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Nearly everyone has had to deal with fruit flies at some point. No matter how clean you keep your kitchen, those pesky buggers always seem to turn up, buzzing around your fruit bowl, swarming your trash, or circling your kitchen sink. There are plenty of DIY fruit fly trap instructions online, but we don't blame you if you just want an easy solution delivered to your door!
To help you out, we've put together a list of the 10 best fruit fly traps you can buy online to rid your home of those persistent pests. For a quick fix, we recommend Garsum's Sticky Bug Traps. They have adhesive on both sides for maximum trapping capacity and can be placed on any surface including on your trash can, behind your sink, or on a bait-filled cup. Keep reading to see the rest of our top fruit fly traps and be sure to check out our buying guide for tips on how to pick the best option for your home.
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If you have a fruit fly problem, you most likely want a product that will get rid of them as soon as possible. However, the effectiveness of a trap can vary depending on its placement, the severity of your problem, and the type of lure used. Take a peek at our buying guide to make sure you're not forgetting anything important!
Like most bugs, fruit flies are attracted to specific things, so in order to get them into your trap, you want to make sure it has a lure. As their name suggests, these flies are drawn to sugary, moist, organic materials like fruit and vegetables, especially when they’re ripe or decaying.
They're also drawn to fermented and sugary liquids like juice, soda, wine, and apple cider vinegar. Many fruit fly traps use a liquid lure that mimics the smell of fruit to draw the flies in. Lures will need to be replenished every once in a while and may have a slight odor.
You can purchase refills of liquid lure online; but you can also easily make your own bait using wine, apple cider vinegar, or pieces of fruit. Some traps also use light as a lure. Like other bugs, fruit flies do appear to be attracted to light, so this can be a good odor-free option.
Lastly, there are traps that don’t use a luring mechanism at all. Instead of drawing the flies to the trap, you place the trap in the area with the flies and it catches them as they fly around. These can work well if you have a specific area that’s prone to fruit flies, like near your fruit bowl, in your drain, or near your trash.
There are three main types of fruit fly traps. They differ in the way they trap the bugs as well as how you dispose of the bugs.
Physical traps catch fruit flies inside a container. They use a lure and are designed so that fruit flies can enter but not leave. Some of them have small holes that make it difficult for the flies to find their way out, while others trap the flies in liquid. They’re fairly small and unobtrusive, usually measuring just a few inches around.
Eventually, the trap will fill up with flies and you’ll need to either empty it or throw it out, depending on whether the trap is disposable or reusable. While disposable traps may be more convenient and have less of an "ick" factor, they also create more waste and can be more expensive in the long run.
With reusable traps, you’ll need to clean them out every once in a while, which can be a bit gross. But they can be reused for a long time, and if you make your own bait, there’s just a single upfront cost. You can also consider making your own reusable DIY container trap, which requires only apple cider vinegar and a spare jar or bottle.
Electric traps use light to attract bugs and require a power source. Once the bugs fly near the light, they may be zapped by electricity or sucked in by a fan. Every once in a while, you’ll need to empty the tray of bugs. Electric traps come in a range of sizes and can be used both indoors and out.
Note that these traps sometimes emit an electric buzzing sound and will light up when in use, which can be disruptive for some. They’re more expensive than other kinds of traps but can last a long time. Plus, their light eliminates the need to use sticky or smelly bait.
Sticky traps are made from a material that traps bugs when they land on them. They may have a scent that works as a lure or may not have a lure at all. Sticky traps come in a range of shapes and sizes. Some have decorative designs, like butterflies or flowers, while others are simple strips of sticky material.
Hang sticky traps in an area that fruit flies tend to congregate, like near your fruit bowl or trash can. While sticky traps may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, they’re super easy to clean up. Just dispose of the entire strip, fruit flies and all!
Sticky traps are also a versatile type of trap, as the range of styles allows you more freedom in their placement. Slim sticky traps can be tucked out of sight behind the refrigerator, near the garbage can, or anywhere else you're having a fruit fly problem. They can offer a more discrete option than either the physical or electric traps.
Do you have just a handful of fruit flies hanging out around your fruit bowl or is it a full-on infestation? Depending on the size of your problem, one type of trap may work better than another.
If your fruit flies are contained within a small area, like around your fruit bowl, try placing a baited container trap or a sticky trap close by. Depending on their size, these traps can fill up quickly but are good for catching flies before they start to breed.
For larger or seasonal fruit fly issues, try an electric bug zapper or fan-style trap, which can be turned on and off as needed. And if you have a really big or persistent infestation, it may be time to look into exterminating products, like chemical pesticides or drain cleaners, so you can get to the source of the problem.
If you have kids or pets, you may want to take a few other things into consideration as well. The first is toxicity. Electric and sticky traps are generally non-toxic and don’t have any parts that could be ingested.
However, if your trap comes with a separate lure, make sure the lure doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. If you’re looking at products meant to exterminate fruit flies rather than trap them, like drain cleaners, those are the most likely to contain toxic ingredients.
Liquid-based traps may be toxic if ingested, so be careful to place these where pets and kids can't reach them. While handling toxic ingredients, be sure to carefully read the instructions and wash your hands after refilling the trap.
In addition to toxicity, consider the trap's design and where you’ll place it. While electric traps aren’t toxic, they’re dangerous in their own right and can shock an unsuspecting child or pet if they get too close.
Sticky traps, if placed within reach of a child or pet, might invite curiosity. They may get stuck to fingers or fur, but aren't dangerous.
Physical traps with lures are usually placed on the countertop. Because they have an opening, there’s a risk of spillage if they get knocked over. However, you can minimize this risk by placing them in out-of-reach areas or looking for a small, low-profile design that would be hard to topple.
While fruit flies might be the main problem, they're often not the only bugs around. When purchasing a fruit fly trap, consider any other bugs that might be lurking.
Electric traps don't discriminate between bugs. Their light can attract all manner of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and ants. This can be helpful if you have other problem bugs in addition to fruit flies. However, they can also kill good bugs, like beetles, moths, and wasps that help control pest populations.
Sticky traps can also trap bugs other than fruit flies, and even small reptiles like lizards if they’re strong enough. But because they usually don't have a lure, you have some control over what they catch based on where you place them. To keep your sticky trap from affecting other creatures, affix them to walls, cabinets or other vertical spots.
On the other hand, physical traps generally only catch fruit flies because the lure is specific to what fruit flies like. In addition, physical traps are often designed with small holes that only fruit flies can fit into. If you don’t want to catch any other types of bugs, physical traps are your best bet.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Garsum Yellow Sticky Traps | $7.99 Low Mid | Best Sticky Trap for Fruit Flies and Gnats | ||
2 | RESCUE! Fly Trap | $13.99 Mid | Best Trap With Bait Included | ||
3 | Aspectek 20-Watt Indoor Bug Zapper | $40.99 High | Best Fruit Fly Zapper | ||
4 | Raid Window Fly Trap | $15.99 Mid | Best Sticky Trap for Windows and Trash Cans | ||
5 | RSVP International Endurance Fruit Fly Trap | $12.73 Mid | Best Countertop Fruit Fly Trap | ||
6 | Black Flag Fly Stick 6 Pack|HG-11015 | $18.47 Mid | Best Sticky Trap for Indoors and Outdoors | ||
7 | Green Gobbler Fruit Fly Killer | $13.98 Mid | Best for Destroying Fruit Flies at the Source | ||
8 | Masontops Trap Caps | $11.90 Mid | Best DIY Fruit Fly Trap | ||
9 | Katchy Indoor Fly Trap | $44.99 High | Best No-Zap Fruit Fly Trap | ||
10 | Hot Shot No-Pest Strip|100046114 | $6.47 Low | Best Pesticide for Garages or Sheds |
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Made from bright yellow material and shaped like butterflies and plants, this 12-pack of sticky bug traps get the job done without creating an eyesore. There's a non-toxic, odorless adhesive on both sides that's suitable for kitchens, gardens or anywhere else you find a problem. Stick one in a potted plant, on your fruit bowl, or on your trash can.
While these traps don't lure fruit flies on their own, reviewers who used them in conjunction with bait had great results. They recommended attaching the traps to a container with fruit, wine, or apple cider vinegar, or placing them directly in the middle of a swarm. Plus, they said the traps look cute on their kitchen counter!
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This two-pack can be used in your kitchen or other indoor space and comes with a bait formula that is non-toxic and attractive to flies. When the trap is full, you can empty it out, add more bait, and reuse it for as long as you need. If you knock it over accidentally, it's designed to not spill easily.
Reviewers noted that the bait has a vinegar smell that can be unpleasant, but only while close to the trap. Some had success with the included formula, while others preferred homemade mixtures. But for most, these traps worked very well at capturing fruit flies. Plus, they liked how they were reusable, noting that the bait included is long-lasting, and more can be ordered online.
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Whether you have fruit flies, mosquitoes, or other flying pests, this electric bug zapper can help keep them under control. It features two lightbulbs that attract and zap flying bugs, with a screen for safety. Place it wherever the bugs are or use the chain to hang it from your ceiling. The tray is removable for easy cleaning.
Reviewers warned that it isn't always effective at attracting fruit flies, and it may scare pets with the loud noise it makes on contact with an insect. Still, many found that it eliminated large swarms quickly. If the light doesn't seem to work well enough to attract bugs, one reviewer suggests putting fruit in the collection tray to act as bait.
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These fly strips from Raid are designed to be hung on your window but can also be stuck to trash cans and other surfaces. Just stick them on, then peel off the protective paper to expose the glue. The package comes with four strips, which are odorless and contain no insecticides.
Reviewers said these strips worked like a charm on fruit flies as well as regular flies, gnats, and other flying bugs. They agreed that they're easy to apply and remove and don't leave a residue behind. One person recommended placing a small cup of bait near the strip to attract even more fruit flies.
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At just a few inches wide and tall, RVSP International's Endurance Fruit Fly Trap is the perfect size for your countertop. It features a white ceramic base with a perforated stainless steel top, so it will blend right in with your decor. Just add apple cider vinegar or another lure, place it near wherever the flies gather, and let it get to work.
Some reviewers didn't have much luck with this trap, and your success may depend on your bait. Most of those who used a mixture of apple cider vinegar and dish soap reported plenty of dead fruit flies after just a few days. Plus, they loved the sleek design, saying it looks much better than a cup with Saran Wrap!
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Black Flag's Fly Stick is exactly what it says on the box: it's a sticky cylinder that will catch all of your flies. They recommend adding honey or syrup to the bottom cup as bait, then hanging it indoors or outdoors using the attached hook. When it's all full, just wrap it up in newspaper and say goodbye to your fruit fly problem!
Some reviewers warned that the cylinder is very sticky and can leave a residue on your hands if you touch it. While many agreed that it's not the most aesthetically pleasing fly trap, they said it's worth it for a fruit fly-free home. They used honey, wine, and apple cider vinegar as bait and said tons of fruit flies stuck to the trap within days.
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Drains are a common breeding ground for fruit flies. Get rid of their nests and eggs at the source with Green Gobbler's Fruit Fly Killer, which uses non-caustic citronella to kill flies without damaging your pipes. Just pour it down your drain, making sure to coat all sides of the pipe, and let the thick gel get to work.
Most reviewers found that it takes a few applications to see results, so if you're treating multiple drains you may need more than one bottle. But overall, people said this fruit fly killer is worth it since it's able to completely eradicate the problem and prevent further infestations. Plus, they said it works on gnats too!
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If you're a fan of DIY fruit fly traps but want something a little prettier, check out the Trap Caps from Masontops. Made from dishwasher-safe plastic, they're designed to fit a variety of small and regular-mouth Mason jars. Five entry holes in the top allow fruit flies to enter but not exit. Add your own bait, and you're good to go!
A handful of reviewers thought the holes were too small, and some used tools to make them larger. Others said it takes a few days to start catching flies. But overall, people found these caps to be convenient to use and easy to clean. Some used all four in different areas of their home, while others rotated them out as they filled up.
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This fly trap from Katchy is both effective and aesthetically pleasing: no dead bugs on display here! It consists of a UV light to attract bugs, a fan to suck them in, and a sticky board to trap them inside. For fruit flies, the manufacturer recommends placing a cap of apple cider vinegar nearby or inside the trap.
Reviewers noted that it's expensive to replace the glue boards, and that this unit will not work as well without a liquid lure or bait nearby. However, most reviewers did see a significant decrease in small bugs like fruit flies and gnats. They recommended turning off all other lights and placing the trap close to where the fruit flies congregate.
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Hot Shot's No-Pest Strips use controlled release technology to fill a room with an odorless vapor that kills flies, moths, cockroaches, and more. One strip lasts for up to four months in a 10-by-13-foot room, but cannot be used near food or in the main house. We like it for use in the garage where the trash cans are.
Reviewers note that dead bugs must be vacuumed up later. When it came to fruit flies, however, reviewers praised this product for being extremely effective. Many said it killed nearly all of the fruit flies in their home within a day. You can use it in any room that is going to be unoccupied for a while but be sure to read and follow the directions.
Before you go all-in on eradicating your fruit fly problem, make sure that your pests really are fruit flies. There are a couple of other bugs that can be mistaken for fruit flies, like phorid flies, drain flies, and gnats, which require different extermination methods.
Fruit flies measure about an eighth of an inch in length, and have light yellow or tan bodies. A key identifying feature is their bright red eyes. Like fruit flies, phorid flies can often be found around drains and trash cans. They're similar in size, but can be identified by their darker body and eye color as well as their humpbacked thorax.
Drain flies are another common pest and measure about an eighth of an inch long. However, they look more like moths, with hairy, veiny wings, and leave a powdery smudge when crushed. Fungus gnats are also similar in size to fruit flies, but their bodies are longer, with dangling legs and no red eyes.
If you're looking for a cost-free DIY option, check out the tutorial below for an easy way to create your own fruit fly trap using simple home ingredients!
Any homeowner or renter knows how quickly a messy kitchen can get out of control. Check out more of our favorite products to keep bugs, dirt, and odors at bay.
For more options to tackle your fruit fly problems, check out the best selling pest control traps on Amazon.
No. 1: Garsum|Yellow Sticky Traps
No. 2: RESCUE!|Fly Trap
No. 3: Aspectek|20-Watt Indoor Bug Zapper
No. 4: Raid|Window Fly Trap
No. 5: RSVP International|Endurance Fruit Fly Trap
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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