Fruit flies can become a major nuisance during warmer months, but a simple homemade trap using four common household ingredients can dramatically reduce their presence. Genevieve Levy, 33, shared her method in a video that has garnered over a million views, offering a solution for those frustrated by persistent swarms.
How the Trap Works
Levy's trick involves mixing washing-up liquid with sugar or honey in a bowl, adding some vinegar, and then filling the mixture with water. She covers the bowl with cling film and uses a knife to puncture holes large enough for flies to enter but small enough to prevent escape. She places the bowl on a kitchen worktop near areas where flies gather, such as fruit juices or other concoctions.
Levy acknowledged that "nothing is 100%" foolproof, but the approach "dramatically reduced" the number of flies in her home. She also advises pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink, as that is a common breeding ground for fruit fly eggs.
Viewer Reactions and Additional Tips
In the comments section, one viewer called Levy a "lifesaver," explaining they had been "struggling for days" because they couldn't use chemical sprays due to allergies. Another viewer noted that the trick works even without cling film: "The fairy liquid traps them basically, and they're unable to fly away."
Additional tips from viewers include placing corks under fruit in a fruit bowl to absorb moisture and deter flies. One viewer simply said they were going to "do this now."
Effectiveness and Simplicity
Levy's method has attracted attention for its simplicity and use of everyday items. The trap requires no special equipment and can be set up in minutes. By combining the attractants of sugar and vinegar with the trapping action of washing-up liquid, it offers a non-toxic alternative to chemical sprays.
For best results, Levy recommends placing the trap where flies are most active and refreshing the mixture as needed. The boiling water treatment for sinks helps eliminate eggs before they hatch, further reducing the population.
