Instead of spending big bucks on fly traps and using their chemicals, try these home remedies. Indeed, none of them are able to repel the fly population, but if used together with How to Get Rid of Flies in the House, the methods in this article can control fly attacks and measure the progress of your business.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Light Trap
Step 1. Set up a table lamp with a warm, bright bulb
Step 2. A bedside lamp that hangs against the wall and bends down with the power outlet directly above it is quite effective in a dark room as long as the light is aimed directly at the bowl
Step 3. Fill the water to 3/4 of the aluminum pan, or better yet, a low-sided white bowl, then add a little dish soap (so the flies sink into the water and can't float on top)
Step 4. Pour enough dish soap until the water changes color
You can use 1 teaspoon of Sunlight (or any other brand of dish soap) for about 2 cups of water, until it turns green when the right amount is reached.
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For the record, too much soap is better than too little. Many people choose to use Dawn dish soap because its levels are so high that only a few drops are needed for each cup of water.
Make a Flea Trap Step 5
Step 5. Stir gently until smooth but not bubbly
Step 6. Place the bowl of water directly under the lamp and turn on the light
The fly will approach a warm, bright place and then sink into the soapy water.
Method 2 of 5: Cup Trap
Step 1. Fill several cups or bowls half full with the soap solution described in the previous step
Some people recommend using bleach, but this option is risky for children, pets, carpets/furniture/clothing. Soapy water is just as effective, but not risky.
Step 2. Place the cup on the warm edge of the window
Light and warm temperatures will invite flies to approach and drown in the soap solution.
Method 3 of 5: Candle Trap
Step 1. Light a thick candle in a place that you always keep an eye on
The fly will get into the melted wax and get trapped there.
Step 2. Alternatively, light a small candle in a bowl of soapy water
This is a combination of table lamp traps and candles.
Method 4 of 5: Trap TV
Step 1. Fill the 13x9-inch pan with water until it is half full
Step 2. Place a baking sheet filled with water on the floor in front of the TV before going to bed
Step 3. Turn on the TV but turn off the sound
Step 4. In the morning, take a look at the number of flies that died while the TV was turned on all night
Method 5 of 5: The Borax Trap
Step 1. Use a flour sifter to spread the borax over the carpet
Sprinkle borax all over the carpet.
Step 2. Use a hard-bristled brush to rub the borax into the carpet
Step 3. Leave it for at least 2 hours
Do not allow pets, babies, or children into the room.
Step 4. Vacuum the carpet until it is clean
Put the sucked dirt in a plastic bag outside the house. The flies should be dead by now.
Tips
- Place several of these traps in different places in the house at the same time.
- Place a cup of carbonated water or a mixture of warm water, sugar, and yeast (to create carbon dioxide) in a baking sheet or Tupperware container along with the soapy water. This trap will attract flies and bed bugs.
- Remember to place one trap near your pet's bed, unless the pet might drink the trap water (see Warnings).
- Flies are also attracted to carbon dioxide, so carbonated water may be more effective as a trap.
- Make sure to empty and change the trap water every day.
- Turn it on high for about half an hour until the room is warm (the flies will come out if the room is hot) and prepare an anti-fly spray that can be purchased at a pet store or large department store like Carrefour!
Warning
- Follow the instructions on the table lamp packaging to find out how long the lamp can be left on.
- Do not hang electric lights over water.
- Watch for flies to enter and/or you dip in the water. Flies may float, swim to shore, and crawl out! Flies are known to sink to the bottom of the bowl, then swim up, pull over, get out, and jump out! Pouring too much soap to lower the surface tension is better than less!
- Dogs and cats may be tempted to drink soapy water. This is dangerous because soap can cause indigestion. Add mint, vinegar, or citrus oil to keep cats away, but their effect on trap effectiveness is unknown. You can also put some kind of protective wall over the trap so that it looks like an open cage.
