As the warm weather approaches, the presence of pesky insects, like mosquitos and flies, tends to increase. They can be quite a nuisance during outdoor activities or even inside our homes. Not to mention, these pests can carry and transmit diseases. Fear not—here are three simple DIY bug traps that will help you catch these unwanted pests and retake control over your living environment.
1. Mosquito Trap
Materials:
– Plastic bottle
– Scissors or knife
– Black paper or black paint
– Tape
– Sugar
– Yeast
– Warm water
Instructions:
1. Cut the top part of the plastic bottle (about one-third from the top) using scissors or a knife.
2. Paint the bottom two-thirds of the bottle black or wrap it in black paper—mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
3. Add ¼ cup of sugar into the bottom part of the bottle.
4. Add 1 cup of warm water and mix until the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of yeast on top of the sugar-water solution—do not mix it in.
6. Place the cut top part of the bottle upside down into the bottom part like a funnel and secure it with tape.
7. Put the trap in an area where mosquitos tend to gather, such as near plants or stagnant water.
2. Fruit Fly Trap
Materials:
– A small jar or glass
– Plastic wrap
– Toothpick or fork
– Rubber band or tape
– Apple cider vinegar or fruit juice
Instructions:
1. Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar or fruit juice into the jar—fruit flies are attracted to fermented substances.
2. Cover the jar tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Use a toothpick or fork to poke small holes in the plastic wrap—make sure the holes are big enough for fruit flies to enter but not big enough to escape.
4. Secure the plastic wrap around the jar with a rubber band or tape.
5. Place the trap in areas where you have seen fruit flies, such as near fruits and vegetables or trash cans.
3. Housefly Trap
Materials:
– Plastic bottle
– Scissors or knife
– Raw meat or fish
– Water
– Dish soap
Instructions:
1. Cut the top part of the plastic bottle (about one-third from the top) using scissors or a knife.
2. Place a small piece of raw meat or fish into the bottom part of the bottle.
3. Add water until it covers the meat/fish—the water should be almost halfway up the bottle.
4. Pour dish soap into the water—just a few drops will do.
5. Place the cut top part of the bottle upside down into the bottom part like a funnel and secure it with tape.
6. Position the trap in spots where houseflies commonly linger, such as near windows, doors, or trash cans.
These three DIY bug traps are an affordable and chemical-free solution to help control mosquito, fruit fly, and housefly populations around your home. Put them to good use and enjoy a more pest-free environment this season!
