Introduction to Horse Fly Traps
Horse flies are persistent and painful pests that can affect both humans and animals, especially in rural and farm environments. Building a horse fly trap can be an effective way to reduce the horse fly population in your area. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple, yet effective horse fly trap.
Materials You Will Need
- A sturdy post or stick – about 4-6 feet tall.
- Large plastic bowl or a similar container – dark colored, if possible.
- Dark, heat-absorbing fabric – enough to cover the bowl.
- Clear plastic wrap.
- String or twine.
- Scissors or a knife.
- Adhesive, such as glue or tape.
- Bait (optional) – something sweet like spoiled fruit or fish scraps to attract the flies.
- Water and dish soap.
Step 1: Prepare the Trap Base
Take your dark plastic bowl or container, which will serve as the base of your trap. Dark surfaces attract horse flies because they mimic the appearance of animals. If your bowl is not dark, you can paint it or cover it with dark fabric to increase its effectiveness.
Step 2: Attach the Trap to the Post
Secure the bowl to the top of your post or stick. You can use screws or adhesive to ensure it does not move. The post should then be planted in the ground or positioned firmly so that it stands upright.
Step 3: Add Bait to the Trap (Optional)
If you choose to use bait to make your trap more appealing to horse flies, add it to the bottom of the bowl. Remember that the bait should be something that naturally attracts flies like spoiled fruit or fish.
Step 4: Create the Fly Catching Surface
Cover the bowl with the clear plastic wrap, stretching it tightly across the top. Secure it in place with a string, twine, or tape. Ensure it’s tight enough to create a window-like effect without sagging.
Step 5: Apply the Soap Mixture
Mix water with a squirt of dish soap in a separate container. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the water, making it impossible for the flies to escape once they touch the water. Spread this soapy mixture over the clear plastic wrap. Horse flies, attracted by the dark base below, will try to land on the water surface and get stuck.
Step 6: Set and Check Your Trap
Place the trap in an area where you have noticed a high concentration of horse flies. These areas are typically sunny and open. Check the trap regularly. Once you have caught several flies, you can dispose of them by removing the plastic wrap and shaking the dead flies into a trash bag. Then, replace the soiled plastic wrap with a fresh sheet and reapply the soapy water to continue trapping flies.
Additional Tips for Effective Horse Fly Trapping
- Movement Attraction: Horse flies are attracted to movement. Some traps use a rotating or swinging component to draw them in.
- Proper Placement: Place your traps in sunny areas, preferably near the problem area but not right in the living space of people or animals.
- Regular Maintenance: Check your trap regularly and clean it out as needed to keep it effective.
Remember, horse flies breed in wet areas; reducing standing water can also help decrease their population. With regular maintenance and proper placement, your DIY horse fly trap can be a useful tool in managing these bothersome pests.