Indoor mosquito trap made from plastic soda bottle

Creating a homemade mosquito trap using a plastic soda bottle is a simple and effective way to reduce mosquito populations indoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making one:

Materials you’ll need:

Plastic soda bottle (2-liter size is recommended)
Sharp knife or scissors
Black paper or electrical tape
Masking tape
Yeast (active dry yeast or brewer’s yeast)
Warm water
Sugar
Optional: Wire or string for hanging
Instructions:

Prepare the bottle: Thoroughly clean and dry the plastic soda bottle. Remove the label and any sticky residue.

Cut the bottle: Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the top third of the bottle off. The resulting part will serve as the funnel for the trap.

Invert the funnel: Take the cut-off top and invert it, placing it back into the bottom part of the bottle. The bottleneck should be inside the bottom part of the bottle, creating a funnel.

Secure the funnel: Use masking tape to secure the funnel in place. Ensure that there are no gaps or openings for mosquitoes to escape once they enter.

Create a black surface: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Cover the outside of the bottle with black paper or wrap it with black electrical tape. This step helps make the trap more appealing to mosquitoes.

Prepare the bait: In a separate container, mix warm water (around 200 ml) with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool to room temperature.

Add the bait: Pour the sugar water into the bottom of the bottle (the part that serves as the trap). Then, add a small amount (about half a teaspoon) of yeast to the sugar water. The yeast will generate carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.

Place the trap: Find an area in your indoor space where mosquitoes are commonly found. Hang the trap by creating a small hole in the top part of the bottle and using a wire or string to suspend it. Alternatively, you can place it on a flat surface.

Monitor and empty: Check the trap regularly, as it will accumulate mosquitoes over time. Once it becomes full, empty the contents, clean the bottle, and refill it with fresh bait.

Keep in mind that this homemade trap might not be as effective as professional mosquito traps, but it can still help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your indoor environment. Additionally, remember to take other preventive measures, such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito screens, and applying mosquito repellents, to keep mosquitoes at bay.