In summer they are often unwanted guests on the dining or garden table: houseflies. The annoying insects are annoying and can transmit diseases and bacteria. Fortunately, there is also a way to finally get rid of the flies. We explain how you can build an effective fly trap yourself and use UV light to fight house flies, moths and even fungus gnats.
Build your own fly trap: LED light as an attractant
Depending on how they react to a light source, the insects are divided into two groups. The first group consists of insects that avoid direct light sources. The second group consists of insects that are attracted to a light source. These include mosquitoes, houseflies, fungus gnats and some species of moths. The LED light is particularly attractive because the intense light beams have a significantly longer range. The eyes of many fly species also react strongly to direct LED light and fly towards light sources.
By the way, there are many theories as to why some insects fly around lamps. The first is that most flying insects find a high light source to be safe. Another is that the light serves as orientation for flies etc. Others claim that some insects have difficulty seeing in the dark and would therefore prefer to circle around a lamp. No matter what the reason for their behavior is, one thing is certain:lots of annoying insectsare attracted to lamps, lights and other artificial light sources in the evening.
Exception: Mosquitoes are not attracted to UV light
A light trap is not effective on all moth species.Clothes moths, for example, are light-shy insects that avoid strong light sources and prefer to hide in cracks and dark corners.
Fungus gnats and houseflies, on the other hand, are attracted to light. Place the light trap in close proximity to the infected houseplants to attract the pests.
LED light fly trap: First find the right location
This prior knowledge is important so that you know how the light can be used as a lure. This should be placed at a height of 1 to 2 meters, as far away as possible from other light sources.
For outside
If you want the trap outside, you can hang it on a tree near where you sit.
For balconies and terraces
It is best to hang an insect trap on the balcony railing or on the edge of the terrace. This is how you can prevent thatFlies around the tablefly around.
For inside
If you would like to build a fly trap for house flies yourself, you can place it on the windowsill. Especially if you have a lot of houseflies at home, you should act quickly. Because they can contaminate food with bacteria and various pathogens.
Build your own fly trap for house flies: instructions
You don't need to spend a lot on a light trap. You will need a 1.5 liter plastic bottle, some hanging rope (preferably in a neon color), an LED flashlight, electrical tape and a craft knife.
Cut the bottle in two, inserting the neck of the top part into the bottom part and gluing it in place. Fill the fly trap two-thirds full with 300 ml tap water, add some dishwashing liquid to the water and gently shake the fly trap. Then hang it up in the garden with the rope or twine. Hang the flashlight directly over the fly trap. In the evening, the light of the flashlight will attract the insects, they will fall into the soapy water and will not be able to get out.
Adhesive trap for flies, moths and fruit flies
Another variant is to wrap an LED lamp with special transparent film. Then brush the foil with honey. The flying insects are attracted to the light and honey and then stick.
Light trap against fungus gnats
The combination of adhesive and light traps proves to be particularly effective for fungus gnats. Especially if houseplants are attacked, you should act as quickly as possible. In this case, however, you should replace the adhesive film daily and, ideally, label it with the date. This is the best way to see whether the number of fungus gnats is decreasing. It's best to build two such traps at once, place the first on the ground and hang the second at a height of 1.50 - 2 m.
Fly trap for large flies
Large flies are attracted not only to light, but also to fishmeal. You can make the trap yourself using the plastic bottle and flashlight and add some fish meal to the soapy water. Hang the light trap in the garden, preferably in a sunny place. The large flies are attracted to the smell and then fall into the soapy water. In the evening the flashlight can attract flies.
Build your own fly trap: safety measures
Leave thathomemade fly trapnever without supervision! When purchasing foil, ask whether it is heat-resistant. There is always a risk of fire when leaving a light trap with lights on without supervision. Clean the trap at least three times a week to remove dead insects, preferably every morning.
