Terro and Raid fruit fly traps are two baits ideal for controlling fruit flies swarming around kitchen fruit bowls. The two traps are designed to trap fruit flies. They look pretty similar but have a few differences.
The two products lure adult fruit flies into a trap. Once the flies enter the trap, they cannot escape.
Based on product design and pricing, we think Terro dominates this comparison. Since you do not need to mix the chemicals yourself (only pour it in), the product lasts 45 days compared to 30, and the price is about half the cost of Raid; we think Terro Fruit Fly Trap is a no-brainer here.
[amazon box=”B01JIRNEQW”]While that is just our quick assessment, this article looks at these two similar products and goes much more in-depth so you can make a choice that best works for you.
Terro Fruit fly trap
It’s an easy-to-use, plug-and-play trap ideal for use at home in any kitchen, with a pretty cool apple-shaped design.
The liquid bait is ready to use, so no mixing of toxic chemicals is required.
Once you open the trap’s cover, add the non-toxic liquid bait to the same level as the in-built window.
The liquid bait is formulated to produce an odor that resembles apple cider vinegar, a substance that naturally attracts flies.
The active ingredient in Terro fruit fly is sodium lauryl sulfate mixed with vinegar and water.
[amazon box=”B01JIRNEQW”]
Ease of use and fast-acting
Once ready, place traps near fruit bowls and garbage cans or locations you spot fruit flies swarming around.
These are the locations where the trap can easily attract the flies.
The bait is fast acting, attracting the flies immediately after the trap is set up.
Once flies enter the trap, they cannot escape, so they cannot continue breeding and multiplying.
This apple-shaped trap has a view window at the bottom of the container.
The built-in transparent window allows viewing of the flies trapped inside.
Relevant viewing:
Design
Unlike many DIY traps, the Terro fly trap has an attractive apple-shaped look, blending in well on kitchen counters, throwing the days of ugly traps into the past.
The trap is made from plastic and is red, similar to the color of a red apple.
The fruit flies enter the trap via entry holes perforated at the cover’s top.
Activity period
Terro fruit fly liquid bait is active for 45 days, after which it needs replacement or if too many fruit flies inside the trap are noticeable.
It’s easy to clean the trap if too many flies are trapped at the end of an activity period.
To clean, open the top cover, pour the attractant, and wash with warm water.
Add fresh liquid lure and again place the trap in infested areas.
Price of the Terro trap
One pack has two traps and a one-ounce bottle of the liquid.
A package of two fruit fly traps and an ounce of lure liquid are priced at around $8.
[amazon box=”B01JIRNEQW”]
Raid fruit fly trap
Raid fly traps work similarly to the way Terro fly trap works.
Thus, these traps are also effective when placed near kitchen fruit bowls or areas experiencing fruit fly invasion.
[amazon box=”B07Z7S3NMC”]
Ease of use
The trap is equally easy to use.
Unlike Terro, which has holes, the Raid trap has two flaps on the top rid through which the flies access the inside of the trap.
Unlike Terro bait liquid ready to use, Raid bait must be mixed with water. A sachet of lure contains the powder with the chemical. (We do not like touching chemicals here!!)
The lure is made from eugenol, an aromatic extract of olive oil, which is a food-based lure.
How the Raid trap works
Open the cover, place the sachet in the trap, and add water to the marked line.
Return the cap and set the trap in the problem areas.
The mixture is odorless to the human-smelling senses, but fruit flies pick up the scent.
The flies and gnats get trapped inside when they enter the trap.
Again for best results, place the trap close to areas frequented by fruit flies
Design
The design of the Raid trap is similar to the Terro trap, resembling an apple.
Thus it blends well when placed near kitchen fruit bowls and other items.
However, instead of holes, the top cap has two flexible flaps and flies attracted to the lure gain entry through them.
To reach the attractant, the flies crawl down a funnel in the top cover.
The funnel shape prevents the flies from escaping once they reach the lure.
Activity period
One Raid lure mix is estimated to have an activity period of 30 days, after which you should empty the trap.
Also, if the trap fills with trapped flies and gnats, clean it. Cleaning is easy. Open the top cover, and empty the trap. Wash it with warm water and dish soap.
Once the trap is clean, add a lure sachet, mix it with water, place the cap, and repeat the process.
Place the trap near sinks, dishwasher drains, or typical fruit fly infestation areas.
Safety
The product is safe for use around pets if instructions are followed.
Price of Raid fruit fly trap
A Raid insect trap starter pack includes two traps and two lures, and two bonus refills are provided.
A package of two Raid fruit fly traps and two lure sachets starts at around $15 before shipping costs.
[amazon box=”B07Z7S3NMC”]
Which is the best of the two fruit fly traps?
If facing a fruit fly problem, Terro and Raid fruit fly traps work pretty similarly.
The traps are loaded with a lure even though the active substance in each attractant is different, but both are food-based and safe in kitchens and around pets when used per directions.
Based on product design and pricing, we think Terro dominates this comparison. Since you do not need to mix the chemicals yourself (only pour it in), the product lasts 45 days compared to 30, and the price is about half the cost of Raid; we think Terro Fruit Fly Trap is a no-brainer here.
Even though Terro bait liquid is ready to use, making the Raid lure is pretty straightforward.
Terro doesn’t win every category, however.
In terms of design, both have adapted the apple shape giving them the aesthetics to blend well with the places where we spot fruit flies swarming.
In terms of design, the Raid fruit fly trap has a cleverer design top cover, despite Terro having a view window.
For this one category, the Raid trap takes it.
The two products are both decently valued for money, and while we recommend Terro moving forward, Raid will still get the job done.
[amazon box=”B01JIRNEQW”]
Other Terro Articles
We’ve written a bunch about this brand; check some of them out here:
