Update - After trying different baits, placement, and variations of a trap from the bottles - I never could get more than a few flies per day at most from it. My other flytrap, however, can trap hundreds of flies per day. I leave this here for information and in case someone can get use from it although I highly recommend any DIY'ers to build my other flytrap.
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As my family has been drinking soda from 2 liter bottles again lately, I noticed the nice cone shape. After a few experiments of cutting up some bottles I found a even better fly trap, as the flies come out easier with a cone top versus a flat lid with my previous traps.
Each fly trap is made from two empty 2 liter bottles and whatever method you want to fix them together, a few methods are given below. Warning though do not use hot glue as it will melt the thin bottles in a curled up mess, ruining your bottles and trap.
As I already did a write-up using other containers, view the information there as well, as it will allow me not to repeat much of the same data over again. That said though, the best fly bait to put into the traps are meat such as hamburger, deli meat, cheap canned cat or dog food, or just about anything that is spoiled in your refrigerator.
Materials Needed --
Step 1 -
Step 2 -
Step 3 -
Step 5 part A-
Step 5 part B -
Step 6 -
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As my family has been drinking soda from 2 liter bottles again lately, I noticed the nice cone shape. After a few experiments of cutting up some bottles I found a even better fly trap, as the flies come out easier with a cone top versus a flat lid with my previous traps.
Each fly trap is made from two empty 2 liter bottles and whatever method you want to fix them together, a few methods are given below. Warning though do not use hot glue as it will melt the thin bottles in a curled up mess, ruining your bottles and trap.
As I already did a write-up using other containers, view the information there as well, as it will allow me not to repeat much of the same data over again. That said though, the best fly bait to put into the traps are meat such as hamburger, deli meat, cheap canned cat or dog food, or just about anything that is spoiled in your refrigerator.
Materials Needed --
- Two empty and clean 2 liter bottles (or large 3 liter which will hold more flies)
- 1/4" or 1/2" dowel rod for legs
- Or string to hang the trap from a tree limb, fence post, etc.
- X-acto knife
- Needle to poke holes for air exchange (to attract flies)
- Method to attach the bottles together, below are a few methods and tools/materials needed for each
- Masking or Duct tape - just tape the bottom bottle ends together, not as permanent but a quick and easy method
- Gorilla glue or Epoxy - another quick method besides the dry time
- Stitching - with a little effort it is a great method and the one I use. For this method you will also need..
- 6" piece of wire or a large unbent paper clip
- Candle to heat the wire
- Spool of fishing line (the thread)
Step 1 -
- Cut off the bottom of a 2 liter bottle to act as the fly trap body. For example the Coke bottle I used, due to the bottle shape the best place was at the bottom of the label. The larger the trap body the better. Throw away the bottom of the bottle.
Step 2 -
- On the second bottle cut off the top portion of the bottle to act as the trap cone. For the Coke bottle cut along the top of label on the bottle. Throw away the bottom of the bottle.
Step 3 -
- Remove the caps from the bottles, you will need to save one for later. Take the two pieces of bottle and place the cone into the trap body as shown, lining up the edges.
- Attach the ends of the bottles together using the method you want. If using masking or duct tape place small strips of tape over the bottom edge all the way around. If using Gorilla glue or Epoxy, it is easier to pull the cone out slightly then apply glue all around the bottom edge of the cone and reinsert it flush with the trap body. Jump to step 6, otherwise, if you chose to stitch it together the instructions are in step 5.
Step 5 part A-
- To begin stitching the trap together you will need holes to stitch through. Lite the candle and heat up the wire end, I recommend a long piece of wire as the wire itself can get hot (if needed hold it with pliers).
- Press the wire into the bottom about 1/4" from the edge through both pieces of bottle straight through. With the wire heated I typically get 3 holes made before reheating. Create holes all the way around the bottom edge with the holes about 1/2" apart.
Step 5 part B -
- With the fishing line do a simple whip stitch through the holes. When starting and stopping the stitch it is best to tie three simple slip knots to hold it secure. For better stitch support, tie a knot in each stitch as it is sewn together as well.
Step 6 -
- Replace the cap to the top of the fly trap.
- To allow flies to find the trap easier use a needle and poke several holes through the top of the trap area. I personally run the vent holes in strips about 1/4" apart, and each row of holes about a 1" apart.
- The last step is to attach dowel rods to the outside of the trap using tape or glue. Or you can tie string around the neck of the bottle and hang it from a tree limb/branch, fence post, swing, trellis, or anywhere out of your way.
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