Is your kitchen overcome with fruit flies? This DIY fruit fly trap is simple, easy and actually works!
Remember that experiment in high school biology with the fruit flies? I think it had something to do with spontaneous generation and, inevitably, fruit flies would haunt the biology lab for weeks to come.
I unintentionally recreate this in my kitchen every. single. summer.
You might say, Amanda, just keep produce off the counter. Keep up with the canning. Get your life together. Ok, sure, that’s a reasonable answer. Prevention is the best medicine, after all.
But I have a bushel of peaches coming next week. And blueberries to process. And the tomatoes are starting to ripen. Before long, the green beans, the peppers, the wild blackberries, the cucumbers…
Sound familiar?
Which is why I am so pleased that I have found THE DIY fruit fly trap to end all fruit fly traps. A DIY fruit fly killer that is not toxic to your family. And easily created with supplies already in your kitchen.
Materials
- Shallow dish- I use a small Pyrex dish
- Water
- Apple cider vinegar – I keep Bragg Organic ACV on hand, but other brands will work! Other fruit/sweet vinegars would probably work, as well.
- Dish detergent – Doesn’t matter if it has a scent or not! I am currently using EcoSense Lavender, but have not seen any problems or advantages to other brands or scents.
- Sugar – I use granulated sugar, but a drop of honey, maple syrup or other sweetener would probably work just fine.
How to make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap
- Combine water and apple cider vinegar in the small dish. I aim for a 50:50 ratio. It will depend on the size of your dish as to the volume you need for the fruit fly trap. Make sure the bottom of the dish is completely covered, ideally 1-2 cm up the sides with liquid.
- Add sugar and dish detergent to the liquid. Swirl to dissolve and incorporate.
- Leave dish in the area where the fruit flies are present. Leave uncovered. It can be out in the open or hidden in a corner. Direct or indirect light is ok, too.
Does this fruit fly trap actually work?
Yes! When placed next to your fruit bowl or wherever you are having a fruit fly problem, you will start to see fruit flies within just hours.
How long does this fruit fly trap last?
It depends. I like to change mine every couple days, as needed. It’s not my favorite to have a dish of dead fruit flies sitting in my kitchen. Or you could leave it for a week if there aren’t that many flies. The only issue I run into with longer durations is that the liquid begins to evaporate off. This DIY trap is cheap enough that you could change it daily, if desired.
Is this fruit fly trap cheap?
Yes! And you probably already have all the ingredients and supplies in your kitchen.
Will this trap work for other types of flies?
I have found this fly trap works best for fruit flies and gnats. It does not work particularly well for house flies.
DIY Fruit Fly Trap That Actually Works
Equipment
- 1 Shallow dish or bowl
Materials
- 1 part Water
- 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 pinch Sugar
- 4-5 drops Dish detergent
Instructions
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Total volume should cover the bottom of the dish.
- Next, add the sugar and dish detergent. Swirl the dish to combine.
- Place dish near to the problem area and watch the fruit flies start to disappear! Replace trap every couple days, as needed.
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I so appreciate your encouragement, Becky!
Loving this blog and all the creative ideas coming out of your farm. Keep up the amazing work (and we…
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I’ll have to try this version! Thanks!