DIY Fly Traps

It’s easy enough to make your own fly trap. The only problem is having jars filled with deceased flies hanging around your entertainment area – not very appealing. We painted our jars to hide the flies, and now they can be part of the décor as well as being very useful at this time of the year.

What you need

Water
Apple cider vinegar
Sugar
Dishwashing liquid
Glass jars
Greaseproof or wax paper (option 1)
Sticky tape
Plastic wrap (option 2)
Elastic band Twine Spray-paint

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

To Make Your Fly Trap

1. Spray-paint the outside of a glass jar in the colour of your choice and leave to dry.
2. Mix together equal parts of water and vinegar (about ¼ cup of each). Add three teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Pour this mixture into the jars. You just need enough mixture to drown the flies – if you use bigger jars you might need to adjust the quantities.

Option 1: Make a funnel with greaseproof paper: fold the paper into a triangle. Fold it twice again, using the point as a guide. Trim the top off and unfold. Make a funnel shape and secure it with tape. Cut off the tip of the pointed end at an angle, to allow the flies to enter but not escape. Place the funnel in the jar and adjust the top of the paper to sit just above the rim.

Option 2: cover the top of a jar with plastic wrap and secure it with an elastic band.

3. Poke a few holes in the plastic, large enough for the flies to get through.
4. Place near fly activity.
5. To hang up the jars, cut two pieces of twine and tie them around the rim of the jar on opposite sides. Tie the ends of the twine together over a conveniently hanging branch or other hanging point.
6. Hang the jars outside or near the dustbin.

Note: Replace the mixture every two weeks, as it will lose its potency over time.