Introduction: Simple Fruit Fly Trap

About: I like making food and trying food!

In this Instructable learn how to make a simple fruit fly trap. Summer time is wonderful but pesky fruit flies can be super annoying. This trap is super effective and you probably already have all the materials needed.

Step 1: Materials

You will need:

  • Piece of paper
  • Balsamic vinegar or cider vinegar (actually any type will work but these are the most common)
  • Tall glass
  • Tape
  • Scissors

Step 2: Video

Here is a video of the trap in action and how to construct it.

Step 3: Construction

Take the piece of paper and roll it into a cone. The cone needs to be wide enough at the top so it does not fall into the rim of the glass but not so long that the tip of the cone touches the bottom of the glass. The bottom of the cone should be a sharp point but with a tiny opening, if there is no opening you can cut one. The opening only needs to be 1 mm in diameter.

Pour a tiny amount of the balsamic vinegar into the glass, you only need a tiny bit, this will be the bait for the fruit flies. Place the cone in the glass making sure the tip does not touch the vinegar, it make take a few tries until you get the sizing correct. Push down on the cone to ensure a tight fit around the rim of the glass and paper or else the flies could have an escape route.

Put the finished trap where you have a problem with fruit flies. It will passively start catching them, once they fly down into the cone and out through the tiny opening they will not be able to find their way out.

See the pics of the trap after being left out over night. Make a bunch and place them around your house to keep the flies in control.