TL;DR
- Flies spawn year-round on garbage or spoiled turnips but require specific placement strategies
- Use raw garbage from fishing rather than crafted items for optimal spawn rates
- Avoid rainy conditions and be patient – flies can take 10-30 minutes to appear
- Sell price is minimal (60 Bells) but museum completion provides lasting value
- Combine fly hunting with other activities to maximize your island time efficiency
While common in reality, the fly represents one of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ most elusive insects despite being available throughout the entire year. As one of 80 collectible bugs, this persistent pest demands strategic preparation rather than simple net skills. The creature’s continuous availability across all seasons and time periods makes it accessible, yet its specific spawning requirements create unexpected challenges for completionists.
What makes the fly particularly intriguing is its paradoxical nature – constantly available yet difficult to encounter naturally. Unlike many insects that appear on flowers or trees, flies require environmental manipulation through deliberate bait placement. This mechanic transforms what seems like a simple catch into a strategic island management task that tests your patience and planning abilities.
A fly in Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Critterpedia.
Successfully adding this insect to your Critterpedia and museum collection requires understanding its unique behavioral patterns. The initial step toward capture might surprise you – it begins not with bug hunting equipment but with fishing gear and strategic garbage management.
Capturing flies follows a multi-phase approach that rewards patience and proper setup. Once you master the methodology, consistent results become achievable. Here’s the comprehensive approach:
Spoiled turnips present an alternative attraction method, functioning similarly to ant bait techniques. However, since rotten turnips serve as the exclusive method for ant attraction—and ants demonstrate higher spawn frequency than flies—you’ll likely encounter numerous ants before securing your target insect. The turnip approach also carries financial implications through both purchase costs and missed profitable sales opportunities, while garbage collection only demands modest fishing investment. Both methodologies prove effective, though each carries distinct advantages!
Advanced players should consider bait placement psychology – positioning garbage near building entrances or frequently traveled paths increases visibility during routine island activities. Creating multiple bait stations across different island zones can significantly reduce waiting times and improve spawn observation opportunities.
Similar to numerous insects, attempt fly capture exclusively during dry conditions. Remember that appearance timing can vary significantly, requiring persistence. The specific garbage type employed doesn’t appear to influence spawn probability, but it must constitute raw refuse rather than any crafted versions of cans, boots, or tires.
Many players make critical errors in their fly hunting approach. One common mistake involves using crafted trash items rather than raw garbage—crafted tires from the trash DIY recipes won’t attract flies. Another frequent error is inadequate patience; flies may take 10-30 minutes to spawn after bait placement, leading many to abandon their efforts prematurely.
Optimization involves combining fly hunting with other activities. Place your bait, then engage in fishing, fossil hunting, or home decorating while periodically checking the station. This multi-tasking approach prevents frustration and makes the waiting period productive. For those working on their weapon collections in other games, the same patience principles apply to successful completion.
Weather monitoring proves crucial—rain not only prevents fly spawns but also washes away existing bait effectiveness. Always check your island’s weather patterns before establishing bait stations to maximize your limited gaming sessions.
The fly’s market value remains modest at just 60 Bells when sold to Nook’s Cranny, making financial motivation insufficient for the effort required. However, the true value emerges through completionist achievements and museum enrichment.
Beyond the immediate capture, donating your fly to Blathers’ museum completes your insect collection and contributes to your island’s cultural development. This permanent addition to your museum provides lasting satisfaction that far outweighs the minimal financial return.
Strategic collectors should coordinate fly hunting with other completion goals. While waiting for flies to spawn, work on your class specialization in other gaming projects or design your island’s layout. This integrated approach to gaming efficiency mirrors the strategic planning needed in complex titles like our comprehensive Battlefield guides, where resource management and timing significantly impact success.
Remember that fly capture represents one component of comprehensive island management. The skills developed through this process—patience, strategic placement, and multi-tasking—translate directly to other Animal Crossing activities and broader gaming competencies that serve you across multiple titles and playstyles.
Action Checklist
- Fish in rivers/oceans to collect 3-5 pieces of raw garbage (cans, tires, boots)
- Place garbage in open areas away from flowers and trees
- Wait 10-30 minutes while engaging in other activities
- Approach slowly with net equipped and capture when in range
- Donate to museum first, then sell duplicates for 60 Bells
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How To Catch A Fly In Animal Crossing: New Horizons Master fly catching in Animal Crossing with proven bait strategies, timing tips, and museum completion techniques