How to Make a DIY Sticky Fly Trap with Household Items

If flies have taken over your kitchen in Bakersfield, California or your cozy backyard in Lexington, Kentucky, you’re not alone. These annoying little insects sneak in through open doors, hover around fruit bowls, and refuse to leave. But the good news is, you don’t need fancy gadgets or toxic sprays to deal with them. In fact, you can make your own sticky fly trap using things already in your home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a simple, effective DIY sticky fly trap and explain how it works—so you can finally enjoy a fly-free space.

What You’ll Need For Sticky Fly Trap DIY

Creating a homemade fly trap doesn’t require anything special. Most of these items are likely in your kitchen drawer or pantry:

• Brown paper bag or thick paper

• Scissors

• Honey, corn syrup, or sugar water

• Cooking oil spray (optional for shine)

• Hole punch and string (for hanging, if needed)

This setup serves as a fly ribbon alternative, perfect for indoor use, especially around fruit bowls, trash bins, and windows where flies like to hang out. If you’re looking to upgrade later, check out this list of the Best Indoor Fly Traps for long-term solutions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the paper into strips about 2 inches wide and 10 inches long.

2. Punch a hole at the top of each strip and thread string through it if you plan to hang it.

3. Prepare the sticky solution using equal parts of honey and water, or just use corn syrup.

4. Coat each strip with the mixture using a spoon or brush.

5. Let them dry for 10–15 minutes until tacky but not dripping.

6. Hang or place the strips where flies are most active.

This DIY fly paper acts as a homemade glue trap for flying insects. It’s safe, natural, and perfect for those who want to catch flies naturally indoors. For tips on where to position your trap for the best results, see this guide to Sticky Fly Trap Placement.

Does DIY Sticky Fly Trap Really Work?

Yes, it does. Sticky fly traps attract flies using the sweet scent of sugar or honey. Once the fly lands, it gets stuck on the paper and can’t escape. It’s a natural fly trap with no harsh chemicals involved, which makes it a DIY sticky fly trap safe for pets. Homeowners in humid areas like Orlando, Florida often use these traps during the summer when fly infestations spike. If you’re not seeing results, you might want to read up on How to Use a Sticky Fly Trap? to ensure you’re using it correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using thin paper: It won’t hold up once sticky. Use something sturdy like a paper grocery bag.

• Overloading with sticky solution: If it’s too runny, flies may escape. Aim for tacky, not wet.

• Wrong placement: Flies tend to gather near food, trash cans, or sunny windows—place your traps accordingly.

• No scent: Without sugar, honey, or syrup, your trap won’t attract anything. That sweet smell is key!

There are also plenty of misconceptions about fly traps that can trip people up. For a quick myth-busting read, check out 5 Sticky Fly Trap Myths before getting started.

Natural and Pet-Safe Variants

Looking for a non-toxic sticky fly trap? Try combining maple syrup and lemon juice for a more citrusy scent that still does the job. Avoid vinegar-based options if your pet is sensitive to strong smells. These homemade insect traps are safer than sprays and won't harm curious pets or kids.

When to Replace or Dispose

After 3–5 days or once your trap is covered in bugs, it’s time to toss it. You can easily make another in just a few minutes. This is why building a sticky fly trap at home is such a practical solution—it’s cheap, quick, and you control the ingredients.

Whether you’re battling fruit flies in your urban kitchen or barn flies in your rural home, this DIY bug trap helps restore peace and cleanliness without breaking the bank. Plus, there’s something satisfying about catching flies with a solution you made yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do you make a sticky fly trap with sugar water?
Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Apply the mixture to a paper strip or card, let it dry to a tacky finish, and hang it near fly activity.

Q2: What is the best homemade sticky fly trap for kitchens?
A strip of brown paper coated with honey or syrup, placed near the trash bin or fruit bowl, is highly effective and safe for indoor use.