Homemade Fruit Fly Trap with Apple Cider Vinegar

Fruit flies can be a pesky nuisance in any kitchen, often appearing out of nowhere. A homemade fruit fly trap with apple cider vinegar offers a simple and effective solution to this common problem.

In this post, you will learn how to create an easy-to-make trap using just a few household items.

Say goodbye to fruit flies and reclaim your space with this clever trick that anyone can use.

How to trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar

Making a fruit fly trap using apple cider vinegar is really easy.

1. Gather what you need. To make an apple cider vinegar fruit fly trap, get a bowl, plastic wrap, toothpick, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Pour in some vinegar. Add about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to the bowl.
3. Cover the bowl. Cut a length of plastic wrap that’s about 2” wider than the bowl on all sides. Stretch taut the plastic wrap over the top of the bowl.
4. Make holes. Using the toothpick, poke holes in the plastic wrap, twirling the toothpick to make the opening about 1/4” big.
5. Position the bowl. Place the trap in your kitchen or wherever the fruit fly infestation is located. Within minutes you should see the fruit flies being attracted to the trap and start getting stuck in it.

How and why fruit flies appear out of seemingly nowhere

Fruit flies are tiny pests that seem to appear out of nowhere, especially in kitchens. They are attracted to ripe or decaying fruits, vegetables, and other organic matter.

These flies are drawn in by the smell of fermentation, which occurs when fruits and veggies start to break down. Kitchens are prime targets because they often have exposed produce (such as ripe bananas on the counter) and garbage bins with food remnants in them.

Fruit flies reproduce rapidly. A single fly can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, usually on the surface of fermenting foods or in moist areas like drains.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the decaying matter, and within a week, they become fully grown adults ready to repeat the cycle.

Why are fruit flies attracted to apple cider vinegar?

Fruit flies are attracted to apple cider vinegar because of its strong fermentation smell, which mimics the scent of decaying fruits they feed on.

The vinegar’s acetic acid content creates an ideal environment for them to seek out and lay their eggs, making it an effective trap.

How to prevent fruit fly infestations

To prevent fruit flies, it’s important to store fruits and vegetables in the fridge or in sealed containers.

I tend to notice fruit flies when I have very ripe bananas on the counter for a few days. If I’m not planning on making banana bread or banana muffins soon, I freeze the bananas for later use to prevent fruit flies.

Regularly taking out the trash, cleaning up spills, and rinsing out bottles or cans before tossing them in the recycling bin can also help.

Don’t forget to clean drains or other damp areas where organic matter might be hiding. Taking these precautions can help keep your kitchen fruit fly-free and avoid a rapid infestation.

Recipes to use up ripe bananas

Whole wheat banana muffins
Chocolate chip banana mini muffins
Caramelized banana mini muffins
Eggless spelt banana bread

Conclusion

Creating a homemade fruit fly trap with apple cider vinegar is an easy and effective way to tackle pesky fruit flies in your home.

By using a simple ingredient like apple cider vinegar, you can reduce their numbers quickly and make your space pest free again.

Try this method today and enjoy a fruit fly free kitchen!