The Simple Trick to Eliminate Flies, Mosquitoes, and Bugs This Summer



By Morgan Reed, Contributing Writer

Warmer weather is the perfect time for outdoor activities, but it also brings an unwelcome wave of flies, mosquitoes, and other pesky bugs. While commercial repellents and traps might work, they often come with harmful chemicals that can pose risks to children, pets, and the environment.

Fortunately, there’s a simple, natural, and budget-friendly solution that you can make at home using just three household ingredients. This DIY fly and mosquito trap is not only safe but also incredibly effective at reducing the bug population around your home.


What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup of vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar for best results)
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of shampoo (any type or scent will work)
  • A shallow bowl or dis

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix the Ingredients:
    In a shallow bowl, combine the vinegar and shampoo. Stir the mixture until the shampoo is fully dissolved into the vinegar.
  2. Add Olive Oil:
    Slowly pour the olive oil over the mixture. The oil will naturally float on top, creating a slick layer.
  3. Set Up the Trap:
    Place the bowl in areas where flies and mosquitoes are most active. Common spots include near doors, windows, patios, or damp areas where bugs tend to congregate

How This Trap Works:

  • Attraction:
    The strong, fruity scent of vinegar acts as bait, luring flies and mosquitoes into the trap. Apple cider vinegar is especially effective because it mimics the smells of decay and fermentation, which are irresistible to many insects.
  • Entrapment:
    The shampoo reduces the surface tension of the vinegar. When insects land on the liquid, they sink and cannot escape.
  • Barrier:
    The olive oil layer serves as a slick barrier. Once bugs come into contact with it, the oil clogs their wings and prevents them from flying away, ensuring they remain trapped

Tips for Best Results:

  • Safety First:
    While this trap uses non-toxic ingredients, it’s best to place it out of reach of small children or pets to avoid spills.
  • Regular Maintenance:
    Replace the mixture every few days or whenever it becomes too full of insects. Fresh traps are more effective.
  • Optimal Placement:
    Position the trap in warm, shaded areas where you’ve noticed increased bug activity. This will maximize its effectiveness.

This DIY solution is a great way to keep your home bug-free without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive products. Give it a try and enjoy a more comfortable, pest-free summer!

For more practical home tips, follow Tips for the Home.


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