Tis the season, no, not that season — fruit fly season! In this post I will show you how to make a fruit fly trap with vinegar that really works, with a few household items and in just minutes! With or without apple cider vinegar this solution easily traps those pesky gnats!
End of summer brings delicious, juicy, ripe summer fruits and veggies and with them a fruit fly family reunion! But who needs them, use this gnat trap recipe and be rid of them, easy and without any chemicals.
I love DIY’ing easy recipes that are much cheaper than store bought; you too? Try this Carrabba’s Grill Seasoning, or this healthy Lemon & Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub.
Using everyday household items, you’ll learn how to make your own cheap and effective gnat trap recipe.
Equipment for a Gnat Trap Recipe
- Shallow Glass Ramekin
- Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar
- Plastic Wrap
- Toothpick
If you are like me, you enjoy keeping a few produce items un-refrigerated; tomatoes especially are so much more flavorful, juicy and did I say flavorful when they hang out on the counter.
But do you find yourself seeing itsy-bitsy black insects flying around, flies and gnats dive bombing your face? You end up looking like one of those clapping monkey’s as you try to smack the darn things; looking like a fool? Just me?
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies with Vinegar
This fruit fly trap is so simple, I am sure you have the ingredients at home. So how do you make a fruit fly trap with vinegar?
Simply pour apple cider vinegar or white vinegar into a ramekin, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
Cover snugly with plastic wrap, pull tight, sealing tightly and taught, all the way around the ramekin.
Using a toothpick or an ice pick, puncture holes in the top of the plastic wrap, swirling slightly to enlarge the hole a bit larger than the toothpick makes by itself.
Set out as many gnat traps as you need, concentrating them especially near your fruit or where you have kept your fruit.
Pro Gnat Trap Recipe Tip
If the fruit flies (or gnats) are attracted to the trap, but not going in (walking all over the top of the plastic wrap), it typically means your holes aren’t big enough.
Without making the holes too big, use a toothpick to slighly swirl and enlarge your holes, remember you don’t want them flying back out, warning their fly friends. Make it easy for them to get in and never get out. 🙂
After a few days the vinegar loses it’s drawing power, toss out, wash the bowl and start over again. You’ll be surprised at how many you catch!
Our infestors visitors are not too prolific at the moment, but typically I’ve got 2-3 traps going and they each catch 15-20 flies a day! EW!
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Without Apple Cider Vinegar
I personally like using Apple Cider Vinegar for my gnat traps, however; regular white vinegar will work too!
Still want to try it? You should know quickly if it works and if it doesn’t then move on to apple cider vinegar, balsamic, red wine, anything that is naturally a bit sweeter.
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Homemade Fruit Fly Trap (that really works!)
How to DIY your own Homemade Fruit Fly Trap (or gnat trap) using apple cider vinegar and a few household items.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour vinegar into small shallow bowl or ramekin, leaving about 1/2 inch space at top.
- Stretch a piece of plastic wrap tightly across the top, making sure there are no gaps.
- Insert toothpick (or icepick) through plastic wrap and swirl slightly to enlarge the hole abit.
- Set on counter and watch the fruit flies gather for a pool party.
Notes
The vinegar loses its efficacy after a few days. Simple wash out the container, and repeat the above steps.
If the flies are attracted to your trap, but aren't going it, chances are your holes are too small (or too large), increase the size of the holes. Or if too large, replace the plastic wrap and try again. Happy catching!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 235Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 344mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 6g
The nutritional information is estimated and may not be entirely accurate.
ABOUT KATHLEEN
I enjoy sharing easy recipes that are wholesome and delicious. I am fed by my faith, family, friends & food! Welcome to my kitchen! Read more...
Miz Helen
Monday 9th of September 2019
Your Homemade Fruit Fly Trap is a great idea. The last part of July every year here at the lake we have to put out the little traps. I like the way you set your traps up, mine are not as pretty as yours. I also love your gift ideas! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,448 and hope you will come back soon! Miz Helen
Kathleen
Monday 9th of September 2019
Thank you Miz Helen! Appreciate your kind words.