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DIY Fly Catcher Indoor: 5 Easy Ways to GetFly Catcher Rid of Flies Naturally

by jutu 18 Jul 2025
DIY Fly Catcher Indoor

If you're tired of flies buzzing around your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, you're not alone. Especially during warm months, these pests can quickly multiply and become a daily nuisance. Whether you live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, or a countryside cabin near Ashland, Oregon, knowing how to make a DIY fly catcher indoor can save you money, avoid chemicals, and help you enjoy a fly-free home. In this guide, we’ll show you five simple, natural, and affordable ways to tackle your indoor fly problems effectively. For a deeper dive into the different species you're likely dealing with, check out the Types of Flies In North America.

Why Choose a DIY Fly Catcher Indoor?

Before jumping into the methods, it's important to understand why a DIY indoor fly trap makes sense. First, homemade traps are budget-friendly. You don’t have to spend on fancy gadgets or harsh sprays. Second, most recipes use ingredients you already have in your pantry. Third, DIY methods are often safer for homes with pets and children. Most importantly, these traps work. A natural fly trap indoor not only captures flies but also disrupts their breeding cycle. And if you're wondering when it's time to act, here are 7 Signs You Need a Fly Catcher Indoor.

 

 

Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

This is arguably the most popular homemade fly trap indoor solution.

What You Need:

  • A small bowl or jar

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • A few drops of dish soap

  • Plastic wrap (optional)

  • Toothpick (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Pour about half a cup of apple cider vinegar into the jar.

  2. Add 3-4 drops of dish soap.

  3. Optional: Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few holes using the toothpick.

Why It Works:

The vinegar attracts flies, especially fruit flies, while the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown. This is a great option if you're looking for a DIY fly catcher indoor for fruit flies. Want faster results? Here's the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Flies even if you’re facing an outdoor-to-indoor fly invasion.

 

 

Sugar and Water Bottle Trap

2. Sugar and Water Bottle Trap

This trap is incredibly effective and perfect for homes with kids who want to get involved.

Materials:

  • An empty plastic water bottle

  • 1 tablespoon of sugar

  • ¼ cup of water

  • Tape or string (for hanging)

Directions:

  1. Cut the top third of the bottle off.

  2. Mix sugar and water in the bottom part.

  3. Invert the top and place it like a funnel into the bottom.

  4. Tape the edges or secure with string.

Best For:

People looking for a cheap DIY fly catcher for small spaces, such as apartments or dorms. Flies enter but can't escape, making it a most effective DIY indoor fly catcher solution.

 

Homemade Fly Paper

3. Homemade Fly Paper

Want a throwback method? Try making homemade fly paper using natural ingredients.

Supplies:

  • Brown paper bag or strips of paper

  • 2 tablespoons of sugar

  • 2 tablespoons of honey or corn syrup

  • Water

Steps:

  1. Mix sugar, honey, and a small amount of water in a saucepan. Heat until combined.

  2. Soak the paper strips in the mixture.

  3. Hang the strips using thread.

Bonus:

This DIY bug trap indoor is chemical-free and adds a rustic charm to your home decor. It also serves as a great conversation starter when guests ask, "What's that hanging from your shelf?"

 

 

4. Red Wine Trap

Yes, flies have expensive taste. If you have leftover red wine (or even old wine that's gone bad), put it to good use.

Ingredients:

  • A small cup

  • A few ounces of red wine

  • Dish soap

Instructions:

  1. Pour red wine into the cup.

  2. Add a few drops of dish soap.

Flies are drawn to the scent of fermenting liquid and get trapped, similar to the vinegar method. This is particularly good in kitchen fly removal solutions for wine lovers.

 

 

Lemon and Clove Repellent

5. Lemon and Clove Repellent

Unlike other traps, this method repels flies. Ideal for those who prefer non-toxic fly killer for home use.

You’ll Need:

  • A lemon, cut in half

  • 6-12 whole cloves per half

How To:

Stick cloves into the lemon halves and place them around your home—windowsills, countertops, or near trash bins.

Why It Works:

Flies hate the smell of citrus combined with cloves. This method offers a chemical-free pest control alternative that also makes your home smell great.

Tips for Placement and Use

Regardless of which homemade fly catcher for kitchen or bedroom you choose, placement is key. Flies tend to gather near windows, trash cans, fruit bowls, and drains. Set traps in these locations for best results. Also, consistency matters. Don’t expect instant results. Leave traps out for a few days to a week and monitor their effectiveness. Learn more from the experts about the Best Place to Put Fly Catcher Indoor.

Combine Methods for Better Results

Don’t limit yourself to one method. Many homeowners in places like Flagstaff, Arizona report the best results when using a combination of traps. For example, place a vinegar dish soap fly trap in the kitchen and a lemon clove repellent near entryways. This creates a multi-layered defense that disrupts different fly behaviors. If you're in the market for store-bought tools, check out these Best Indoor Fly Traps that go beyond DIY solutions.

 

 

homemade Fly Traps

When to Replace Your DIY Fly Traps

DIY traps need maintenance. Fruit fly infestations can happen overnight. Replace the vinegar solution or wine every 2-3 days. Fly paper should be changed when it's full. Repellent lemons last about 3-4 days before they dry out.

Are These Traps Safe for Pets and Kids?

Many of the traps above are part of a DIY indoor fly trap safe for pets and kids approach. However, be cautious with placement. Avoid open jars near pets who might drink the solution, and keep fly paper strips out of reach of toddlers.

What If DIY Doesn’t Work?

If flies continue to be a problem despite your best efforts, it may be time to reassess your indoor environment:

  • Clean drains and garbage disposals regularly

  • Store fruits in the refrigerator

  • Use sealed trash bins

  • Check window screens and door seals

You can also pair DIY solutions with commercially available eco-friendly fly catcher options to enhance effectiveness without relying on harsh chemicals. Need help picking the right solution? Here's a guide with 5 Tips for Choosing Best Fly Catcher Indoor.

DIY vs. Buy from Store

While making a DIY fly catcher indoor is cost-effective and satisfying, it's not always the most efficient option—especially during peak fly season or severe infestations. Store-bought solutions offer convenience, consistency, and speed. If you want fast results without daily maintenance, professional products can be a better fit.

When to Go DIY:

  • You enjoy hands-on projects

  • You want to save money

  • You have mild to moderate fly activity

When to Buy from Store:

  • You want immediate, consistent results

  • You need a solution that works while you're away

  • You're dealing with persistent infestations across multiple rooms

 

 

WowCatch JT02

Is There A Fly Catcher Indoor That Works Near MeTry WowCatch JT02

Want something safer, faster, and more reliable than vinegar traps? Skip the mess and get straight to results with WowCatch.

WowCatch JT02 Indoor Flying Insect Trap
Price: $16.14
Best for: Eliminating Moths, Mosquitoes, Flies, Fruit Flies, Gnats, No-See-Ums, Beetles, Wasps, and Yellow Jackets in your home.

Why thousands of Americans love JT02:

  • Includes 1 Device + 4 Refills for long-term protection

  • Safe for families and pets with a chemical-free design

  • Super easy setup and refill replacement in seconds

  • Costs just $0.03 per day – smart and affordable

  • Delivered fast via Prime anywhere in the U.S.

👉 Take control of your fly problem today. Click here to order your JT02 and enjoy a cleaner, safer home—fast!

Making your own DIY fly catcher indoor is not only satisfying but highly effective. Whether you go with a homemade gnat trap, vinegar dish soap fly trap, or fly trap recipe indoor made from sugar and water, you’re taking a big step toward healthier, natural indoor pest control. These methods are great for anyone trying to get rid of flies naturally without breaking the bank or endangering family and pets.

FAQs

  1. How do I make a homemade fly trap with vinegar and dish soap?
    Pour apple cider vinegar into a jar, add a few drops of dish soap, and optionally cover it with plastic wrap with small holes. Flies are attracted to the vinegar and drown in the solution.

  2. What is the best DIY fly catcher indoor for fruit flies?
    The vinegar and dish soap trap is the most effective and easiest DIY solution for catching fruit flies indoors.

  3. Are homemade fly traps safe for pets and children?
    Yes, most DIY fly traps are non-toxic, but always place them out of reach to prevent accidental contact or ingestion.

  4. Where should I place fly traps inside the house?
    Put traps near windows, fruit bowls, trash bins, drains, and other fly-prone areas for the best results.

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