Based on available information, the best homemade fly killer is an apple cider vinegar trap with dish soap.
Here's why this method works well and how to create it:
How It Works:
Fruit flies are attracted to the sweet smell of apple cider vinegar. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, causing the flies to drown when they land on it.
Instructions for Creating the Trap:
-
Gather your materials: You'll need a jar or container (a small bowl, cup, or even a plastic container will do), apple cider vinegar, liquid dish soap, and something to cover the container (plastic wrap, a lid with holes, or even a paper cone).
-
Prepare the bait: Pour about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into your chosen container.
-
Add the soap: Add 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar. Stir gently to mix. Avoid creating too many bubbles.
-
Cover the container (optional, but recommended for effectiveness):
-
Plastic wrap: Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band. Then, poke small holes in the plastic wrap. The holes should be large enough for fruit flies to enter, but small enough to prevent them from easily escaping.
-
Lid with holes: If you have a lid for your container, you can punch small holes in it with a hammer and nail, as suggested in the reference.
-
Paper cone: You can create a cone out of paper and place it in the opening of the jar, with the tip of the cone pointing down but not touching the liquid. The flies will easily enter through the larger opening but will have trouble escaping.
-
-
Place the trap: Place the trap in an area where you've noticed fruit flies, such as near fruit bowls, sinks, or garbage cans.
-
Monitor and replace: Check the trap regularly. You should see fruit flies trapped inside. Replace the solution every few days, or when it becomes full of flies or loses its effectiveness.
Why this method is considered "best":
- Effective: It reliably attracts and kills fruit flies.
- Simple: It uses readily available household ingredients.
- Inexpensive: The cost is minimal compared to commercial fly traps.
- Non-toxic: It avoids the use of harsh chemicals.
