Flies in a jar can be a pesky problem, but there are affordable and effective ways to take care of the issue. Don’t let a swarm of pesky fruit flies keep you from enjoying your day. Instead, try one of these three DIY fruit fly trapping methods to get rid of them for good.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
This powerful fruit fly trap is easy to assemble and only requires a small mason jar, apple cider vinegar, and a couple of drops of dish soap. Here’s how to make it:
- Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a small mason jar with a couple of drops of dish soap.
- Mix well and cover the jar with a layer of foil.
- Use a pin or paperclip to poke holes in the foil slightly larger than the pin, just big enough for a fruit fly to fit through.
- Next, secure the foil with the lid ring, but don’t screw it on all the way. Fasten another piece of tin foil over the lid ring with a rubber band, and carefully poke holes in this layer as well.
Why This Method Is Effective
Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of fermentation, and apple cider vinegar is one of their favorite smells. The apple cider vinegar works to draw the fruit flies into the trap, where they climb through the holes in both layers, but cannot get out easily. The layers of foil create a puzzle that is very difficult for the fruit flies to get out of.
Plastic Bottle Trap
Another method to try involves creating a fruit fly trap out of a plastic bottle. Here’s how to make it:
- Poke or drill small holes in the lid of a soda or water bottle.
- Screw the lid back on the bottle and cut the top third off. Set it aside, and add an attractant like apple cider vinegar, fruit juice, wine, or beer to the bottom of the bottle.
- Next, flip the top of the bottle upside down and place it in the bottle with the cap forming a funnel down into it.
- Seal around the bottle’s top with tape to ensure the two bottle pieces are connected.
- Place your bottle trap near where the fruit flies have been congregating.
Why This Method Is Effective
Fruit flies will often follow their sense of smell straight into some of the worst places, and this trap is no exception. The attractant in the bottom of the bottle draws the fruit flies in, while the funnel shape of the trap makes it difficult for the fruit flies to escape.
The Paper Cone and Jar Trap
This type of trap can be made with a paper cone and a jar. Here’s how to create it:
- Use a mason jar and form a paper cone with a small hole in the bottom that fits into the jar without touching the bottom.
- Tape the side of your paper cone so it keeps its shape, and set it aside.
- Next, choose some fruit scraps to place in the bottom of your jar. Whatever you have around works, including apple or banana peels.
- Lastly, put your paper cone in place and tape around it to seal it to the jar. Your trap is ready for use!
Why This Method Is Effective
Fruit flies love fruit—after all, it’s in their name. The fruit in this trap makes it irresistible to fruit flies, especially if you use scraps of sweet and juicy fruit like pineapple, which fruit flies seem to be especially drawn to.
Bonus Tips
Effective fruit fly control isn’t just about choosing the right DIY trap. Here are some additional tips that can help you control and prevent future fruit fly outbreaks:
- Wash, chop, and refrigerate your produce when you bring it home.
- Rinse your beverage containers before recycling.
- Make sure there aren’t food and produce scraps on your counters, in your sink, or left in the compost overnight.
- Keep your garbage and recycling empty, and rinse the cans out from time to time to avoid attracting fruit flies to them.
- Clean your sink drains and garbage disposal so rotting food scum isn’t building up and providing food and breeding sites for fruit flies.
Conclusion
You don’t have to put up with flies in a jar any longer. Utilize one of these DIY fruit fly trapping methods to get rid of pesky fruit flies for good. By combining these methods with our helpful tips, you can prevent future fruit fly outbreaks and enjoy your fresh produce without any annoyances.
