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There are different types of fly traps.
There are different types of fly traps. Fly traps have different types of special designs that lure, trap, and kill them. Some might electrocute the flies, whereas others trap them till they dehydrate or contain poison that can kill them. The choice of fly traps depends on the concentration of flies, whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use, cost, and your preference.
- Outdoor-use fly traps: Outdoor fly traps have features that work best to trap flies outside the house or shops such as backyards, patios, garage, or shop setting. They can typically hold a lot of dead flies, and some of them are reusable. Most outdoor fly traps contain chemicals or liquids that can make the indoors messy. These chemicals have a scent that attracts the flies and kills them once they’ve consumed the liquid or have exhausted themselves inside the trap.
- Odorless indoor fly traps: Some indoor fly traps have chemicals similar to those in the outdoor fly traps; however, the chemicals are odorless to humans and safe to use indoors. Some indoor fly traps have a bug-attracting light to lure the flies in, a fan inside the fly trap that pushes them to the base, and a sticky surface that grabs holds and traps them. This can be reused by replacing the sticky strip. Another indoor fly trap option that works well with fruit flies uses a bait (juice, a sugar cube, or something pleasant and chemical-free) to lure the flies into a funnel and trap them. The bait and trap need to be cleaned every few days.
- Ultraviolet (UV) bug-zapping machines: These are ideal for a high concentration of flies. The machine contains a light that attracts flying insects (flies, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and moths). Once the flies land on the machine/light, the zapper electrocutes and kills them. These machines can be used indoors and outdoors. They come in different sizes.
- Carnivorous plants: Carnivorous plants such as Venus flytrap use their sweet-smelling sap to lure insects into their mouth. The plant traps and digests the flies. Carnivorous plants can catch only few bugs at a time and remain closed till they completely digest the bugs, which can take up to 5 days. Hence, they may not be effective enough to trap enough flies to actually get rid of or prevent fly infestation.
Safety concerns
It’s important to consider the safety of the fly trap chosen. Fly traps should be kept out of reach from children, pets, or livestock because they are not safe when humans or animals come in contact with them.