The Ultimate DIY Fly Trap: A Cheap, Simple, and Unbelievably Effective Solution

Summer brings so many joys: warm evenings, backyard barbecues, and spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, it also brings flies. That incessant buzzing and landing on everything can drive anyone crazy and ruin a perfectly good get-together.

Before you spend money on chemical sprays or sticky, unsightly flypaper, I’m going to let you in on a secret I’ve used for years. The most effective fly catcher I’ve ever used is one you can make in two minutes with what most of us would consider trash. It’s cheap, it’s completely free of harsh chemicals, and it works better than anything you can buy at the store.

How to Make Your Own High-Performance Fly Trap

This recipe uses the science of fermentation to create a scent that flies find absolutely irresistible. The sweet mixture draws them in through the narrow opening, and they become trapped. It’s that simple. I put one out, and within 4-6 weeks, it’s usually so full that I have to replace it.

What You’ll Need:

• An empty two-liter soda bottle
• ¾ to 1 cup of cheap white sugar
• ¾ to 1 cup of vinegar (any kind works; I use the cheapest available)
• One banana peel
• Warm water
• A piece of wire for hanging

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Bait the Trap: Start by stuffing the banana peel down into the empty two-liter bottle.
2. Add the Attractants: Pour in the sugar and the vinegar. Don’t worry about being exact with the measurements; close enough is good enough.
3. Activate the Mixture: Add warm water to the bottle until the liquid level reaches the point where the bottle’s straight sides begin to slope inward toward the top. The warm water helps dissolve the sugar and start the fermentation process.
4. Shake It Up: Screw the lid on tightly and shake the bottle vigorously to mix all the ingredients together.
5. Set It and Forget It: Remove the lid and your trap is ready to go!

A Few Pro Tips for Maximum Success

• Placement is Key: Hang the traps from trees, bushes, or fence posts around the perimeter of the area you want to protect, like your patio or porch. This draws the flies away from your living space.
• Use Wire, Not Twine: I learned this one the hard way. If you have squirrels, they will chew right through string or twine to get to the sweet mixture. A sturdy piece of wire will keep your trap secure.
• Easy Disposal: Keep the bottle cap! When the trap is full of flies, simply screw the cap back on and toss the entire thing in the trash. No mess, no fuss.
• Source Your Bottles: If you don’t drink soda, you can almost always find two-liter bottles at a local recycling center, or just ask a friend or neighbor to save one for you.

That’s all there is to it. For the cost of a little sugar and vinegar, you can significantly reduce the fly population in your yard and enjoy a more peaceful, pest-free summer.