Flies and insects in your home can be a nuisance, especially in the kitchen.
This simple and effective homemade fly trap uses everyday household ingredients to lure and trap flies, leaving your space clean and bug-free.
With just a few steps, you can create this powerful solution and see results in no time!
Ingredients
For the Mixture:
120 ml vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works best)
120 ml cooking oil (any type, such as vegetable or canola oil)
120 ml shampoo or dishwashing liquid
2.5 liters of water
Equipment Needed:
A 5-liter bucket (or larger, if desired)
A stirrer or spoon for mixing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bucket
Choose a bucket with a capacity of at least 5 liters to allow room for the mixture and plenty of surface area to trap flies.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Pour 120 ml of vinegar into the bucket. This serves as the primary attractant for the flies due to its strong odor.
Add 120 ml of cooking oil to the bucket. The oil will help trap the flies by making the surface slippery.
Add 120 ml of shampoo or dishwashing liquid. This helps break the surface tension, causing the flies to sink once they land on the mixture.
Pour in 2.5 liters of water to dilute the ingredients and create the liquid base.
Step 3: Stir the Mixture
Use a spoon or stirrer to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the oil and shampoo are evenly dispersed in the water.
Step 4: Place the Bucket
Place the bucket in a corner of your kitchen, dining area, or wherever flies are most active.
For best results, choose a spot near a fly hotspot, such as near food scraps or trash bins.
Step 5: Wait for Results
Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for a few hours. Flies will be attracted to the scent and land on the surface, where they’ll get trapped.
Check the bucket periodically. Within a few hours, you should notice a significant number of flies trapped in the liquid.
Step 6: Dispose and Repeat
Once the bucket has collected a fair amount of flies, dispose of the mixture responsibly.
Repeat the process as needed until all flies and insects are gone.
Tips for Best Results
Increase Effectiveness: Add a small piece of fruit or a drop of honey to enhance the scent and attract more flies.
Placement: Avoid placing the bucket in areas with strong airflow, as this may reduce the mixture’s effectiveness.
Other Uses: This trap works well for other small flying insects, such as gnats or fruit flies.
Why This Works
Vinegar: Attracts flies with its pungent smell.
Oil: Creates a slippery surface, making it hard for flies to escape.
Shampoo/Dishwashing Liquid: Breaks the surface tension, ensuring flies sink into the mixture.
Time Breakdown
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Waiting Time: A few hours or overnight
Enjoy a Fly-Free Space!
This easy and budget-friendly solution is a game-changer for keeping flies and insects at bay.
With consistent use, you’ll have a cleaner and more pleasant environment in no time.