While the provided YouTube video excerpt is minimal, the following outlines a general method for making a fruit fly trap using a plastic bottle, based on commonly known techniques:
Making a Fruit Fly Trap from a Plastic Bottle
Here's how you can easily create an effective fruit fly trap using a plastic bottle:
Materials:
- Plastic bottle (e.g., soda or water bottle)
- Knife or scissors
- Tape (optional)
- Bait (e.g., apple cider vinegar, overripe fruit, wine, or a mixture of sugar, water, and dish soap)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bottle: Cut the top portion of the plastic bottle off, about 1/3 of the way down from the bottle's neck.
-
Invert the Top: Invert the cut-off top portion of the bottle (the nozzle or spout) and insert it into the remaining bottom portion of the bottle, creating a funnel-like shape. The video excerpt notes that the nozzle should be about an inch above the bottom of the bottle.
-
Secure the Top (Optional): If needed, secure the inverted top to the bottom with tape to ensure it stays in place. This prevents fruit flies from escaping.
-
Add Bait: Pour your chosen bait into the bottom of the bottle. Apple cider vinegar is a popular choice, as fruit flies are attracted to its scent. A few drops of dish soap can be added to break the surface tension, causing the flies to drown more easily.
-
Placement: Place the trap in an area where you've noticed fruit fly activity, such as near fruit bowls, sinks, or garbage cans.
How it Works:
The fruit flies are attracted to the scent of the bait and fly into the bottle through the funnel. Once inside, they have difficulty escaping and eventually drown in the liquid.
