4 Best Homemade Fly Traps That Really Work

Flies can turn a peaceful home into a source of constant frustration. Whether it's fruit flies hovering over your bananas or houseflies buzzing near your trash, these pests are not only annoying but also carry bacteria. A reliable fly trap—especially a DIY one—can offer a simple and chemical-free solution. In this guide, we break down the most effective homemade fly traps, what makes them work, and how to use the right bait. Whether you're trying to trap flies in your kitchen, garden, or apartment, this expert-level overview will help you become a true fly trap master.

Why Do You Need a Fly Trap?

A fly trap serves as a proactive defense system against unwanted insects. While commercial options like electric fly traps, UV fly zappers, or plug-in fly killers are effective, sometimes a simple DIY approach works just as well—especially for small infestations. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, sugar, and vinegar. Using the right homemade fly trap at the right place can reduce the fly population significantly.

The benefits of DIY fly traps include:

• Chemical-free pest control

• Reusable materials

• Budget-friendly solutions

• Targeted fly elimination

Best DIY Fly Trap Methods (Tested and Ranked)

After experimenting with multiple styles of fly traps, the following four stood out as the most accessible and effective. Each method can be created in under 5 minutes using household items.

1. Mason Jar Fly Trap

The mason jar fly trap is great for catching fruit flies and gnats. It relies on apple cider vinegar and dish soap as bait. Puncture the jar lid with small holes and secure it. Flies are drawn in by the vinegar scent but are trapped by the soapy liquid. It's a discreet, reusable fly catcher perfect for counters and windowsills.

Pros:

• Visually clean and neutral

• Easy to refill and reuse

• Works great for gnats and fruit flies

Best for: Indoor use near fruit bowls or plants

2. Soda Bottle Fly Trap

This fly trap DIY method involves cutting a soda bottle in half. Add bait to the bottom, then invert the top to create a funnel entrance. Flies enter but struggle to exit. This setup is one of the most effective for houseflies.

Pros:

• Utilizes recycled materials

• Wide entrance area for flies

• Can hold many trapped flies

Best for: Kitchens, patios, or near garbage cans

3. Plastic Wrap Fly Trap

This DIY fly trap is subtle and works best for tiny flies. Pour bait into a cup or jar, cover with plastic wrap, and poke holes with a toothpick. Flies enter through the holes but can’t escape. This method works particularly well for indoor fly problems.

Pros:

• Low-cost

• Disposable and mess-free

• Silent operation

Best for: Small kitchens or desks

4. Paper Cone Fly Trap

Roll a piece of paper into a cone and insert it into a bait-filled jar. The funnel design guides flies in, but they struggle to escape. It's highly effective with rotting fruit and vinegar.

Pros:

• Effective for both fruit flies and houseflies

• Minimal tools required

Cons:

• Less attractive visually

Best for: Garden sheds, garages, or backdoors

What’s the Best Bait for Fly Traps?

The best fly trap bait depends on the type of fly and location. Here’s what we recommend:

Indoor Flies:

• Apple cider vinegar

• Ripe or overripe fruit (bananas, peaches)

• Honey or sugar water

• A few drops of dish soap (breaks surface tension)

Outdoor Flies:

• Rotting meat (for houseflies)

• Fish or chicken scraps mixed with syrup or honey

Remember: always place homemade fly traps away from food prep areas, but close enough to where flies gather.

Related Reading: 4 Best DIY Fruit Fly Traps

Where to Place Your Fly Trap for Best Results

Place your fly trap near areas where flies gather most—like trash cans, fruit bowls, windows, or entry points—for maximum effectiveness. Avoid strong airflow or competing light sources.

• Near fruit bowls: especially helpful for fruit flies

• By windows: sunlight attracts flies

• Next to trash cans: houseflies love waste

• On balconies or patios: outdoor traps work great here

• In bathrooms: drain flies are common

Strategic placement turns your DIY fly trap into a highly effective tool.

How Often Should You Refresh a Fly Trap?

You should change out the bait every 2–3 days. If your trap is full or starts to smell too strong, it's time to refresh. For fly traps with glue boards, swap them out weekly. For DIY versions, a quick rinse and bait refill will keep them effective.

Are DIY Fly Traps Safe Around Kids and Pets?

Yes—one of the biggest perks of homemade fly traps is they don’t contain harmful chemicals. Still, place them out of reach to prevent spills or accidental contact.

Fly Trap Alternatives (When DIY Isn’t Enough)

Sometimes, especially in warmer months, DIY fly traps may not be enough. In those cases, consider:

• Electric fly catchers (safe for indoor use)

• UV light traps (great for quiet trapping)

• Plug-in fly killers (ideal for long-term control)

• Sticky window traps (discreet and silent)

These commercial fly control options pair well with DIY solutions.

Why Are Flies Attracted to Your Home?

Flies are drawn to warmth, light, food waste, and moisture. To reduce attraction, keep trash sealed, clean drains regularly, and store food in airtight containers.

According to pest experts, flies are drawn to:

• Warmth and indoor lighting

• Rotting or overripe food

• Overflowing garbage bins

• Dirty drains or leftover pet food

• Compost piles or open recycling

To prevent infestation, keep your home clean, take out the trash frequently, rinse fruit, and clean out sink drains.

Expert Tips for Successful Fly Trapping

To boost your fly trap’s success, use sweet, strong-scented bait with a drop of dish soap, place traps near fly hotspots, and refresh them every few days. Consistency is key.

• Combine vinegar and sugar for stronger attraction

• Always add dish soap to break surface tension

• Use narrow openings to prevent escape

• Keep multiple traps in large rooms

• Discard dead flies regularly

Becoming an expert in fly trap use comes down to routine and placement.

Final Ideas

Creating a homemade fly trap is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to control annoying pests indoors and outdoors. With simple materials, the right bait, and thoughtful placement, you can manage or eliminate your fly problem fast. These solutions are not only effective but eco-friendly and safe for family use. For even more long-term control, consider combining DIY traps with plug-in fly killers or UV insect traps.

If you’re serious about becoming a fly control expert, start with these traps and customize them to your household needs. You’ll be surprised at how well they work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best bait for a homemade fly trap?
Apple cider vinegar mixed with dish soap is the most effective for indoor flies. Outdoors, use rotting meat or sugary liquid.

2. Where should I place my fly trap for the best results?
Near trash cans, fruit bowls, and entry points like windows or doors.

3. How often should I replace the bait?
Every 2–3 days or when it loses scent or becomes full of flies.

4. Can I use fly traps outdoors?
Yes, especially bottle-style traps. Just use stronger-smelling bait like meat and place it away from outdoor seating.

5. Are fly traps safe around pets and kids?
Most DIY traps are safe but should be kept out of reach. Avoid glass jars where spills are possible.

6. Do fly traps work on gnats and fruit flies?
Yes, especially vinegar-based traps. For gnats, consider placing traps near soil or drains as well.