How to Make a Simple but Effective Fly Trap

Flies may seem like harmless creatures, but they can spread cholera, typhoid, salmonella, anthrax, tuberculosis, bacillary dysentery and parasitic worms, which can all cause serious health problems in humans. While an old-fashioned fly swatter may work in some situations, there are easier ways to catch these fast flying menaces. You can make your own fly trap at home with a clear plastic soda bottle. Flies are attracted by the bait in the bottom of the bottle, so they fly in. The clear plastic makes the flies believe that they can get right back out, but when they fly toward the light, they hit the plastic and are stuck in the bottle.

Empty 2-liter soda bottle

Sharp kitchen knife

1 over-ripe banana

Duct tape

Newspaper

Cut an empty 2-liter soda bottle in half with a sharp kitchen knife.

Place one over-ripe banana in the bottom half of the bottle.

Turn the top of the bottle upside down and slide it inside the bottom half of the bottle like a funnel. Tape the two halves together with a piece of duct tape.

Discard the trap in the garbage once it's full of flies. You can close the hole by stuffing some wadded-up newspaper in it.