To catch fruit flies effectively, you can create simple homemade traps using common household items and attractants that lure fruit flies in but prevent their escape. Here are several proven methods:

Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

• Pour about half an inch of apple cider vinegar into a bowl or jar.
• Add a drop or two of dish soap to break the surface tension, causing flies to sink.
• Cover the container with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
• Poke small holes in the plastic wrap for the flies to enter.
  Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar's scent but get trapped inside and drown

Overripe Fruit Trap

• Place a piece of overripe fruit (banana, peach, etc.) in a jar or container.
• Cover with plastic wrap secured by a rubber band.
• Poke small holes in the wrap.
  The fruit's scent lures flies inside, and they cannot escape

Plastic Bottle Funnel Trap

• Cut the top third off a plastic bottle.
• Poke small holes in the bottle cap.
• Pour apple cider vinegar, wine, beer, or fruit juice into the bottom.
• Invert the top part of the bottle and place it into the bottom half, forming a funnel.
• Tape the two parts together and place near fruit fly activity.
  Flies enter through the funnel attracted by the liquid but cannot find their way out

Paper Cone and Jar Trap

• Roll a piece of paper into a cone with a small hole at the tip.
• Place fruit scraps or vinegar inside a jar.
• Insert the cone into the jar opening, sealing edges with tape.
  Flies enter through the narrow hole but struggle to exit due to the cone shape

Wine Bottle Trap

• Leave a small amount of wine in a bottle.
• Add a piece of fruit and a few drops of dish soap.
• Optionally, add a paper funnel at the bottle opening.
  Fermented wine and fruit attract flies, and the soap traps them inside

Additional Tips

• Place traps near fruit bowls, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, or other areas where fruit flies gather

• Using dish soap is key because it breaks surface tension, causing flies to drown

• You can try different baits like fruit juice, honey, or ripe fruit combined with vinegar for better results

These DIY traps are cheap, easy to make, and effective in reducing fruit fly populations quickly