DIY Fly Trap for House Flies vs Buying: Which Works Better?

House flies can be a real nuisance inside the home. Whether they’re buzzing around your kitchen or lingering near trash bins, they can spread bacteria and ruin your peace. When it comes to getting rid of these pests, many people wonder: should I make a DIY fly trap for house flies, or should I buy one from the store? In this guide, we’ll explore both options from a practical, user-focused angle. You’ll learn how each method works, when to use them, and how to maximize their effectiveness.

Why House Flies Are a Problem Indoors

Before we dive into traps, it’s helpful to understand why house flies are such a persistent indoor problem. These insects aren’t just annoying—they’re also carriers of over 60 diseases, including salmonella and E. coli. Flies lay eggs in rotting food, garbage, or feces, and when they enter your home, they bring those germs with them.

Flies are drawn to the smells of uncovered food, sugary drinks, and pet waste. Even a clean home can become a target if there’s a bowl of fruit sitting on the counter or trash left uncovered. Their rapid breeding cycle means a single fly can turn into dozens within days.

To understand why certain fly traps work better than others, it helps to learn the Science Behind Fly Behavior, including how they’re lured by scents, lights, and heat sources.

What Is a DIY Fly Trap for House Flies?

A DIY fly trap for house flies is a do-it-yourself solution that you can create at home using common household ingredients and materials. It’s an affordable, chemical-free way to catch flies without relying on electric devices or harsh insecticides.

People often use homemade fly traps for house flies because they’re simple, eco-friendly, and cost almost nothing to make. These traps typically work by luring flies in with a sweet or smelly bait, then preventing their escape with a sticky surface or liquid trap.

Here are a few popular DIY styles:

• Vinegar fly trap DIY – uses apple cider vinegar and dish soap to attract and drown flies

• Fruit-based fly trap – overripe fruit lures flies into a covered container

• Sugar water fly trap – sugar solution attracts flies into a bottle with a funnel top

• Plastic bottle fly trap – cut and invert a soda bottle, creating a trap that flies can enter but can’t exit

These natural fly traps for indoor use are especially popular among families who prefer DIY indoor fly traps safe for pets. You can also explore more ideas in the Top Natural Fly Trap for House Flies guide.

How to Make a DIY Fly Trap: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a do-it-yourself house fly trap is easy and takes only a few minutes. Let’s walk through the most effective method using a plastic bottle.

You’ll Need:

• 1 empty plastic bottle (16 oz or 2-liter)

• Scissors or a knife

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• A few drops of dish soap

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra attraction)

• Tape (optional, to seal the top)

Steps:

1. Cut the bottle: Carefully cut the top third of the bottle off. This will become your funnel.

2. Make the bait: Mix sugar, water, and dish soap in the bottom half of the bottle. Add vinegar if available.

3. Assemble the trap: Invert the top part into the base to form a funnel pointing down. Tape the edges if needed.

4. Place strategically: Set the trap near fly-prone areas—trash bins, fruit bowls, or sinks.

5. Dispose and repeat: Once full, discard the liquid and repeat as needed.

If your DIY trap doesn’t seem to work, check out Why Homemade Fly Trap for House Flies Catches Nothing? for common mistakes to avoid.

Best Ingredients for a Homemade Fly Trap

The bait is the most critical part of any homemade fly trap for house flies. Flies are strongly attracted to fermented, sugary, and slightly sour smells. Here are a few bait options:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
   One of the most effective lures—strong smell and fermenting properties are irresistible to house flies.

2. Overripe Fruit
   Bananas, mangoes, and peaches work well in fruit-based fly traps, especially if they’re very ripe or starting to rot.

3. Sugar + Water
   Used in a sugar water fly trap, this mixture mimics nectar and is particularly effective when combined with yeast or vinegar.

4. Dish Soap
   Breaks the surface tension so flies drown quickly.

If you're looking for how to trap house flies without chemicals, these baits offer a safe and natural approach.

Benefits and Drawbacks of DIY Fly Traps

Like any solution, do-it-yourself house fly traps come with both pros and cons.

Pros:

• Low cost: Often free using household items

• Non-toxic: Great for homes with kids or pets

• Customizable: You can experiment with different baits and styles

• Eco-friendly: No waste from packaging or batteries

Cons:

• Messy: Homemade traps can leak or smell if left too long

• Less aesthetic: May not look great on a kitchen counter

• Limited lifespan: Need frequent refilling and cleaning

• Lower catch rate: Less consistent than commercial traps

Buying a Fly Trap for House Flies: Options and Effectiveness

If you prefer convenience, buying a store-bought fly trap might be the way to go. These traps come in various types, including electric fly traps for indoor use, sticky fly traps for house flies, and even refillable fly trap products for long-term control.

Modern designs focus on ease of use, safety, and aesthetics. For example:

• Sticky traps attract flies with scents or lights and trap them on adhesive boards.

• UV light bug zappers lure flies with light and kill them instantly.

• Electric fly traps draw flies in with airflow or scent and trap them in secure chambers.

To compare popular models, see this expert-reviewed Top 10 Fly Trap for House Flies list.

Top Commercial Fly Trap Types You Can Buy

Sticky Fly Traps for House Flies

These resemble a lamp or a plug-in device. They use scent or UV light to lure flies and trap them silently. They're discreet and mess-free.
Recommended Brands:
Wowcatch JT01 Fly Trap
Safer Home Indoor Plug-In Fly Trap
Zevo Flying Insect Trap

Electric Fly Trap for Indoor Use

Electric traps use fans or UV light to pull flies into a capture chamber. Some are refillable fly trap products that can be reused for months.
Recommended Brands:
Katchy Indoor Insect Trap
DynaTrap DT150 Indoor Insect Trap

UV Light Bug Zapper

Best for large spaces or homes with heavy infestations. While effective, they may not be ideal near food or children.
Recommended Brands:
Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer
Black+Decker Bug Zapper

Glue Board or Tape-Based Traps

Classic, affordable, and low-tech—just place near high-traffic areas. Often sold in multi-packs.
Recommended Brands:
Catchmaster 931 Giant Fly Trap Roll
RESCUE! Sticky Fly Trap Strips

Also consider the season. If you're dealing with warm-weather infestations, this article can help: Fly Trap for House Flies in Summer?

DIY vs Store-Bought Fly Traps: Which Is Better?

So, store-bought fly traps vs DIY – which is more effective? The answer depends on your needs.

Choose DIY Fly Traps If:

• You want a natural solution

• You’re okay with occasional cleanup

• You need a quick, budget-friendly fix

• You enjoy experimenting with homemade solutions

Choose Store-Bought Fly Traps If:

• You want long-term or hands-free control

• You need a higher catch rate

• You prefer sleek design and low maintenance

• You want safety around kids and pets with minimal effort

Many households actually use both methods. DIY traps work well in hidden areas, while commercial traps shine in common spaces. For placement strategies, read Where to Place a Fly Trap for House Flies? to maximize catch efficiency.

Tips for Effective Fly Trap Use (DIY or Commercial)

To get the best results, follow these best practices:

• Placement matters: Near trash, drains, or windows is ideal

• Limit competition: Cover food and take out trash to make the trap more appealing

• Use multiple traps: Especially for larger rooms or homes

• Refresh bait regularly: If you're using a homemade fly trap, change the bait every 2–3 days

• Combine methods: Use a sugar water fly trap in one area, a UV zapper in another

It also helps to know the enemy. The Types of Flies In North America article can help you identify what kind of fly you're dealing with and choose the right trap accordingly.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Both DIY and store-bought traps have their place in the fight against house flies. If you prefer an affordable, customizable option and don't mind some hands-on work, a DIY fly trap for house flies indoor could be perfect. If you want low-maintenance, visually clean solutions, go for a buy fly trap for house flies from Amazon or a trusted brand.

Ultimately, the best approach is the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and environment. And in many cases, combining both strategies may offer the best long-term results.

Questions About Fly Traps

1. Do homemade fly traps really work?
   Yes, especially when made with effective bait like vinegar or sugar. They're great for light infestations.

2. What’s the best fly trap for house flies?
   Sticky traps and UV light traps are top choices for indoor use. For outdoors, commercial baited traps perform well.

3. How to make a DIY fly trap for house flies with vinegar?
   Mix apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a jar, cover with plastic wrap, poke holes, and place near fly activity.

4. Are store-bought fly traps safe for pets and kids?
   Most modern traps are designed with safety in mind, especially non-zapping sticky traps.

5. Is a homemade fly trap better than a commercial one?
   It depends—DIY is cheaper and eco-friendly; commercial traps are cleaner, more powerful, and hands-free.