We Tried 6 Top-Rated Fly Traps—Here’s What Actually Worked

Considering how quickly flies and other pests reproduce, eliminating them may seem like a challenging—if not impossible—battle. That’s why we thoroughly researched the top options to find the best fly traps to catch those buggers with minimal effort on your end.

Peter Rania, president and CEO of Waltham Pest Control in Burlington, Massachusetts, shared some valuable insight with us: “As an exterminator with over 40 years of experience, I’ve found fly traps to be an effective way to reduce unwanted fly populations in residential and commercial settings.” You can install, hang, or plug in fly traps wherever you need them and forget about them while they do their job. Instead of playing bug buster and knocking knickknacks off the shelf with errant swats of a fly swatter, you can enjoy grilling or playing Frisbee.

To determine which were most effective, we tested a variety of fly traps, including those that use sticky pads, electronic zappers, and old-fashioned funnels to trap and remove house flies from the equation. We recommend the DynaTrap 1/2 Acre Flying Insect Trap as our top pick due to its great performance, affordability, and versatility. But others impressed us, too, so read on for a look at our findings on the best fly traps currently on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: DynaTrap 1/2 Acre Flying Insect Trap
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Catchmaster Window Fly Strip Traps
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3. BEST DISPOSABLE: Rescue! Outdoor Disposable Hanging Fly Trap
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4. BEST PLUG-IN: Zevo Flying Insect Trap
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5. BEST BAIT: Terro T380 Reusable Fly Magnet
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6. BEST ZAPPIER: Aspectek 20W Electric Bug Zapper
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Fly Traps Comparison

Our Top Picks

DIY pest control can get the job done, but it can be hard to stomach. Some of the best fly catcher choices consider the less appealing elements of this chore in their design, making it more tolerable. Here are our choices for the best fly traps for DIY pest control.

Our Ratings

The DynaTrap flying insect trap impressed us right out of the box. Setup was as simple as plugging it in and placing it wherever we needed coverage, indoors or out. We tested it overnight in the backyard, and by morning, the collection chamber was absolutely packed with flying insects. The UV light does most of the work, attracting bugs into the trap, where a fan draws them down into a chamber they can’t escape. The fan also helps dehydrate and kill the bugs over time, making it a low-maintenance option compared to sticky traps or zappers.

We appreciated the thoughtful design details, like the easy-to-remove base, which pops out with a simple button press so that you don’t have to handle the bugs directly. The unit is compact, not overly bright, and doesn’t draw unwanted attention, making it a discreet option for outdoor patios or indoor use. The build quality feels solid, too, and DynaTrap’s reputation in the pest control space gave us confidence that this will last through multiple seasons. Our only issue? It was so effective that it attracted curious crickets who wouldn’t leave the scene, so placement may matter if nighttime noise is a concern.

What our tester says: “I was very impressed with the DynaTrap. Not only is it suitable for both indoor and outdoors, it’s also just as effective as a zapper—if not more—without the annoying noises.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the DynaTrap flying insect trap at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or DynaTrap.

Our Ratings

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, budget-friendly way to deal with flying pests indoors, the Catchmaster Window Fly Strip Traps are a surprisingly effective option. These slim, transparent glue strips stick directly to your window or patio door and catch bugs before you even realize you have a problem. Installation couldn’t be easier—just peel off the backing, press the strip into place, and remove the front liner to expose the sticky side. We tested these on a glass patio door and were impressed to see the trap covered in small flies within a day, likely thanks to a minor infestation in our nearby houseplants.

What makes these stand out is their minimal footprint—no light, no fan, and no buzz. They’re also completely silent, making them ideal for use in bedrooms or offices. Cleanup isn’t exactly pleasant (you’ll be face-to-face with dead bugs), but the adhesive strip is easy to peel off without leaving residue. At around $10 for a 12-pack, these are cost-effective, especially if you’re dealing with seasonal indoor fly issues or need a passive solution that won’t interfere with your space. We’ll definitely keep a stash on hand for future flare-ups.

What our tester says: “These may not seem like much, but they worked really well for me. Stick them to a window, watch them fill up with bugs, then get rid of it. Pretty simple, and a budget-friendly price.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Catchmaster indoor fly traps at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Catchmaster.

Our Ratings

If your backyard is overrun with flies and you need a heavy-duty solution, the Rescue! Outdoor Disposable Hanging Fly Trap delivers powerful results. However, it comes with a major caveat: the smell. Designed to attract flies using a water-activated chemical bait, this trap draws in pests from a wide radius. We tested it during a humid Florida summer and can confirm it works incredibly well—just avoid using it anywhere you’d want to spend time relaxing.

Setup is simple: add water, hang the bag, and wait. Within a day, we saw a noticeable drop in the fly population. The bait lures flies into the trap where they’re contained and eventually killed. When the trap is full or the liquid dries up, just twist the top closed and toss the entire bag—no cleanup required. The bag isn’t see-through, which is a plus if you’re squeamish, and everything stays contained inside. That said, the odor is strong and can be unpleasant, so placement is key. Hang it far from patios, doors, or gathering spots and let it do its (smelly) job quietly in the background.

Get the Rescue! fly trap at Amazon (8-pack), Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

The Zevo Flying Insect Trap is a sleek, low-maintenance option for handling small fly problems indoors. This plug-in trap is incredibly easy to set up—just snap in the sticky cartridge, plug it into an outlet, and let it go to work. The device emits a soft UV light that lures flies in, at which point they get stuck to a hidden adhesive pad behind the front cover. Unlike many traps, you’ll never have to look at the mess, making this a clean and discreet solution for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.

In our testing, it took about a week for the pad to fill with small flying insects. Swapping out the sticky cartridge was quick and hygienic, with minimal contact required. While the upfront cost is slightly higher than that of other traps (around $25 for the starter kit), the ongoing cost of refills is reasonable if you’re only dealing with occasional pests. Each cartridge lasts about 2 to 4 weeks depending on fly activity, and refills run about $15 for a pack of four. If you’re looking for a refined, subtle alternative to bulky or noisy traps, Zevo’s stylish design and set-it-and-forget-it functionality make it a worthy contender.

Get the Zevo plug-in fly trap at Amazon (3 cartridges included), Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart (3 cartridges included).

Our Ratings

The Terro T380 is a heavy-duty option for outdoor fly control, and it truly delivers. This hard plastic jar uses a water-activated bait to attract flies, which enter through the lid and can’t escape. The setup is simple: unscrew the cap, add the bait and warm water, reassemble, and place it outside—either on the ground or hanging. We tested it in the Florida summer, and let’s be clear: this thing reeks. The odor is intense, so make sure to place it far from patios, entryways, or anywhere people might gather.

But the results speak for themselves. Within days, the trap was swarming with flies. Large ones entered and stayed, while smaller insects hovered around the outside, drawn to the scent. Over 2 weeks, the water and bait gradually disappeared, leaving behind a disturbingly full container of dead bugs. Thankfully, there’s a decorative covering around the jar that hides the miserable contents inside. While the product is marketed as reusable (and the durable jar could certainly handle multiple uses), cleaning it out was a deal-breaker for us. It’s not for the squeamish—but if you can stomach the stink and the mess, this trap is highly effective for serious infestations.

Get the Terro fly magnet at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Target.

Our Ratings

When it comes to sheer fly-killing power, the Aspectek indoor bug zapper doesn’t hold back. This plug-in unit uses two large UV light bars to lure in flying insects, then zaps them on contact with a high-voltage electric grid. In our testing, it performed relentlessly—within hours, we started seeing a pileup of tiny carcasses around the unit. We suspect our houseplants brought in a batch of fungus gnats or similar pests, and the Aspectek absolutely feasted. If you have a persistent indoor fly issue, this zapper is a no-nonsense solution.

That said, it’s not exactly subtle. The zapper gives off a loud pop with every strike, which might startle you at first—or every time, if you’re like us. It’s also not winning any style points, either. The lights are harsh, and the industrial look makes it better suited for utility spaces than decorative ones. There’s a removable tray at the bottom for easy cleanup, but many of the zapped bugs ended up outside the tray, so you’ll probably be sweeping around it regularly. Despite these drawbacks, the Aspectek is a workhorse: loud and a little ugly, but ruthlessly effective.

Get the Aspectek fly trap at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Or, DIY Your Own Fly Traps 

You may already know how to get rid of crane flies with a little DIY ingenuity, but you can make your own outdoor or indoor fly traps as well. It’s a thrifty, natural, and low-waste alternative to store-bought options that is cost-effective and allows you to use materials you likely already have at home. 

To create your DIY fly trap, you’ll need a plastic bottle, scissors, tape, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and liquid dish soap. Start by cutting off the top of the bottle and discarding the cap. Insert the top part upside down into the base to create a funnel. Add the apple cider vinegar and sugar (overripe fruit also works well here) into the bottom of the bottle. Fill the bottle base with water and a few drops of dish soap to improve your homemade fly trap’s efficiency.

How We Tested the Best Fly Traps

To determine the best fly traps, we started by researching over a dozen highly rated products across a range of types, including electric zappers, UV light traps, disposable bait bags, sticky strips, and plug-in options. We narrowed our list to six standout models based on customer reviews, brand reputation, safety features, price, and ease of use. Each product was then tested in real-world conditions—indoors and outdoors—over several weeks.

We evaluated the effectiveness of the traps by observing the number of flies captured over time and how well the traps prevented escape. Setup and maintenance were scored based on how intuitive each device was to assemble, install, and clean. Safety—especially for pets, kids, and food-prep areas—was assessed for each model. For reusable traps, we looked at how easy (or unpleasant) they were to empty and clean. For disposable options, we considered odor, visibility, and the level of discretion or intrusiveness of the product. Our top picks offered a strong balance of performance, ease of use, and minimal mess. 

What to Consider When Buying a Fly Trap

The range of different fly trap products on the market can be overwhelming, especially when you just want to get flies out of your house ASAP. Some products seem more like a gimmick than an actual solution, while others serve as truly effective methods for maintaining a no-fly zone. Here are some characteristics of the best fly traps. 

Types of Fly Traps 

Fly traps vary widely in how they lure and eliminate pests, and the best option often depends on where you’re using it (indoors or outdoors), the severity of the infestation, and your tolerance for mess, noise, or odor.

UV Light/Zappers

Zapper-style traps use ultraviolet light to attract flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects, then kill them on contact with an electrified grid. These are especially effective outdoors or in garages and workshops; however, some indoor versions are also available. They don’t require bait or sticky pads, but they do emit a telltale “zap” and need occasional emptying. For best results, position them slightly away from human gathering areas to keep the noise and debris at bay.

Sticky Traps

Sticky traps catch flies with adhesive surfaces. These are usually low-profile, nontoxic, and silent, making them ideal for indoor use near windows, doors, or houseplants. Some are disposable strips, while others come in plug-in models with hidden pads. They’re best for mild infestations and are easy to set up and toss when full—though cleanup can be up-close and personal.

Bait Traps

Bait traps use scented attractants—often chemical or food-based—to lure flies into a container or funnel. Once inside, the flies can’t escape and either drown or dehydrate. These traps are highly effective outdoors, especially in yards or barns, but can emit strong odors. Some are reusable, though emptying them can be unpleasant.

Fly Bags

Fly bags work similarly to bait traps but are fully disposable and typically single-use. They’re ideal for outdoor use, especially during the height of fly season. Users just add water to activate the bait and hang the bag away from living areas. Once full, the entire bag is sealed and thrown away. They’re low-maintenance but definitely smelly—placement is key.

CO2/Light Traps

More advanced traps use a combination of UV light and carbon dioxide to mimic human or animal breath, drawing in flies and other pests (like mosquitoes). Once close, a fan may pull them into a container where they dehydrate. These traps are quiet, chemical-free, and discreet, making them popular for indoor use. While often more expensive, they’re reusable and low-mess.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor fly catchers tend to be quieter, cleaner, and more discreet, often relying on light or sticky pads instead of strong-smelling bait. Outdoor traps, on the other hand, prioritize effectiveness and capacity, often using scent-based lures that wouldn’t be welcome indoors. Always check whether a trap is rated for indoor, outdoor, or dual use, and consider placing outdoor traps away from patios or seating areas to avoid odors and visual clutter.

Safety

Considering the fly trap’s safety features is important, especially when used around children or pets. Hang chemical traps high enough that a child, pet, or even livestock can’t get to them. “For those concerned about harsh chemicals,” says Rania, “natural traps utilizing vinegar, sugar, and dish soap are excellent eco-friendly options that effectively attract and drown common flies.”

For safety, plug outdoor zappers and traps into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. If the outlet gets wet, the GFCI will trip when it detects a surge, shutting down the outlet and the attached device. 

Ease of Use 

The simpler the fly trap, the more likely it is to succeed. Dealing with complicated traps and chemical concoctions might discourage their use. 

Electronic models that hang on a nail or screw or sit on a tabletop start trapping bugs in no time at all. Some even forgo an on/off switch. They need only a power source, and they set about their job automatically. 

If using another fly trap method, look into how to set it up. Traps that require a lot of fiddling with trap doors, chemicals, and complicated hanging methods can frustrate users, even if the traps work well.

Disposal/Maintenance 

One of the least desirable features of a fly trap is that the trap must be emptied a few times a year, the sticky strip replaced, or a wet bag full of dead flies thrown out. Look for products that are easy to empty. On electronic models, having a removable tray makes discarding the waste a simpler process.

For a straightforward solution, consider purchasing single-use traps that can be thrown away. 

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