How To Make A Nearly Free Fruit Fly Trap

Several years ago I developed a DIY fruit fly trap that brought together several ideas that I gleaned from the web.  Sadly, I cannot give credit because I just don't remember.  Over the years I have improved and shared this trap with friends and they are all amazed at how well it works.

This is what it looks like after one day

Here's How To Make The Trap

You will need:

• an empty jar with a wide mouth (like an old mayo jar or a mason jar)
• a paper towel (plain white seems to attract them better)
• some bits of fruit

To make the trap:

1. Put a bit of fruit in the bottom of the jar. I find that grapes, pieces of banana or the squeezed out half of lemon work best.  Despite what you may have heard, red wine and vinegar are not good choices.  The idea is that it is sweetly fragrant.
2. Twist the paper towel into a funnel with a small hole at the tip.
3. Put the towel into the jar pointy side down.
4. Turn the top back over the mouth of the jar.
5. Secure with a rubber band if it doesn't want to stay put.
6. Set it out and let it do its' job.
7. After a day or two, put a towel over the jar to trap any flies that are on the top and carry it outside to set them free.