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Prepare the Vinegar Solution:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, pour about 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. Fruit flies and gnats are particularly attracted to the smell of ACV, which mimics the fermentation process they associate with food sources.
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Add Dish Soap:
- Add about 2-3 drops of dish soap to the vinegar. This soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, so when the flies land on the vinegar, they won’t be able to escape. The soap ensures they become trapped in the liquid.
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Create the Paper Towel Trap:
- Wet a paper towel with a little bit of water (it should be damp but not soaking wet).
- Fold the paper towel into a manageable size and place it on top of the bowl with the vinegar solution. The idea is to cover the top loosely, so the flies and gnats are attracted to the vinegar but can’t escape once they land.
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Place the Trap in Fly-Attractive Areas:
- Position the paper towel trap in areas where you’ve noticed fruit flies or gnats—typically near fruit bowls, garbage cans, or sinks.
- Leave it in place for 24-48 hours, depending on the level of the infestation.
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Dispose and Repeat:
- After a couple of days, you’ll notice that many fruit flies and gnats will have been trapped by the paper towel and vinegar solution. Simply dispose of the trapped flies and replace the paper towel trap if necessary.
