Say Goodbye to Pesky Insects with a DIY Trap!

We’ve all been there – swatting at flies, battling fruit flies, and dodging the dreaded mosquito buzz. Chemical-laden bug sprays can be harsh and ineffective, so why not try a natural, DIY solution? This simple insect trap is easy to make and surprisingly effective! While it won’t eliminate every single insect, it can significantly reduce their presence in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups (473 ml) measuring cup
• Funnel (optional, but recommended)
• Dish soap (clear or lightly colored works best)
• Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• Olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
• Water (optional)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Few drops of dish soap

Instructions:

1. Prep the Trap: Pour the apple cider vinegar and olive oil into your measuring cup. A few drops of dish soap are optional, but can help to break the surface tension of the mixture, making it easier for insects to get trapped.

2. Add Water (Optional): If you find the scent of the vinegar too strong, you can dilute the mixture slightly with water.

3. Create a Flyway: Here’s where the funnel comes in handy! Carefully insert the funnel into the wide end of the measuring cup, with the narrow spout pointing downwards. This creates a one-way trip for curious insects. If you don’t have a funnel, no worries! Insects can still find their way into the mixture.

4. Place Strategically: Find a location in your kitchen where insects are most prevalent. Near the fruit bowl, by the trash can, or close to a breeding ground are all good choices.

How it Works:

 

The mixture of vinegar and oil creates a sweet, yet slightly acidic scent that attracts flies, fruit flies, and gnats. Once lured in, insects struggle to escape the slick surface of the oil, eventually becoming trapped.

Tips:

• Empty and refresh the trap every few days, or more often if it becomes full of insects.
• Replace the mixture if it evaporates or loses its potency.
• Consider using a decorative container for a more aesthetically pleasing trap.

Enjoy a (mostly) pest-free kitchen!

Please Note: While this trap is effective for flies, gnats, and fruit flies, it may not work as well for mosquitoes or other crawling insects. For a more comprehensive insect control plan, consider combining this trap with other methods, such as addressing potential breeding grounds and ensuring screens on windows and doors are secure.