5 DIY Indoor Fly Traps That Really Work

If you've ever battled fruit flies in your kitchen or houseflies circling your living room, you know how frustrating it can be. While chemical sprays and commercial bug zappers are common solutions, they can be unsafe for families, pets, or the environment. Fortunately, you can make your own DIY indoor fly traps with common household items — and they really work.

List and Steps to Make Them at Home

This guide walks you through five homemade fly trap solutions that are easy to assemble, cost-effective, and surprisingly effective at catching flies, gnats, and other pesky bugs indoors. Whether you’re dealing with a gnat infestation or trying to get rid of fruit flies near your sink, these homemade insect traps have you covered.

1. The Apple Cider Vinegar Trap – The Classic Fruit Fly Killer

Best for: Fruit flies, gnats

Why It Works:
Fruit flies are drawn to the fermented smell of apple cider vinegar. By combining vinegar with dish soap, you create an irresistible — and deadly — lure.

Materials:

• 1 small bowl or jar

• Apple cider vinegar (½ cup)

• Dish soap (a few drops)

• Plastic wrap (optional)

• Rubber band (optional)

• Toothpick

How to Make It:

1. Pour vinegar into the container.

2. Add a few drops of dish soap — this breaks surface tension and causes flies to sink.

3. Cover the container with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band (optional).

4. Poke small holes using a toothpick.

Place the trap near your sink, trash can, or anywhere fruit flies gather. Within hours, you'll see results. For additional ideas targeting small pests like gnats and fruit flies, check out this guide on Indoor Fly Traps for Fruit Flies and Gnats.

2. The Sugar Water Bottle Trap – Great for Houseflies

Best for: Houseflies, gnats, moths

Why It Works:
Flies are highly attracted to sugary substances. This classic homemade bug catcher turns a recycled bottle into a powerful fly magnet.

Materials:

• 1 empty plastic bottle (16 oz or larger)

• Scissors or knife

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey or syrup

• ½ cup warm water

• Tape

How to Make It:

1. Cut the bottle horizontally around the neck.

2. In the bottom half, mix sugar, honey, and warm water.

3. Invert the bottle top and insert it like a funnel.

4. Tape the edges for security.

The flies enter for the sugar and can’t escape. Place near windows or doorways for best effect. If you're deciding between DIY and electronic options, this comparison of Indoor Fly Trap vs Bug Zapper may help you make the right choice.

3. The Sticky Paper Trap – No Liquids Needed

Best for: Gnats, fruit flies, flying bugs

Why It Works:
If you’re not a fan of liquids or odors, sticky paper offers a chemical-free indoor fly trap solution. You can make your own using common materials.

Materials:

• Brown kraft paper or index cards

• Corn syrup or honey

• Water

• String or clothespin

• Hole punch (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Cut the paper into strips.

2. Mix corn syrup with a little water and brush it onto the paper.

3. Let it dry until tacky.

4. Punch a hole and hang with string, or clip near fly-prone areas.

These homemade sticky traps are perfect for windowsills and plants. For families seeking a safer approach to pest control, this article on Chemical-Free Indoor Fly Trap offers even more non-toxic solutions.

4. The Wine Trap – The Boozy Bug Buster

Best for: Fruit flies, drain flies

Why It Works:
Fruit flies are irresistibly drawn to the scent of fermented wine. This trap is similar to the vinegar version but even more powerful when wine is used.

Materials:

• Red wine (¼ cup)

• Small glass or cup

• Dish soap

• Plastic wrap & rubber band

• Toothpick

How to Make It:

1. Pour wine into the glass and add dish soap.

2. Cover with plastic wrap, poke holes.

3. Place near drains, compost bins, or kitchen counters.

It’s a classy (and effective) solution using leftovers you may already have.

5. The Milk, Sugar & Pepper Trap – An Old English Trick

Best for: Houseflies

Why It Works:
This remedy dates back to the 1800s and still works today. It’s a natural fly trap for indoor use that uses food-based attractants.

Materials:

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• Saucepan

• Shallow bowl

How to Make It:

1. Simmer all ingredients together for 10 minutes.

2. Pour the mixture into shallow bowls and place around your home.

Flies are drawn to the scent and drown in the liquid. It’s safe, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective.

Where Should You Place Your DIY Indoor Fly Traps?

To get the best results, place traps:

• Near garbage bins or compost areas

• Beside sinks and drains

• Close to windows and light sources

• Near fruit bowls or food-prep counters

• In bathrooms where moisture attracts gnats

Pro Tip: Use multiple traps at once in different spots. Each type attracts slightly different insects. For a full guide on strategic trap locations, visit Indoor Fly Trap Placement to maximize results.

Are DIY Indoor Fly Traps Safe for Kids and Pets?

Yes — especially the options without commercial chemicals or open flames. Most homemade fly traps use vinegar, sugar, or syrup — ingredients found in any kitchen. That said, always place traps out of reach of children and pets, particularly those containing glass or sharp plastic.

For maximum peace of mind, consider non-toxic sticky traps as the safest route.

How to Prevent Indoor Fly Problems in the First Place

Prevention goes hand-in-hand with trapping. Here’s how to keep flies from coming back:

• Keep fruit in the fridge

• Take out trash regularly

• Rinse recyclables

• Use drain cleaners weekly

• Avoid overwatering houseplants

• Seal windows and doors properly

• Use screens for ventilation areas

Combining prevention with your DIY fly traps will lead to a bug-free home.

Should You DIY or Buy a Ready-Made Indoor Fly Trap?

While DIY indoor fly traps are budget-friendly and easy to make, they may not be as efficient long-term or in severe infestations. Store-bought options like UV light fly traps, plug-in sticky traps, or automated bug zappers offer convenience, cleaner presentation, and continuous protection.

If you're unsure which solution fits your needs, this article on how to Choose the Best Indoor Fly Trap breaks down the top considerations for your home.

Trap Flies the Smart, Natural Way

With just a few household items, you can eliminate common indoor pests — no harsh sprays, no toxins, and no big budget needed. These five DIY indoor fly traps have been tested over time and continue to be used by savvy homeowners everywhere.

Whether you're dealing with fruit flies, gnats, or houseflies, there's a homemade fly trap here for you. Try one — or all five — and see what works best for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best DIY indoor fly trap for fruit flies?
A1: The apple cider vinegar trap is widely considered the most effective for fruit flies.

Q2: Are homemade fly traps safe around pets?
A2: Most DIY traps using vinegar, sugar, or syrup are pet-safe, but keep them out of reach just in case.

Q3: How long does it take for DIY fly traps to work?
A3: Most traps start catching flies within a few hours, but full results can take 24–48 hours.

Q4: Do indoor fly traps work on mosquitoes?
A4: Most DIY traps are more effective on fruit flies and gnats. For mosquitoes, consider UV or CO2 traps.

Q5: Can I reuse homemade fly traps?
A5: Some, like the sugar water bottle trap, can be rinsed and reused. Others like sticky strips need replacing.

Q6: Why are flies still around even with traps?
A6: You may need multiple traps, or there could be a breeding source (e.g., drains, garbage) you haven’t treated yet.