Why Do Flies Like Vinegar?
WouterWhy do flies avoid vinegar? It may have to do with the Tachykinin receptor, or DTKR. This receptor turns on and off olfactory responses in flies. When this receptor is turned off, flies cannot detect vinegar. However, restoring its activity causes flies to recognize vinegar once again.
If you want to use vinegar to kill flies, place a small amount in a cup or bowl. Choose a cider variety, not white vinegar. Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar are ideal choices. After placing the vinegar into the bowl or cup, cover the area with plastic wrap. It’s a good idea to use a rubber band to hold the plastic wrap in place. If you’re not comfortable with vinegar, you can use a wine or beer instead.
Another way to trap flies is to use a fly trap. Fly traps usually consist of a cup filled with vinegar and dish soap, and are covered with plastic wrap. Small holes in the plastic allow flies to fall into the liquid. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle or a glass container that has a narrow neck to trap the flies.
Vinegar flies are small, flightless insects that feed on yeast that is present in fermenting and liquefying substances. These insects are often found in rotting fruit and vegetables. They are a nuisance pest because they can carry and transmit sour rot bacteria, which aids in the decomposition of fruit and vegetables.
