DIY Fly Paper: A Simple and Effective Solution for Fly Control
Flies are a common nuisance, especially during the warmer months. They can contaminate food, spread diseases, and simply be a general annoyance. While chemical fly control methods are available, they can be expensive and potentially harmful to humans and pets.
Fortunately, there is a simple and effective DIY solution: fly paper. Homemade fly paper is easy to make and can be customized to target specific types of flies. It is also much more cost-effective than commercial fly paper.
Homemade Fly Paper Instructions
Materials:
- Brown paper bag
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup water
- Scissors
- Saucepan
- Cookie sheets and drying racks
- Tongs
- Large spoon
Instructions:
- Cut the paper bag into strips. Cut the brown paper bag into strips about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Mix and heat the ingredients. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup or honey, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Submerge the strips in the mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully submerge the paper strips in the sugar-water mixture. Allow them to sit for several hours or overnight for maximum stickiness.
- Let the strips dry. Place a drying rack on top of a cookie sheet. Remove the paper strips from the sugar mixture with tongs and place them on the drying rack. Allow them to dry completely to the touch.
- Hang the fly paper. Hang the fly paper in areas where flies are a problem, such as near windows, doors, or garbage cans.
Alternate DIY Fly Paper Method
For a quick and easy alternative to the sugar-based fly paper, you can use duct tape.
Materials:
- Duct tape
- Sugar water (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the duct tape into strips. Cut 12-inch strips of duct tape.
- Place the duct tape sticky side up. Place the duct tape strips sticky side up in areas where flies are a problem.
- Attract flies with sugar water (optional). To attract more flies to the duct tape trap, you can spray the adhesive side lightly with sugar water.
How to Keep Flies Away
In addition to using fly paper, there are several other things you can do to keep flies away from your home and yard:
- Keep your home and yard clean. Flies are attracted to food and garbage, so it is important to keep your home and yard clean and free of clutter.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your home. Flies can enter your home through even the smallest cracks or holes. Seal up any openings with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Use fans to keep flies away. Flies are weak fliers, so a simple fan can be enough to keep them away. Place fans near doors, windows, and other areas where flies are likely to enter.
- Grow fly-repelling plants. Certain plants, such as basil, mint, and lavender, have natural fly-repelling properties. Planting these plants around your home and yard can help to keep flies away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on fly paper that attracts flies?
Fly paper is usually coated with a sweet substance, such as sugar or honey, to attract flies.
What is the best bait for flies?
The best bait for flies depends on the type of fly. Fruit flies are best attracted to sugary baits, such as apple cider vinegar or fruit juice. Houseflies prefer sweet baits, such as sugar or honey. Blow flies and other flies that feed on decaying matter are attracted to the smell of rotting meat or fish.
How do you make a homemade fly trap?
There are several different ways to make a homemade fly trap. One simple method is to use a plastic bottle and some sugary water. Cut the top third of the bottle off and invert it into the bottom third, creating a funnel. The flies will be attracted to the sugar water and will fly into the bottle, but they will not be able to escape.
