DIY homemade fly traps
While the most effective way to get rid of flies is enlisting the help of professional pest control services, there are DIY methods that might help. Homemade fly traps are a simple, cost-effective way to combat flies, although their effectiveness varies. Here are some traps you can make with common household items.
Soda bottle traps
You can make a simple fly trap using a soda bottle. Start by thoroughly cleaning an empty bottle. Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut off the top third of the bottle, ideally near where the label used to sit. Pour a sweet liquid, such as sugar water or fruit juice, into the bottom portion of the bottle. Then, take the top third, flip it upside down to form a funnel, and insert it into the bottom part.
This design lures flies in with the sweet scent, but once inside, they have difficulty finding their way back out.
Vinegar and dish soap fly trap
Take a small bowl and pour in a little apple cider vinegar. Add a spoonful of sugar and a few drops of fruit-scented dish soap. You can leave the bowl open or cover it with plastic wrap. If you cover it, poke a few holes so the flies can get in. The sweet smell pulls them in, and the soap traps them in the liquid.
Paper fly traps
Paper fly traps, often called flypaper, are long strips coated with a sticky, sweet-smelling substance that attracts flies. These traps are usually hung near areas where flies are active, such as windows, doors, or near garbage cans. Once a fly lands, it gets stuck and cannot escape. The traps are inexpensive and disposable, making them a simple option for reducing fly numbers. Flypaper works best when placed close to fly activity, but doesn’t draw flies from far away.
Sticky fly traps
Sticky fly traps work similarly to paper traps, but they often come in different forms, like boards, sheets, or clings that attach to windows or walls. Unlike hanging strips, these can be placed on flat surfaces or directly in problem spots such as around sinks or next to windows. Some are even designed to blend into indoor spaces, making them more discreet.
These traps are effective for monitoring fly activity and catching house flies in high-traffic areas. Still, they won’t target the root of a fly problem if there’s a breeding site nearby. If flies keep appearing, it’s best to contact our pest control services for a more complete solution.