Fruit flies can turn your home into their playground overnight, especially around the kitchen where food is abundant. If you’re struggling with these pesky invaders, here’s a brilliant DIY trap that can catch and eliminate fruit flies while you sleep!

What You Need:

• A glass jar or bowl

• Plastic wrap

• A toothpick or something similar for poking holes

• Apple cider vinegar or ripe fruit

• Dish soap

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill the Container:

   • Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into the jar. The smell of vinegar naturally attracts fruit flies due to its fermentation. Alternatively, you can use ripe fruit, wine, or beer.

2. Add Dish Soap:

   • Squirt a drop or two of dish soap into the vinegar or other bait. This acts as a surfactant, reducing the surface tension of the liquid so that when fruit flies land on the surface, they won’t be able to escape and will drown.

3. Cover with Plastic Wrap:

   • Stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band or tape to make sure it’s tight and secure.

4. Poke Holes:

   • Use a toothpick to poke several small holes in the plastic wrap. Make sure the holes are big enough for fruit flies to enter but small enough to prevent them from escaping easily.

5. Place the Trap:

   • Set your trap in areas where you’ve noticed fruit fly activity, such as the kitchen, near fruit bowls, or garbage bins. The ideal placement is near the source of the infestation.

6. Leave It Overnight:

   • Let the trap work its magic overnight. Fruit flies will be attracted to the scent, enter through the holes, and then be trapped and drown in the liquid.

Additional Tips:

• Check and Clean:

  • Check your trap the next morning and dispose of the contents. Clean the jar if you wish to reuse it.

• Preventive Measures:

  • To keep fruit flies from coming back, wash and store produce appropriately, keep kitchen surfaces clean, and dispose of overripe fruits and garbage regularly.

Why It Works:

This trap is effective because fruit flies are attracted to anything fermented or sugary, and once they dive in for a taste, the dish soap ensures they cannot escape. This method is safe, non-toxic, and a highly effective alternative to commercial chemical sprays.

By using this simple yet genius overnight trap, you can enjoy a fruit fly-free home, ensuring your kitchen and other areas remain sanitary and pleasant.