FAQ Quick Answer: What is the best homemade indoor fly trap?
A mix of apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a jar makes one of the most effective, non-toxic indoor fly traps—cheap, fast, and safe.
Why Are Flies Invading Your Home?
If you’ve noticed fruit flies circling your sink or houseflies buzzing near the trash, you’re not alone. Flies are drawn to food waste, moisture, and organic decay, making kitchens, bathrooms, and garbage bins their favorite hangouts. While store-bought solutions exist, many people prefer a fly trap indoor homemade method—because it's safe, affordable, and chemical-free. If you're not sure exactly what type of fly you're dealing with, it’s worth checking out Types of Flies In North America. Some fly traps work better depending on the species.
Related reading: 4 Best DIY Fruit Fly Traps
1. The Apple Cider Vinegar + Dish Soap Trap (Most Popular)
Best for: Fruit flies, gnats, and small houseflies.
What You Need:
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1 small jar or cup
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2–3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
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A few drops of dish soap
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Plastic wrap (optional) + rubber band
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A toothpick (if using plastic wrap)
How It Works:
The vinegar smell attracts the flies, while the dish soap breaks the surface tension, trapping and drowning them.
Pro Tip:
Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes if you have pets or children—flies get in but can’t escape.
2. Banana Peel + Jar Trap
Best for: Attracting larger houseflies or fruit flies.
You’ll Need:
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A jar
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A banana peel
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Plastic wrap + toothpick
Place the banana peel inside the jar, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. The rotting fruit lures the flies, and once inside, they’re trapped.
3. Red Wine + Soap Fly Trap
Got a bit of leftover wine? Don’t pour it out!
What to Do:
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Pour a small amount of red wine into a bowl
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Add dish soap
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Leave it uncovered in fly-prone areas
The scent of the wine acts as a magnet, while the soap ensures the flies can’t escape.
Want to understand why these scents work so well? The Science Behind Fly Behavior explains how flies respond to different sensory cues like smell and color.
4. Vinegar & Sugar Bottle Trap (Larger Bottle)
This version is great for high-fly zones like garages or near trash bins.
How to Make:
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Cut a plastic bottle in half
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Add a mixture of ½ cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and warm water into the bottom
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Invert the top half like a funnel into the base
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Tape the edges
Flies will crawl in for the sweet scent and never find their way out.
Why Go Homemade?
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Safe for pets and kids
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Cheap and fast to assemble
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Uses common household items
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Avoids chemical smells or residues
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Great for emergencies or everyday prevention
For more ways to deal with fly infestations naturally, check out Get Rid of Flies Without Chemicals for chemical-free alternatives that pair perfectly with DIY methods.
Bonus Tips for Fly Prevention Indoors
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Keep countertops clean and dry
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Take out trash daily
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Don’t leave fruit out too long
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Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar
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Use a WOWCATCH UV fly trap as a long-term solution
Want Something Stronger?
If your fly problem persists, try a plug-in UV sticky fly trap like WowCatch JT02 — safe, quiet, and pet-friendly, it complements your homemade efforts perfectly.
Final Ideas of Homemade Indoor Fly Tap
DIY fly trap indoor homemade methods are a great first line of defense. Whether you're battling fruit flies, gnats, or houseflies, these traps use everyday items to stop pests in their tracks. Combine them with good hygiene and you'll be flying insect–free in no time.