5 Easy DIY Fly Trap Indoor Ideas Using Common Household Items

by jutu 01 Jul 2025

Why Go DIY for Indoor Fly Traps?

If you've been struggling with flies in your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, you're not alone. Indoor flies—including fruit flies, gnats, and houseflies—can be a real nuisance, especially during warmer months. While store-bought fly trap indoor solutions work well, sometimes the easiest and cheapest remedy is already in your kitchen.

That’s where DIY fly trap indoor ideas come in. In this article, we’ll show you how to create 5 effective, pet-safe, and chemical-free homemade fly trap indoor options using everyday household items. To better understand what attracts different types of flies indoors, check out the Science Behind Fly Behavior.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar & Dish Soap Fly Trap

This method is one of the most popular and effective ways to deal with fruit flies and gnats in the kitchen. To make it, pour about half a cup of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, add a few drops of dish soap, and stir gently. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke several small holes in the top. Flies are attracted to the vinegar scent, enter through the holes, and are trapped by the soapy solution that breaks the surface tension.

This trap is simple, non-toxic, and highly effective for indoor fly control, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared. Want to understand why vinegar is so effective for fruit flies? Read more on the Fly vs Fruit Fly difference.

2. Sticky Paper Honey Trap

For windowsills and areas near plants, a sticky honey trap works surprisingly well. Cut a strip of paper or cardboard and coat it with a mixture of honey and water. Use a piece of string to hang it vertically where flies are most active. The sweet scent draws them in, and they stick to the surface.

This natural indoor fly trap is safe for pets and children and can be refreshed as needed with more honey. It's especially effective for houseflies that hover around windows. You can also explore other natural ways to eliminate flies without harsh chemicals.

3. Plastic Bottle Funnel Trap

This DIY option is perfect for capturing larger flies like houseflies. Cut the top third off a clean plastic water bottle and flip it upside down into the bottom half, forming a funnel. Secure the two parts together with tape. Add bait like sugar water, old fruit, or vinegar into the bottom.

Flies enter the funnel but can't find their way back out. This trap is ideal for garages, patios, or corners of living rooms and works well in combination with other indoor fly catcher DIY ideas. For a deeper look into which species you're likely to trap in North America, check out the Types of Flies In North America.

4. Vinegar Jar Trap (No Plastic Wrap Needed)

A great option for bathrooms or small apartments, this trap uses just a jar, vinegar, and a paper cone. Pour apple cider vinegar or white vinegar into a small jar and add a drop of dish soap. Then, twist a piece of paper into a cone shape and place it inside the jar with the point downward.

The smell lures in the flies, and the cone prevents escape. This is a discreet and effective solution that avoids the use of plastic wrap while still providing powerful fly control indoors. For those interested in store-bought options that complement these traps, check out the Best 5 Fly Traps on Amazon.

5. Citrus Peel + Clove Jar

This method offers both fly-repellent and fly-catching benefits. Add lemon or orange peels to a mason jar and mix in a few whole cloves. Punch several small holes in the jar lid or use foil with holes to allow the aroma to escape.

This trap works as a natural pest control method that repels flies while attracting some to the sweet scent. It's ideal for bedrooms or areas where strong smells from vinegar or honey may not be welcome. Want more scent-based solutions? You’ll love this list of 10 Scents That Repel Flies.

Why Choose DIY Indoor Fly Traps Over Store-Bought Ones?

DIY indoor fly traps are chemical-free, affordable, and highly customizable. They're also safe for kids and pets since they use natural ingredients like vinegar, sugar, or fruit. Most people already have the necessary materials at home, making these solutions convenient and budget-friendly.

Store-bought fly trap indoor products like plug-in traps and sticky boards can be useful, but combining them with DIY traps offers broader protection, especially during heavy fly infestations. Not sure which type suits your needs best? Learn more in Fly Trap Indoor for American Homes.

Bonus Tips for a Fly-Free Home

To prevent flies from returning, make sure to clean drains regularly, dispose of overripe fruit, and keep trash bins tightly sealed. Using essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus in a diffuser can also help deter flies.

For stubborn infestations, combining homemade traps with an electric fly trap indoor or other commercial solutions may deliver faster results. Curious about their effectiveness? This article dives into it: Do UV Sticky Traps Really Catch Flies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade fly trap for indoors?
The most effective and easiest DIY fly trap indoor method uses apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bowl or jar.

Are homemade fly traps safe for pets?
Yes, traps made with vinegar, fruit, or soap are non-toxic and generally safe for both pets and children.

Do DIY indoor fly traps really work?
Yes. Many homeowners find that natural indoor fly traps can significantly reduce fruit flies and gnats without chemicals.

How do I make a sticky fly trap at home?
Use paper strips coated with honey and hang them in fly-prone areas like windows or near trash bins.

Can I use essential oils to repel flies indoors?
Yes. Oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can serve as natural fly repellents when diffused or sprayed.

Final Choice

You don’t need expensive gadgets to win the war against flies. These 5 easy DIY fly trap indoor ideas are effective, safe, and made with common household items. Whether you're dealing with fruit flies in the kitchen or gnats in the bathroom, there's a natural solution ready for you to try today.