How to Make a Fly Trap?

Making a fly trap is a simple and effective way to manage flies indoors or outdoors. Here's how you can create one using a few common household items, based on the reference provided:

Steps to Build a Homemade Fly Trap

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own effective fly trap:

1. Prepare the Bottle:

   • Start with an empty plastic bottle, such as a 2-liter soda bottle. Ensure it's clean and dry.

2. Cut the Bottle Top:

   • Using scissors, carefully cut off the top of the bottle. This will create an open space where flies can enter.

3. Prepare the Liquid Lure:

   • In the bottle, mix 1 cup of vinegar or water along with a few drops of dish soap. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, making it harder for the flies to escape.

4. Add the Fly Bait:

   • Introduce your chosen fly bait into the bottle. Effective options include:
     • A small piece of overripe fruit: Flies are attracted to the sweet smell of rotting fruit.
     • Sugar: Use a small amount of sugar to entice the flies.

Assembly

After completing these steps, your fly trap is ready:

• Option 1: Inverted Top: Invert the cut top piece and place it into the bottle opening like a funnel. Ensure the inverted top's nozzle sits just above the liquid. This funnels flies inside while making escape difficult.

• Option 2: Open Top: Alternatively, keep the bottle open without inverting the top, as this can be effective for many.

Usage and Placement

• Placement: Position the trap in areas where flies are prevalent, such as kitchens, near trash cans, or outdoor areas.
• Maintenance: Replace the liquid bait and clean the bottle as needed to ensure its effectiveness.

Effectiveness

This simple design leverages the flies' attraction to sweet smells and their tendency to fly downwards, trapping them in the liquid.

Step	Description
1	Obtain a plastic bottle
2	Cut the top off
3	Mix liquid attractant (vinegar/water & soap)
4	Add bait such as sugar or ripe fruit