On a whim I decided to test out sticky fly paper as a means of dealing with annoying (biting) flies that took over my worm room after bringing in a lot of aged manure. I honestly didn’t think it would work at all. These flies crave blood, not the same smelly stuff that normal house flies are attracted to. Nevertheless, I figured it was worth a shot – my daily fly-swatting missions just didn’t seem to be making a dent in the population, since new ones were emerging from the material constantly.
Let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the sticky traps. I set up 4 of them, and within a day or two I was no longer mobbed every time I opened the door. Since then, they almost seem to have disappeared – although judging by the fact that the concentration of flies on the strips has increased, I’m pretty sure they are simply getting trapped shortly after emerging. The ones that are working the best by far are hanging next to a fluorescent bulb that is on all the time. Insects are generally attracted to light, so this is almost certainly the reason behind these ones being so loaded.
Aside from taking care of my manure fly problem, I’ve been really pleased to see that a LOT of gnats are being trapped as well. I’ve been wondering how well the strips would work against fruit flies, but I’m definitely not brave enough to start up my own infestation on purpose.
They should make them with a watermelon odour – I bet that would make for an excellent fruit fly trap!
Anyway, check out the picture below (of one of the traps) and bow down before me…OH MIGHTY KILLER OF THE FLIES!!!!!!!
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Thanks Bentley, I saw some of those at the dollar store today. I new there had to be some good use for them.
Bob
Bentley, tell us again about the camera you are using. I recall seeing something awhile back, but couldn’t find it using your search option. Thanks, Bob
As I scrolled down the page, I heard the phrase “eeeeeewwwww” get louder and louder.
Looks like you are putting your fly paper to good work!
Wow! I’ve got to get some of that stuff! Also, I’ve been having a lot of success with cider vinegar. I’ve found they like old vinegar best. Nowhere near as prolific as your sticky traps though! thanks!
Laina
Bentley, you are so right about the strips. I use them ALOT around my pig, cows, and my compost. My friends think they are gross, but they work. They also have bags that are used to attract flies and they go inside and drown. The bags and the strips together are amazing. Both can be bought at Home Depot.
That is so awesome. It is indeed the mighty killer of the flies. I have to try them now. Thanks a lot.
Are those sticky fly traps eco friendly? Can you compost them?
What a gross… Uh, Beautiful photo you have there Bentley.
You can also get the sticky goop on cardboard rolls with little plastic ends they have a hook so you can hang them up but i have laded them down inside the bin with the plastic ends sitting on small wood blocks.
Works wonders keeping the flies from getting outside the bin. Not 100% successful but i have had them so covered with fruit flies and gnats that they stopped working. I get mine at a farm store.
While I’m glad it worked for you, I could have happily lived a long time without seeing that picture!
Wow – popular topic! hehe
Thanks all for sharing your thoughts
Bob – sorry again for the delay. As mentioned in another recent comment, the camera I use is nothing fancy – it’s a 5 megapixel Canon Powershot A530. Basically a decent ‘point and shoot’ digital camera. For worm shots etc I will typically use the macro setting, which seems to help (although not in the case of this shot).
Patricia – thanks for the tip about the bag traps. I will keep my eyes open for those.
Christine – I don’t think the traps would be considered ‘eco-friendly’ in terms of their biodegradability (if that’s even a word – haha), but they are certainly a lot more eco-friendly that various other ways to get rid of insects, and certainly won’t take up much room in the garbage once they are finished (ie completely loaded with flies).
Eve – that sounds like an interesting idea. I have heard of one other person using sticky traps on the inside of their bin, but have never actually tested this out myself.
Mary (and others with ‘ewww’ type reactions) – One of the things I love about blogging (and receiving comments) is that it really provides a valuable dose of perspective in terms of the way that others see the world. Being someone who has been fascinated with all manner of ‘creepy’, ‘gross’ things since I was a little kid, it wouldn’t even occur to me that fly paper covered in dead flies would be repulsive in any way – although my wife was more than happy to enlighten me in this department when she saw the photo.
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Wow, that’s disgusting! Looks like it works good.
The sticky strips or cards also work best if they are scented. I have used the unscented ones and then their is a huge difference when you have the scented ones as they get full faster from the fruit flies going right for them. I wouldn’t put them right in the bin, though I have contemplated it. My worry would be that the glue is very tacky and I would hate to have the worms actually get lodged in it.
do you know where I can buy some of the boxes to sell worms in? I have picked up a lot at the river and washed them, but would like to be able to buy some new ones.
Glenn — I’ve found styrofoam worm containers on Ebay. They’re brand new and usually come with the lids. Hope this helps!
I recommend 1,000 times over the Catchmaster Bug & Fly Clear Window traps. This would be best for a household operation, obviously.
These bad boys stick to your window, out of the reach of kids (if you prefer), out of view behind blinds (if you prefer), and catch flies & gnats like crazy. Best part – you don’t have to touch the dead bugs. Peel it off the window, wad it up, throw it in the trash.
I’ve been using them for a couple of years now. I’m kind of a pest control aficionado so when I find something I love I stand by it. I’ll try and post a URL but not sure how that works on here.
You can find the product on Amazon: