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how to get rid of fruit flies fast
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How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

An effective and natural method that’s free of potentially harmful chemicals, I’ve got the perfect fix: my do-it-yourself fruit fly trap.
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 5 Traps
Author Jill Nystul
Cost $5

Equipment

  • Single hole punch
  • Scissors

Ingredients

  • 1 grocery paper bag
  • 1 foot twine or string
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey (or corn syrup)
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  • Cut your paper bag into a few strips about 2–3 inches wide. No need to measure them or anything—this isn’t an exact science!
    cut the paper bag
  • Use the hole punch to make small holes in one end of each strip, then thread a piece of twine or string through the hole and tie the ends together.
    punch hole and thread twine
  • Next, add the sugar, honey (or corn syrup), and water to a small saucepan and stir. Cook the mixture over low heat on your stove just until the sugar dissolves.
    cook sticky mixture
  • our the mixture into a shallow bowl, then drag each of your paper strips through the sticky mixture until they are coated well on both sides.
    coat strips with sticky mixture
  • Hang your homemade flypaper strips somewhere to dry, and place a towel underneath them to catch any sticky drips. Once they’re no longer dripping, you can move the strips to wherever they’re needed around your house!
    hang fruit fly traps
  • Replace your homemade fly strips with fresh ones as needed until the fruit flies are gone.
    replace fruit fly traps as need

Notes

Where To Hang Your DIY Fly Paper
  • Near produce
  • Near houseplants
  • In the bathroom
  • Near your compost, if you compost
  • Anywhere you see fruit flies hanging