5. Ingredient 2: Dish Soap – The Secret Weapon
The second ingredient in this trap is dish soap. While vinegar attracts the fruit flies, the dish soap is what ultimately traps them. By adding a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar, you break the surface tension of the liquid.
This means that when the fruit flies land on the surface of the vinegar, they will sink and drown instead of floating. The dish soap is crucial for ensuring that the flies cannot escape once they enter the trap.
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Trap
Setting up the trap is incredibly simple. Start by selecting a bowl with a wide opening. Pour about half a cup of apple cider vinegar into the bowl. Next, add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar. Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Place the bowl in an area where you’ve noticed fruit fly activity, such as near a fruit bowl or trash can. Leave the trap out for a few days, and you’ll soon notice a significant reduction in the number of fruit flies in your home.