Flies are a common nuisance in the summer months, and many people are looking for natural and effective ways to get rid of them.
One popular method is to use homemade fly traps, which often involve using sweet substances like honey, fruit, or syrup as bait. But what about corn syrup? Is it a good option for luring flies to a trap?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind what attracts flies and whether or not corn syrup is an effective bait.
So, let’s dive in and find out if corn syrup is the key to getting rid of those pesky flies once and for all.
Are Flies Attracted To Corn Syrup?
Flies are attracted to sweet substances, and corn syrup is no exception. In fact, it is a common ingredient in many commercial fly baits and traps.
The reason flies are attracted to sweet substances is because they have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to detect even the slightest traces of sugar. When they detect a sweet scent, they will fly towards it in search of food.
Corn syrup is a particularly attractive bait for flies because it is a thick, sticky substance that can trap them once they land on it. This makes it an effective ingredient for homemade fly traps, especially when combined with other sweet substances like honey or fruit.
However, it is important to note that corn syrup can also attract other insects like ants and wasps, so it may not be the best option if you are trying to target flies specifically.
What Attracts Flies?
Flies are attracted to a variety of substances, depending on the species. Common house flies are attracted to decaying organic filth such as feces and rotting meat, while fruit flies seek sugary substances and feed more commonly on overripe fruit, spilled soda, and alcohol. Drain flies require moist climates and organic materials and will be attracted to drains where they will lay their eggs.
In order to prevent flies from invading your home, it is important to identify what attracts them and take measures to eliminate or control those factors. Some common attractants for flies include:
– Decaying organic matter: Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter like animal waste, rotting food, and compost piles. Make sure to dispose of these items properly and keep trash cans tightly sealed.
– Sweet substances: Flies have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to detect even the slightest traces of sugar. They are attracted to sweet substances like fruit juice, soda, honey, and syrup.
– Moisture: Certain species of flies like drain flies require moist environments to breed. Make sure to fix any leaks or standing water in your home.
– Fresh produce: Flies are attracted to freshly cut and also decaying, overripe fruits and vegetables. Make sure you store these items in proper containers.
By knowing what attracts flies, you can take steps to prevent them from entering your home and becoming a nuisance or a health hazard.
How Do Fly Traps Work?
There are several types of fly traps available, each with its own mechanism for trapping flies. One common type is the funnel trap, which is made by inverting the top of a plastic bottle and placing sweet bait inside. Flies are attracted to the scent of the bait and crawl down into the trap through the funnel-shaped opening. However, the narrow opening makes it difficult for them to fly back out, and they eventually get stuck against the edges of the bottle and drown.
Another type of trap is the flypaper, which is coated with a sweet and fragrant substance that attracts flies. Once they land on the paper, they become stuck and are unable to escape.
Sticky traps are also effective for trapping flies. These traps are made of yellow cardboard or other stiff material coated with a sticky substance. The yellow color attracts flies, which then stick to the surface of the trap.
Lastly, there is the vinegar trap, which is made by filling a glass jar with apple cider vinegar and adding a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension. A funnel is placed in the jar’s wide mouth, allowing flies to enter but making it difficult for them to escape. Fruit flies are attracted to anything fermenting and will be attracted by the vinegar. The dish soap ensures they won’t float, but will fall in and drown.
Corn Syrup: A Sweet Solution?
Corn syrup is a commonly used sweetener in many foods and beverages, and it also serves as a thickening agent. Its unique molecular structure, which contains glucose instead of sucrose, makes it ideal for confectioners because it does not crystallize like regular sugar. Additionally, its smooth texture gives an attractive sheen to icings and sweet glazes.
However, the use of corn syrup in processed foods has been controversial due to its association with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is a sweeter substance produced from corn syrup. HFCS has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and tooth decay.
Aside from its use in food, corn syrup is also an effective ingredient in homemade fly traps due to its sweetness and sticky texture. However, it may also attract other insects like ants and wasps.
Despite its advantages and disadvantages, corn syrup remains a popular ingredient in many recipes and food products due to its affordability and versatility.
The Science Behind Corn Syrup’s Attractiveness To Flies
The science behind corn syrup’s attractiveness to flies lies in their ability to detect the presence of sugar through their sense of smell. Flies have specialized receptors on their antennae that allow them to detect even the smallest traces of sweet substances like corn syrup.
Once they detect the scent of corn syrup, flies will fly towards it in search of food. This is because sugar is an important source of energy for flies, and they need it to survive.
Moreover, corn syrup is a particularly attractive bait for flies because it is a thick and sticky substance that can trap them once they land on it. This makes it a highly effective ingredient for homemade fly traps.
However, it is important to note that corn syrup can also attract other insects like ants and wasps, which may not be desirable if you are trying to target flies specifically. In fact, some farmers in Florida have reported that cornsilk flies, which are attracted to sweet corn ears, can cause significant damage to entire fields if left untreated.
Comparing Corn Syrup To Other Fly Bait Options
While corn syrup is a popular choice for fly bait, there are other options that may be just as effective or even more so. For example, fruit is a great bait for fruit flies, which are a common household nuisance. Rotten fruit like bananas and soft strawberries can be used to attract adult fruit flies, while fruit juice or soda can also work well.
Another option is maple syrup, which has a sweet scent that can attract a variety of flying insects. Honey is another sticky substance that can trap flies, and it has the added benefit of being a natural antibacterial agent. Soy sauce and apple cider vinegar are also effective baits for flies, although they may not be as appealing to humans due to their strong odors.
When choosing a bait for your fly trap, it’s important to consider what type of flies you are trying to target and what other insects may be attracted to the bait. For example, if you are dealing with a fruit fly infestation, using fruit as bait may be the most effective option. On the other hand, if you want to catch a variety of flying insects, corn syrup or maple syrup may be a better choice.
Tips For Making A Successful Corn Syrup Fly Trap
If you are interested in making a corn syrup fly trap, here are some tips to help ensure its success:
1. Use a sticky substance: As mentioned earlier, the thick and sticky nature of corn syrup is what makes it effective in trapping flies. You can also add a drop of dish soap to the mixture to help break the surface tension and make it easier for the flies to sink and drown.
2. Add other sweet substances: To make the trap even more attractive to flies, consider adding other sweet substances like honey or fruit juice. This will increase the chances of catching more flies.
3. Use a container with a lid: Flies are attracted to light, so using a container with a lid can help increase the effectiveness of your trap. Make sure to poke small holes in the lid so that the flies can enter, but not easily escape.
4. Place the trap in strategic locations: Flies tend to congregate in areas where there is food or garbage, so placing your trap near these areas can increase its effectiveness. You can also try placing multiple traps in different locations to maximize your chances of catching flies.
5. Dispose of trapped flies regularly: Once you have caught some flies, make sure to dispose of them regularly to prevent them from breeding and multiplying. You can simply throw away the entire container or empty it out and refill it with fresh bait.
By following these tips, you can create a successful corn syrup fly trap that will help keep your home or outdoor space free from pesky flies.
