Flies can be a major nuisance, especially during warmer months when they invade homes and outdoor spaces. Instead of relying on chemical-laden sprays or store-bought traps, why not make your own homemade fly trap? These DIY solutions are easy to create, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Here are some of the best homemade fly traps to keep your home fly-free. Visit Printerval for more home improvement ideas. Here are some of the best homemade fly traps to keep your home fly-free.
Classic Bottle Fly Trap
What You Need
- A plastic bottle (2-liter soda bottle works best)
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Sugar water, honey, or fruit juice
- Dish soap
- Tape
Instructions
- Cut the top third of the plastic bottle off.
- Flip the top portion upside down and place it inside the bottom portion, creating a funnel.
- Tape the edges together to secure the trap.
- Fill the bottom section with sugar water or fruit juice and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Place the trap in an area where flies are active.
How It Works: The scent attracts flies, and when they enter through the funnel, they become trapped and drown in the liquid.

Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
What You Need
- A small bowl or jar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
- Plastic wrap
- A rubber band
Instructions
- Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar or bowl, filling it about halfway.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension.
- Stretch plastic wrap over the opening and secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke small holes in the plastic wrap.
- Place the trap near areas where flies gather.
How It Works: Flies are drawn to the vinegar, enter through the holes, and get trapped inside, eventually drowning.

Sticky Paper Fly Trap
What You Need
- Brown paper or cardboard strips
- Corn syrup or honey
- Sugar
- A hole punch and string
Instructions
- Cut brown paper into strips.
- Punch a hole at one end of each strip and attach a string for hanging.
- Mix equal parts corn syrup and sugar, then spread the mixture onto the strips.
- Hang the sticky paper where flies are present.
How It Works: Flies land on the sticky surface and get stuck, preventing them from escaping.

Rotten Fruit Trap
What You Need
- A jar
- Overripe or rotting fruit
- Plastic wrap
- A rubber band
- A fork or toothpick
Instructions
- Place pieces of overripe fruit into the jar.
- Cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke small holes in the plastic wrap.
- Set the trap where flies are frequently seen.
How It Works: The fruit's strong scent attracts flies, and they get stuck inside, unable to find their way out.

Milk, Sugar, and Pepper Trap
What You Need
- 1 cup of milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- A saucepan
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan and stir in the sugar and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or bowl.
- Place the trap in fly-infested areas.
How It Works: The mixture attracts flies, and when they land on the surface, they drown.
Additional Tips to Keep Flies Away
- Keep trash covered and dispose of food waste regularly.
- Clean up spills and crumbs to remove food sources.
- Use essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or citronella as natural fly repellents.
- Seal entry points such as windows and doors to prevent flies from coming inside.
Conclusion
For more creative and practical home solutions, explore our Home Living collection. Homemade fly traps are an easy and effective way to control fly infestations without using harmful chemicals. Whether you opt for a bottle trap, vinegar solution, or sticky paper, these simple DIY methods can help keep your home fly-free. Try out one or more of these traps and enjoy a pest-free environment!
Looking for more fun and creative ideas? Check out our April Fools' Day collection for unique ways to add some laughter to your home!
Read more:
You can use a plastic bottle, apple cider vinegar, or sticky paper to create an effective and eco-friendly fly trap.
Yes, apple cider vinegar attracts flies, and when combined with dish soap, it prevents them from escaping.
The best baits include sugar water, fruit juice, honey, overripe fruit, or vinegar, as flies are naturally drawn to sweet and fermented scents.
Place your trap near windows, trash bins, kitchen counters, or any area where flies are commonly seen.
Yes, most DIY fly traps use non-toxic ingredients, but always place them out of reach to avoid accidental spills or ingestion.