I tested 3 different DIY fruit fly traps — this 3-ingredient build worked best
How to get rid of fruit flies fast: I tested 3 DIY traps to eliminate the infestation, and one method worked better than the rest.
When it comes to dealing with fruit fly infestations, you don't need to spend a fortune on specialized traps. In a recent test, three popular DIY methods were evaluated using basic household items to determine which one was most effective.
The top-performing trap was made with apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and a plastic wrap cover. Fruit flies are drawn to the fermented scent of the vinegar, while the soap breaks the liquid's surface tension, causing the flies to drown. This simple setup, which can be assembled in under a minute, consistently caught flies and proved to be the overall winner.
In cases where apple cider vinegar is unavailable, a fruit scrap funnel provides a cost-effective alternative. Mash overripe fruit, such as a banana or strawberry, into a glass jar with water and a single drop of dish soap. Roll a paper cone to create a narrow opening that leads into the jar, enticing flies to enter but making it difficult for them to escape. This method requires minimal effort but demands precise folding to avoid gaps.
The lowest-effort option is the leftover alcohol trap, which utilizes stale beer or wine with a drop of dish soap. Fruit flies are highly attracted to yeast and sugars, making this trap relatively easy to set up. However, its lower acidity level results in a less potent scent, making it more of a secondary trap rather than an immediate solution. While it can catch some flies overnight, it may not be as effective in clearing a heavy infestation as the vinegar-based trap.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
