How to Get Rid of Flies in the Yard With a Homemade Fly Trap

Flies can cause cattle to crowd together, resulting in decreased production.

Controlling flies is important. Not only are they a nuisance, some flies carry bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus, salmonella, Moraxella and E. coli. There are several fly traps on the market today, including devices that kill flies on contact in the form of electrocutes and insecticides. Alternatively, you can save your money and make a homemade trap to catch flies in your yard.

Things You'll Need

• Pan or small container
• Water
• Dish detergent

Instructions

1. Fill a light-colored pan or small container with water and dishwashing detergent. This mixture will attract flies and drown them, reports the website Cattle Today.

2. Place the pan or small container outside in an area with flies. Do not place the pan or small container too close to the house, as you do not want to attract flies into your home. If this fails to catch the flies, continue to the next step.

3. Mix 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of vinegar in a bowl. Cut off the top quarter of a 2-liter soda bottle and invert the top of the soda bottle into the bottom portion to create a funnel.

4. Poke four holes in the top of the soda bottle and thread a piece of string through the holes. Use the string to hang the trap from a tree branch or other object in the area near the flies.

5. Fill the bottle with the mixture. As flies enter through the funnel, they will become trapped in the mixture, according to the website Show Horse Promotions.

Tips & Warnings

• For more serious fly problems, pesticide-releasing fly strips may be effective. Contact your local health department for more information.

References

• University of California: Flies and Disease
• Cattle Today: Fly Control Can Be Environmentally Friendly
• Show Horse Promotions: Horse Flies
• "Illinois Department of Public Health"; The House Fly and Other Filth Flies; John H. Kirk