Categories: Recipe

DIY Fruit Fly Traps to Get Rid of Bugs Fast

Published by
James marcus

Fruit flies are the ultimate pests! While keeping your home clean is the best way to prevent the bugs from invading your house in the first place, sometimes an infestation is hard to prevent. Once the bugs are in your home, how do you get rid of them? There are three DIY fruit fly traps you should try before moving on to chemical alternatives. According to the University of Kentucky’s department of entomology, fruit flies are “especially common during late summer/fall,” so we’re stuck with them for a little longer.

But first, you won’t be able to get rid of fruit flies unless you stop them at the source: that means getting rid of overripe produce, wiping down countertops, taking out the garbage regularly (and cleaning the bin), and keeping drains clean. Check your cabinets and pantry. If you have a rogue potato or onion, it could be the breeding ground for thousands of fruit flies. Then, try these homemade hacks.

Paper Cone Fruit Fly Trap

This is the technique recommended by the University of Kentucky’s department of entomology. Plus, it’s inexpensive and you probably have everything you need on hand. Place a few drops of apple cider vinegar or an old piece of apple or banana in the bottom of a jar. Then roll up a piece of notebook paper into a funnel, and fit it in the jar’s opening.

Why it works: Fruit flies will enter the funnel to get to the fruit or vinegar and won’t be able to fly back out.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap Fruit Fly Trap

This tried-and-true method passed the test of Country Living’s Food and Crafts Director Charlyne Mattox. Fill a ceramic fruit fly trap with apple cider vinegar and a bit of dish soap. For a serious infestation, add a sticky fly trap to the top of the trap (you may need to cut it down to fit). If you don’t want to purchase the fly trap, top a jar with foil, then poke holes in the foil.

Why it works: Flies are attracted to the vinegar, and the soap will prevent them from flying.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Plastic Wrap Fruit Fly Trap

If you have apple cider vinegar in your cabinet, put it to use. Fill a bowl or glass with apple cider vinegar, cover with plastic wrap, seal the edges tightly with a rubber band, and poke tiny holes in the top with a toothpick.

Why it works: Flies are attracted to the vinegar. Once they crawl inside the holes, they won’t be able to get back out.

FAQ

Do you need apple cider vinegar for a fruit fly trap?

You can make a homemade fruit fly trap without apple cider vinegar. We find that apple cider vinegar works best, but you can substitute beer, wine, fruit juice, or a piece of old fruit like banana or apple. Fruit flies are attracted to any fermented smell.

Is apple cider vinegar better than white vinegar for fruit fly traps?

Flies don’t like the smell of regular vinegar, so the scent will repel them. The goal of the trap is to attract fruit flies, and apple cider vinegar does the trick.

How do you make a homemade fruit fly solution?

Our editors have found that the combination of apple cider vinegar and dish soap makes the most effective DIY fruit fly solution.

This post was last modified on 11/10/2023 04:53

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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