There are really only two ways to deal with persistent indoor fly problems: You can swat them or use traps. While using traps can be an easy way to avoid being completely-overrun with flies, most of them are toxic, and they also cost a lot of money over time. However, there are some safer, homemade alternatives worth considering that can be just as effective and a lot-less expensive. Let’s take a look at a few examples that you can experiment with the next time you get invaded by flies.
Bottle Traps
We’ve talked about bottle traps before, but now we’re going to look at a couple that are designed specifically for flies. The first involves using a 1-2 liter plastic bottle. All you need to do is cut off the top third of the bottle and set it aside. Partially fill the bottle with the baited liquid of your choice before inverting the top and sticking it inside the bottle. Seal it with tape and place the trap where you have the highest concentration of flies.
You can use any bait you like as long as it contains ingredients that flies like. As a general rule of thumb, flies like sweet things along with rotting meats. Consequently, doing a bit of experimentation with kitchen scraps or leftovers is a great way to come up with a combination that works without filling the room with a putrid odor. Consider combining some fruit pieces with some bits of flesh in juice as a way to attract flies without repelling humans.
You also want to add a few drops of liquid dish soap and vinegar before stirring the mixture. The soap will help to ensnare the flies when they come in contact with the liquid and prevent them from escaping. The vinegar contains compounds that is known to repel bees, and this is a great way to prevent them from being killed by the trap.
Another trick is to use a wine bottle that has about an inch or two of wine left. Add a couple drops of dish detergent and a drop of vinegar before giving it a good shake. Roll up a piece of thick paper into a cone and stick the tip inside the bottle. Press down until it’s snug and you’re good to go. The flies will be attracted to the scent of the wine before wandering down the funnel and becoming trapped. You can also use other empty bottles as needed, and while wine is one of the best fly-attractants, almost any naturally-sweet drink will work as an alternative.
Glass Trap
You can also make a basic trap out of any glass, mason jar or small container by partially-filling it with baited liquid and covering it with cling wrap. Poke a few holes in the wrap so the flies can get inside, and chances are that most of them will drown once they come into contact with the liquid. While this has varying degrees of effectiveness, it’s a great way to compliment whatever other strategies you are using.
Fly Tape
You can make your own fly paper with some strips cut from paper bags along with a little bit of honey and sugar. Make the strips about 2 inches wide, and connect pieces together to make them as long as you need. Poke a hole near the top and loop some string through to use for hanging. Next, take ¼ cup of honey or corn syrup and mix it with ¼ cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Heat the mixture over low heat until the honey melts and the sugar dissolves.
Stir everything together and pour into a bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes before dredging the paper through the liquid. Hang the strips somewhere where they can drip-dry before placing them wherever you want to catch flies.
While these tricks won’t eliminate fly problems entirely, they can go a long way with keeping infestations under control. Try them for yourself, and see how they can be just as effective and much safer than commercial products.