitat for flies.

Although you may not be able to keep flies out of your home entirely, these hacks can help make your property unattractive to these uninvited guests.

• Avoid leaving food uncovered or exposed for extended periods (especially fruits).
• Clean and sanitize areas where you prepare and eat food regularly, including countertops, floors, and dining tables.
• Clean garbage bins frequently to remove any buildup of food residue.
• Clean pet waste immediately.
• Dispose of garbage regularly.
• Install screens on windows and doors to keep flies out while allowing for ventilation.
• Keep compost piles covered.
• Make sure all garbage bins have tight-fitting lids.
• Remove sources of standing water (clogged drains, leaky faucets, and birdbaths).
• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and vents.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they occur, especially in hard-to-reach places.
• Store food in airtight containers to prevent flies from accessing it.

Install homemade fly traps where you see these insects to maximize the effectiveness of the prevention tips. Experiment with different types of traps and baits to find what works best.

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Our Conclusion

Homemade traps are an effective pest control method and a cheaper alternative to buying a fly trap. You can get rid of the pesky guests without using toxins and chemicals, and homemade traps are easy to make and maintain. They can help you eliminate existing pests as you take preventive measures to make your home unappealing to flies. If you have a fly infestation and cleaning your house while setting up traps doesn’t help, you may need professional pest control.

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FAQ About Homemade Fly Traps

How do I make a homemade fly trap?

The easiest way to make a homemade fly trap is to pour wine mixed with dish soap into a jar and place it where you usually see flies.

What is the best bait for a homemade fly trap?

The best bait for a homemade fly trap is anything that contains sugar, including maple syrup and honey.

Why are flies attracted to my home?

Flies are attracted to your home because they are drawn to an environment with open food sources and moisture-filled breeding sites. If you remove these sources by cleaning thoroughly and hiding the food, the flies aren’t likely to keep coming back.

How can I prevent a fly infestation?

To prevent a fly infestation, cover all your food, remove standing water sources, and dispose of garbage regularly. You can also set up homemade fly traps.

Are homemade fly traps as effective as store-bought ones?

Homemade fly traps can be as effective as store-bought ones without bringing chemicals and toxins into your home.

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