5 Best DIY Fly Trap Indoor Methods to Keep Flying Pests Away

Flies inside the house are more than just annoying—they can carry germs, contaminate food, and make your home feel less clean. Whether you're battling fruit flies, house flies, or those sneaky no-see-ums, having a reliable solution matters. Fortunately, you don't have to rely on harsh chemicals or pricey gadgets. In this post, we'll show you the 5 best DIY fly trap indoor methods that are affordable, effective, and easy to make with items you already have at home. These natural indoor fly trap DIY methods are safe, pet-friendly, and designed to help you enjoy a fly-free space again. For more on where to set up your traps, check out Indoor Fly Trap Placement.

1. Vinegar & Dish Soap Trap

One of the most popular and best DIY fly trap indoor that actually works is the vinegar and dish soap method. This trap is especially effective for fruit flies and gnats that linger around ripened fruit or trash bins.

What You Need:

• Apple cider vinegar

• Dish soap

• A small bowl or cup

How It Works:

Pour about half a cup of apple cider vinegar into a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap. Leave it uncovered and place it where you've seen flies. The vinegar lures the flying insects, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown.

Best Locations:

• Kitchen countertops

• Near fruit bowls

• Trash bins

This homemade indoor bug trap is not only simple but also highly effective and non-toxic.

2. Bottle Funnel Trap

If you're wondering how to make a fly trap with a plastic bottle, this is a great method for larger flies or house flies.

What You Need:

• A plastic soda bottle

• Scissors

• Bait: overripe fruit, sugar water, or vinegar

• Tape

How It Works:

Cut the top third of the bottle off. Invert the top piece to form a funnel and place it into the bottom half of the bottle. Tape the edges securely. Pour in your bait—such as sugar water or a chunk of overripe banana. Flies will go in through the funnel and won’t find their way out.

This DIY bottle trap for flying insects indoor is reusable and can be placed anywhere flies tend to hang out. If your current fly traps aren’t delivering results, see Fly Killer Indoor Isn't Working for troubleshooting tips.

3. Honey Paper Trap

This is a sweet yet sticky way to catch those unwanted pests using what you likely already have in your kitchen.

What You Need:

• Paper or cardboard strips

• Honey or corn syrup

• String or clothespins

How It Works:

Coat strips of paper in a thin layer of honey or syrup. Hang them in problem areas using string or clips. Flying insects are attracted to the scent and get stuck on the sticky surface.

This cheap DIY fly trap indoor solution is safe, chemical-free, and effective in catching house flies, gnats, and even moths.

4. Wine Trap

Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting liquids. If you happen to have leftover red wine, don't pour it out—turn it into a trap!

What You Need:

• A small glass or jar

• Leftover wine

• Plastic wrap

• A rubber band

• A toothpick or fork

How It Works:

Pour a little wine into a glass. Cover it with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Poke small holes in the top using a toothpick. Fruit flies will be lured in by the scent, fly through the holes, and get trapped.

This method is a natural indoor fly catcher that adds a bit of elegance to your fly-busting routine. Learn more about the species you're targeting with Types of Flies In North America.

5. Lemongrass Spray & Fan Trap Combo

This method combines a non-toxic fly control spray and air movement to discourage flying pests.

What You Need:

• Lemongrass essential oil

• Water

• Spray bottle

• Small fan

How It Works:

Mix 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray areas near doorways, windows, or where flies enter. The fan disturbs their flight path, while the scent keeps them at bay.

This is more of a preventative indoor flying pest solution than a trap, but it’s highly effective when used alongside other DIY fly catcher indoor without chemicals. For broader pest strategies, explore Indoor Flies Control.

Additional Tips for Fly Prevention

• Clean your sink drains regularly to avoid gnat breeding

• Store fruit in the refrigerator

• Take out the trash frequently

• Wipe down sticky surfaces and crumbs

A safe fly trap for home use is only part of the solution—a clean home is your best defense.

DIY Your Indoor Fly Trap Now

Creating your own DIY fly trap indoor setup doesn’t require much money, effort, or time. Each method above can be customized to target specific pests, from fruit flies to no-see-ums. Whether you choose the vinegar and soap trap, the bottle funnel method, or the sticky honey papers, these traps are affordable, effective, and safe for daily home use. Combine one or two strategies and you’ll see a noticeable difference in just a day or two.

Keep experimenting with bait, trap type, and placement until you find what works best in your space. The beauty of these homemade fly traps for indoor use is how flexible and family-safe they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best homemade fly trap for indoors?
The vinegar and dish soap trap is one of the most effective, easy, and safe traps for indoor flying insects.

2. How do I get rid of fruit flies inside my house naturally?
Use a DIY fly trap indoor vinegar method, like the wine or apple cider vinegar trap with plastic wrap.

3. Are DIY indoor fly traps safe for pets?
Yes, most pet safe fly trap for indoor use options use non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, honey, or essential oils.

4. How do you make a fly trap using a plastic bottle?
Cut the bottle, invert the top to make a funnel, add bait, and secure it—an easy and reusable DIY bottle trap for flying insects indoor.