Yellow sticky traps for fungus gnats

Yellow sticky traps catch the adult fungus gnats around your houseplants. Push a trap into the pot, just above the compost: the bright yellow colour attracts the gnats and the water-resistant glue holds them, even when you water. One trap stays effective for up to three months. You can buy them in packs of 30 traps or 60 traps.

The gnats are only the visible part of the problem. Their larvae live in the compost. You tackle them by letting the top 2 to 3 centimetres dry out between waterings, because the larvae need moisture.

What is the best trap for fungus gnats?

That depends on how many gnats you have and whether you are sure they are fungus gnats.

• A few gnats: yellow sticky traps in the pots, and let the compost dry out between waterings.
• A heavy infestation, with new gnats all the time: a yellow sticky trap in every pot, let the top layer dry out consistently and cover the compost with a layer of sand. How to tackle the larvae as well is explained in our guide.
• Not sure whether they are fungus gnats or fruit flies: the fruit fly and fungus gnat combo, with 2 fruit fly traps for the kitchen and 10 yellow sticky traps for your plants. Or read fungus gnats or fruit flies? first.

The fruit fly trap in that combo is a biocidal product (authorisation number GB-2026-1354-002; Northern Ireland: NI-2026-1354-002). Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

How do yellow sticky traps work against fungus gnats?

By colour. Fungus gnats are drawn to bright yellow, so there is no scent, lure or insecticide in the trap: just the colour and the glue. A gnat that is stuck lays no more eggs. You also see straight away how big the infestation is. Yellow sticky traps are also known as sticky fly traps or plant fly stickers, and besides fungus gnats they catch whitefly, aphids and other small flying insects.

Where do you put a yellow sticky trap in the pot?

In the compost, with the yellow part just above the soil and close to the stem. That is where the gnats come up and where they lay their eggs. Hanging a trap high in the plant works less well. Peel off the protective film on both sides first.

How many yellow sticky traps do you need per pot?

One per pot. In a large pot or a heavy infestation, use two. If several plants stand side by side, give each pot its own trap, because fungus gnats barely travel from pot to pot.

How long does a yellow sticky trap last?

Up to three months. If the trap is full sooner, replace it. The glue is water resistant, so it does not wash off when you water or when the air is humid.

Will yellow sticky traps get rid of fungus gnats?

Not on their own. The traps catch the adult gnats; the larvae live in the compost. So let the top 2 to 3 centimetres of compost dry out between waterings and cover it with a layer of sand. Expect three to four weeks before the cycle is broken, because eggs and larvae already in the soil will still hatch.

What are the disadvantages of yellow sticky traps?

They catch only the adults, so on their own they do not reach the larvae in the compost. They also catch other small insects that are drawn to yellow. And they stay sticky: place them where leaves, curtains or hair will not brush against them, and replace a trap once it is full or dusty.

Why are fungus gnats not sticking to my yellow sticky trap?

Usually the protective film is still on: peel it off on both sides, because with the film on, the trap does not stick. Push the trap into the pot with the yellow part just above the compost, where the gnats come out of the soil. If the compost is hard, make a small hole with a stick first, so the stem does not bend. If gnats walk across a fresh trap without sticking, email a photo and your order number to service@superninja.eco.

Do yellow sticky traps work against biting mosquitoes?

No. Yellow sticky traps are for fungus gnats, the small black flies around potted plants, and other small flies that are drawn to yellow. They do not help against biting mosquitoes; read more in our guide to mosquitoes.

Want to know more? Read how to get rid of fungus gnats, with the life cycle, how to recognise the larvae and how to prevent fungus gnats.