How to Build a Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies are annoying, there's no questioning that. But it can be even more annoying trying to extirpate them if you don't know what you're doing. As a result, we've compiled some step-by-step plans for you to follow to construct one of the most common and efficient fruit fly traps and get that clean, Martha Stewart caliber kitchen back.

The Funnel Trap

The funnel trap is one of the most common and effective traps used in the kitchen

Steps

1. Find an empty jar or bottle.
2. Place slices of apples or bananas in the bottom of the jar.
3. Cut a funnel out of paper, for instructions Click Here
4. Cut a small hole at the tip of the funnel so that the fruit flies can get through. (see right)
5. Seal the trap by taping the funnel to the rim of the bottle or jar.
6. After a few days you should see the fruit flies gathering inside the funnel and eventually inside the trap.
7. Fruit flies have a life span of only 10 days, so after a week or less, place the trap in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to kill off both the living fruit flies in the trap and the eggs that they have laid inside the fruit that's sitting at the bottom.
8. Repeat until your kitchen is fully expunged of all fruit flies.

Tip: It is generally more effective to make multiple traps and place them in different corners or anywhere you see the flies congregating.

Prevention

To thwart a fly infestation before it starts, keep your kitchen clean. Always cover your trash with a tightly-sealed lid. Never leave any exposed food, sugars, etc. out in the open. That includes wine bottles, beer bottles, etc. Cleaning is a pain, but it is generally more pleasant than having hordes of bugs flying into your face while you are trying to sleep.

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