Did flies ruin your last summer, and are you determined not to go through that nightmare again? You’re right to take action: these little pests are not only annoying but also potential carriers of bacteria.
Today, we offer you simple and eco-friendly solutions to effectively and sustainably get rid of flies using homemade traps.
1. Transform a bottle into a fly trap
Why throw away your old plastic bottles when they could make the perfect fly trap? Here’s how to create your own customized trap in a few steps:
- Remove the cap and clean the bottle thoroughly with hot water.
- Cut the bottle in half horizontally (the bottom part should be larger than the neck).
- Flip the upper part and place it inside the lower part to form a funnel, then secure them with tape or staples.
- Pour one of the attractant mixtures listed below into your trap. Once they enter, the flies won’t be able to escape
2. Use a jar to naturally trap flies
If you prefer a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution, opt for a glass jar or simply a cup. Here’s how to proceed:
- Clean your jar or cup thoroughly with hot water.
- Fill it almost to the brim with an attractant mixture (see below in the last section).
- Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes for the flies to enter but remain trapped inside. Secure the wrap with a rubber band.
- You can also make a paper funnel or use a pierced coffee filter: just remember to add less liquid to avoid overflow.
3. Create your own fly sticky tape
You probably know those fly traps available in stores. Did you know that you can easily make your own at home?
- Cut a strip of yellow paper and punch holes to thread a string through.
- Melt together two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of water and let it cool slightly.
- Generously spread this mixture on your paper.
- Hang your sticky strip: it’s as simple as that! Just remember to replace the trap when it’s full.
Attracting flies with irresistible mixtures
Wondering which mixture works best to attract flies to your trap? Here are several proven and easy recipes you can prepare at home:
The brown sugar and yeast mixture
A classic that always works:
- Dissolve 50 g of brown sugar in 200 ml of warm water.
- Then sprinkle about 1 g of baker’s yeast on top without stirring.
- Wait a few days for fermentation to occur: you’ll have a powerful attractant lasting up to two weeks.
Attracting flies with apple cider vinegar and dish soap
A quick but effective preparation:
- Heat some apple cider vinegar in a pan.
- Then add a few drops of dish soap to prevent the flies from escaping once trapped.
- Pour it into the trap and let it work its magic.
The milk, sugar, and pepper mixture
An astonishing yet successful homemade recipe tested by our grandmothers:
- In a saucepan, mix 50 cl of milk, 100 g of brown sugar, and 50 g of ground pepper.
- Heat gently until it simmers for about ten minutes.
- Pour this mixture into your fly trap. Guaranteed success!
Other effective ingredients to attract flies to your trap:
- A few centimeters of red wine or beer at the bottom of the container
- Water with a sweet product like honey, syrup, or jam
- A piece of very ripe fruit to attract flies without necessarily killing them
What did you think of these fly-fighting tips? Have you tried any of these methods at home? Do you have other eco-friendly tips to repel or trap these nuisances? Share your experiences or ask your questions in the comments below!

I’m a disabled, xennial Christ-follower, slightly off kilter (but aren’t all “ar-teeests”?).
Hope you enjoy my rantings, don’t take my sarcasm too seriously and know that comments are welcome. 🙂
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