How to Make a Sweet Pickle Fly Trap
May 28, 2024
source: Grown On A Quarter
Flies are annoying. Especially in the summertime. You can’t sit outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh air without that incessant buzzing sound of flies. My dogs hate them just as much as I do. They totally ruin our afternoon porch time. So, I’m always on the lookout for the best solutions to get rid of them. Otherwise, summer is ruined. I’m exaggerating a bit here, but you get the point.
Recently, I saw this post in a Homemaking Tips group, captioned something like “Sweet Pickle Fly Trap!” A trap for flies? That already sounds like something I’d love. The instructions seemed very easy, and many people in the comments expressed that they tried this hack and it worked very well for them. Turns out, flies don’t bother just me (Well, of course). So, I decided to give it a go. Here’s how you can make a sweet pickle fly trap and reclaim your summer afternoons.
Sweet Pickle Fly Trap Instructions
Step 1: Buy Sweet Pickles
Head to your local grocery store and grab a jar of sweet pickles. They’re the key ingredient for this homemade fly trap. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pickle now and then?
Step 2: Eat the Pickles, Save the Juice
This is the fun part. Eat the pickles and make sure to save all the juice. The brine is what attracts the flies. It’s like their kryptonite, but instead of weakening them, it lures them in.
Step 3: Prepare the Trap
Take a Philips head screwdriver and a hammer and tap four holes into the lid of the pickle jar. Make sure the holes are big enough for flies to get in but not too big that they can easily escape. Safety first, so be careful with this step!
Step 4: Set and Wait
Place the jar outside in an area where flies are a problem. Then, you wait. After about two days, you should start to see results. Even during the rainy season, this trap works wonders. Flies are drawn to the sweet, tangy smell of the pickle juice, and once they’re in, they can’t find their way out.
Important Note:
Dill pickles won’t work. It has to be sweet pickles to attract the flies. You can also use a mix of apple cider vinegar (ACV), water, and sugar, but the sweet pickle mix is just way easier and a great use of the leftover brine during BBQ season.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Flies
While the sweet pickle fly trap is incredibly effective, there are other methods you can try as well:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Mix apple cider vinegar with a bit of dish soap in a shallow dish. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.
2. Fly Paper
Fly paper is a sticky strip that attracts flies. Once they land on it, they’re stuck. It’s an old-school method but still works great.
3. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can repel flies. Use a diffuser or mix the oils with water and spray around your outdoor areas.
4. Plants that Repel Flies
Planting herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary can help keep flies away. Not only do they smell great, but they also have fly-repelling properties.
Why It’s Important to Protect Food from Flies
Flies are more than just a nuisance; they can also pose serious health risks. They are known to carry over 100 different kinds of disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that can contaminate your food. Here are a few reasons why protecting your food from flies is crucial:
1. Disease Prevention
Flies can spread diseases. They pick up these pathogens from garbage, feces, and other unsanitary places and transfer them to your food.
2. Food Contamination
Even if flies don’t carry diseases, they can still contaminate your food. They often regurgitate digestive enzymes and saliva when they land on food, which can lead to spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
3. Hygiene
Keeping flies away from your food ensures a more hygienic environment. It’s especially important during outdoor activities like picnics and BBQs, where food is left uncovered for longer periods.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing that your food is safe from contamination allows you to enjoy your meals without worry. It also keeps your home more pleasant and comfortable.
Flies may be an inevitable part of summer, but they don’t have to ruin your outdoor fun. With a simple sweet pickle fly trap and a few other tricks up your sleeve, you can keep these pesky invaders at bay. So go ahead, try out this hack and let me know how it works for you.