The 5 Best Fruit Fly Traps That Actually Work

Fruit flies are annoying insects that can multiply quickly. They may be small, but they can cause huge problems. Besides being a nuisance, they can also spread germs. Some of the bacteria they can have are salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Each can cause food poisoning, which can get bad enough to end up in the hospital. It doesn’t help that they have crazy reproductive abilities. They have the potential to lay about 500 eggs. Since their lifecycle is roughly between 25-50 days that is an alarming amount of eggs.

If there is even a small open wound on the fruit, they will lay their eggs there, and the larvae will feed on the fruit. That is why you often see them near garbage cans or compost bins. Once the larvae hatch, they mature into adults in just a few days, and the cycle starts all over again. Get rid of them by finding their food source and removing it. This will help stop the process and eventually eliminate the fruit flies. Immediately after removing the source, you need to set up traps quickly to get rid of them. Of course, not all traps are created equal. Here are some of the best traps for fruit flies.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Fruit Fly Traps That Actually Work

1. Best Overall: Terro T2502 Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Trap

The Terro T2502 Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Trap is perfect for anyone who wants to get rid of fruit flies quickly and effectively. If you worry about the prominent display of a fly trap but need to have one, this is a great choice. With this set up in a location that can easily be seen, such as a kitchen counter, no one will notice it. This will fit in easily next to a fruit bowl. The cute red apple design will help it blend in. It’s ready to use, and the supply will last three months. The window on the side is helpful to know how many have been captured. In only a few days, the population of fruit flies will dramatically decrease. It works by using a food-based liquid lure.

While most reviews for this product were positive, some reviewers said that the trap didn’t work any better than homemade versions: “This product does work, but it doesn’t work any better than apple cider vinegar and a splash of dawn dish soap in a cup. The homemade route saves more money, so I’ll just stick with that.”

Pros and Cons of Terro T2502 Ready-to-Use Indoor Fruit Fly Trap

Best Overall

TERRO Ready-to-Use Fruit Fly Trap

• Works fast
• Long-lasting
• Window to Monitor Catches
• Discreet design

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2. Best for Windows: MaxGuard Window Fly Traps

MaxGuard Window Fly Traps are a simple and sneaky way to eliminate fruit flies. These traps are easy to apply to your window — peel off and stick onto a clean window surface. Once they’re stuck, they won’t be able to escape, and you can dispose of the trap when it’s full. Its transparency helps make the traps discreet; you don’t have to worry about them being an eyesore in your home. They are non-toxic because they are chemical-free and unscented for those who like to avoid strong smells. A window fruit fly trap is an excellent option if you’re looking for a subtle trap to eliminate fruit flies.

A few reviewers reported that fruit flies were able to walk across the surface of the trap “and walk right off.”

Pros and Cons of MaxGuard Window Fly Traps

Best for Windows

MaxGuard Window Fly Traps

• Easy to apply
• Traps are transparent
• Chemical-free and unscented
• Long-lasting

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3. Best for Outdoors: JCKEL High Powered Electric Fruit Fly Killer

The JCKEL High Powered Electric Fruit Fly Killer provides the maximum amount of protection from fruit flies while you enjoy outdoor activities in your yard. No need to set out candles and hope they keep bugs away. This device uses a UVA light to lure insects, including fruit flies, to it and kill on contact. This keeps them off of you and prevents them from getting the chance to multiply. On top of the trap, there is a hanging ring to attach it up easily. The trap’s coverage is an astounding 1,500 square feet, giving you plenty of room to enjoy outside activities such as barbecues. Cleaning is simple with the included brush. Parents and pet owners will be excited to know that the bars are spaced wide enough for bugs, not tiny fingers or paws, to enter.

A few reviewers said that their trap stopped working after a short period of use.

Pros and Cons of the JCKEL High Powered Electric Fruit Fly Killer

Best for Outdoors

High Powered Electric Fruit Fly Killer

• Uses a UVA light to lure insects
• Comes with a convenient hanging ring
• Covers 1500 sq ft
• Simple to clean

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4. Best for Plant Protection: Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps

Gardeners and house plant fanatics can get defense against fruit flies and fungus gnats with these Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps. Don’t underestimate these bright yellow, fun-shaped fly traps. While they look cute, they are not so lovely to the flying bugs they attract. The design keeps your hands from getting sticky or making a mess. It is also UV resistant and waterproof for added durability to ensure that it lasts long. They’re also odorless, free from harmful chemicals, and safe for pets and humans.

They come in packs of 36: 18 butterfly shaped and 18 tree shaped. Simply peel the back off the trap and insert it into the dirt next to your houseplant or garden plant. They’re covered with a strong adhesive that will catch any fruit fly or gnat that walks across its surface.

Some users said that these traps weren’t very effective, “These stuck really well and we’re exactly as described but they didn’t work that well for me. I used multiple for a couple weeks but only caught one gnat while there were dozens flying around.”

Pros and Cons of the Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps

Best for Plant Protection

Fruit Fly Traps Fungus Gnat Traps

• UV resistant
• Waterproof
• Not harmful to dogs and other pets
• Easy to insert in plant box

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5. Best for Being Zap-Free: Katchy Indoor Insect Trap

With the Katchy Indoor Insect Trap, you never have to hear “Zap! Zap! Zap!” again. This indoor-safe electric trap uses UV light to attract insects like fruit flies. When the bugs get close, the quiet fan will suck them into it. After they are sucked in, they remain there until you turn off the trap. Once the trap is turned off, they land on a sticky mat to ensure they don’t escape. The sticky mats are replaceable and included in the kit are enough to keep those fruit flies away for one year!

Some reviewers said that this trap does work, but that it doesn’t attract or catch more (or as many) as homemade fruit fly traps.

Pros and Cons of Katchy Indoor Insect Trap

Best for Being Zap-Free

Katchy Indoor Insect Trap

• Uses UV light to attract insects
• Replaceable sticky mat traps insect
• Easy to use
• Easy to clean

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Choosing the Best: What to Look for

Trapping fruit flies can be a helpful way to keep your house free of pests. But with so many different traps on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. 

Before buying a trap, it’s essential to understand why you need one and where you’ll use it. That way, you can pick the right trap for your needs. Once you know what you need, you can find the perfect fruit fly trap for your home.

If you are using it in the kitchen, look for a trap in a container to avoid having it spread on surfaces. Fruit flies in your garden call for something more durable and can be left outside. 

Consider the appearance of the trap, or if you want it to, look for one that can be hidden if you don’t want the eyesore. Some are designed to blend in as decorations too.

The Different Types of Fruit Fly Traps: Pros and Cons Compared 

Flytraps come in three main varieties: electric, sticky, and hybrid. Each has its benefits and differs in terms of how they work. Electric fly traps use a weak electric current to kill flies. They are typically more expensive than sticky fly traps, but they are also more effective. 

Sticky fly traps lure flies with a sweet scent and trap them on a sticky surface. While they are not as effective as electric fly traps, they are much cheaper and easier to use. 

A hybrid one will use electricity and UV light to attract the bugs. Instead of zapping the bugs with electricity, a fan sucks them inside onto a sticky pad. Check to see if it can be used indoors if that is your intended purpose for it. Since every product is different, it’s helpful to review the pros and cons. Let’s take a look.

Liquid Fruit Fly Trap

Sticky Fly Traps

Hybrid Indoor Insect Trap