These DIY Fruit Fly Traps Will Rid Your Home of the Pests Once and for All (2024)

While fruit flies may not leave bug bites or painful stings, walking into your kitchen only to have the little pests swarming your favorite fruit is enough to make anyone lose their appetite. Not only are fruit flies annoying, but they’re also extremely difficult to get rid of, and there’s nothing more infuriating than thinking you’ve removed them all only to find even more popping up in their place. That’s where fruit fly traps come into play.

While banishing the pests can be a long and frustrating process, there are plenty of DIY fruit fly traps and store-bought options you can set that will help. We poured through dozens of methods to bring you a curated list of the best options—whether you’re looking for something quick and easy to buy on Amazon, or are ready to get crafty with a DIY trap.

1. DIY Fruit Fly Trap With Apple Cider Vinegar and Plastic Wrap

If you prefer to use items you already have around the house to tackle your fruit fly problem, you’re in luck. Since these pests are naturally attracted to sugar, produce, and other things you keep in the kitchen, there are plenty of DIY remedies to get rid of them. To make this one, all you need to do is pour some apple cider vinegar in a glass, cover the top with plastic wrap (you can secure it with a rubber band or hair tie), and poke some holes in the plastic. The flies won’t be able to resist the vinegar, and plastic wrap will keep them from escaping. Easy and effective!

2. DIY Fruit Fly Trap With Dish Soap and Vinegar

While most DIY fruit fly traps are easy to make, this one is truly hard to beat. Simply pour some distilled vinegar into a bowl and add a couple drops of dish soap. You can leave the bowl uncovered on your counter or any surface near where you tend to add fruit flies. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the dish soap will cause them to sink so they can’t escape.

3. Easy to use fruit fly trap

This trap is as effective as it is easy to use. Formulated with no harsh chemicals, the brand says it’s safe to use near food or food prep areas, making it a great choice for capturing those pesky fruit flies that hang out by your produce. Just flip open the top of the jar, set it up in an area where you typically see fruit flies, and you’ll be good for up to 30 days. “This really works!” writes one reviewer. “I don’t know how I got a fruit fly problem, but this stuff sorted it out."

4. Affordable fruit fly trap

If you’re looking for effective traps at an affordable price, look no further. You can get a 36-pack of these sticky traps for less than $10. The bright color attracts fruit flies, gnats, and other pests while the strong adhesive keeps them from getting away. They’re super convenient, and easy to stick in plants, baskets, or anywhere around your home where you get fruit flies. “These things work like magic!” writes one reviewer.

5. Discreet fruit fly trap

These fruit fly traps are the highest rated on Amazon for a reason. The discreet, apple-shaped design works by blending in with the fruit that these pests are always after, so they won’t stick out like an eyesore in your kitchen. Simply place a trap in an area that attracts fruit flies, and your space will be protected for up to 45 days. “These have been lifesavers, and dramatically reduced the fly issue in our apartment,” writes one reviewer. “Highly recommend to anyone with the same issues.”

How to prevent fruit flies from taking over your home

While fruit fly traps are a great option to help rid your space of an existing fly problem, there are also actions you can take to help prevent the pests from showing up in the first place.

To avoid a fruit fly problem:

• Whenever possible, avoid keeping produce, fruit, or other sugary foods out in your kitchen and instead opt to keep these items in the fridge or a sealed cabinet.
• When you bring produce home, be sure to wash it immediately to get rid of any existing bugs before storing it.
• Empty your kitchen trash can as often as possible in order to avoid letting any food scraps sit that might attract flies.
• Be sure to clean up any spills in your home right away. Sugary drinks/liquids in particular will quickly attract pests if not cleaned up immediately.
• Keep your kitchen space clean in general, especially your sink, disposal, and other areas that might be overlooked. This will help prevent fruit flies from invading and make your life a lot easier.