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Creating Your Fly Trap
Prepare your container: Choose a cup, jar, or small bowl. The wider the opening, the easier it will be for flies to enter.
Prepare your bait: Mix your chosen bait solution directly in the container. For example, if using the milk and sugar option, combine the milk and sugar in the container, then heat it slightly (in the microwave or on the stove) until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool before proceeding.
Add dish soap: Add a few drops of dish soap to your bait mixture and stir gently. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing flies to sink and drown rather than land on the surface.
Cover the container: Stretch plastic wrap tightly over the top of the container and secure it with a rubber band to ensure it stays in place.
Create entry points: Use a toothpick or fork to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. These holes should be large enough for flies to enter but small enough that they’ll have difficulty finding their way out.
Optional enhancement: For extra attraction, you can smear a small amount of honey or sugar water around the holes to lure flies to the entry points.
Placement Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Indoor use: Place traps near windows, fruit bowls, garbage cans, or other areas where you’ve noticed fly activity.
Outdoor use: Position traps away from seating areas, as they will initially attract flies before capturing them. Good locations include near garbage bins, compost piles, or garden areas with rotting vegetation.
Multiple traps: For severe infestations, place several traps around your home or yard for better coverage.
Why This Works
Each bait option works for slightly different reasons:
Milk and sugar: The milk begins to ferment, creating an odor that flies find irresistible. The sugar enhances the attraction.
Apple cider vinegar: The acetic acid in vinegar mimics the smell of fermentation that attracts fruit flies and some house flies. The added sugar increases its effectiveness.
Wine or beer: The fermenting alcohol scent is particularly attractive to fruit flies and some species of house flies.
In all cases, the dish soap is crucial as it breaks the surface tension of the liquid. Without it, flies could potentially land on the liquid, drink, and fly away. With the soap added, they break through the surface and drown.
Specialized Traps for Different Types of Flies
Different species of flies are attracted to different baits. Here’s how to target specific types:
For Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are most attracted to fermenting fruits and sweet substances. The apple cider vinegar or wine bait works exceptionally well for them. You can enhance either of these options by adding a small piece of overripe fruit, such as a banana slice or strawberry.
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