The Venus flytrap is a
Flypaper (or sticky or adhesive traps) of sundews and butterworts are leaves covered in stalked glands that exude sticky mucilage. Snap traps (or steel traps) of the Venus flytrap and waterwheel plant are hinged leaves that snap shut when trigger hairs are touched.
Of the three, the sundew is indeed best suited to catching fruit flies, which have continued their little red-eyed reproductive frenzy in our food scraps bin.
The Venus flytraps can eat fruit flies and are also gaining popularity in gardens as a natural control from pests. It is also one of the indoor plants, which makes it more popular. Overall, the Venus fly trap is a unique and captivating plant that has evolved to adapt to its nutrient-poor environment.
Sundew plant
These are the kings of catching fruit flies. The sweet mucilage on a sundew attracts, traps, and digests an insect making a potent enemy for any fruit fly. According to Tuckey, just a couple sundew plants on the kitchen counter will effectively rid you of the majority of fruit flies.
Lemongrass and lavender scents repel fruit flies. If you don't have a diffuser, you can mix 10 drops of essential oil with one cup of hot water in a spray bottle and mist problematic areas - around the kitchen sink, garbages, compost, and fruit bowls. Or keep some fresh lavender around, maybe on the window sill.
Fruit flies can't stand the smell of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender and clove. If you've had a fruit fly problem in the past, try placing these fragrant herbs in muslin sacks or tea bags and hanging them around the house. You could also buy them in essential oil form and use them in a diffuser.
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Microwave the bowl so the mixture becomes even more aromatic. Leave the bowl out uncovered as fruit fly bait. The soap will reduce the surface tension, causing any fruit fly that lands on the surface to drown.
Sage leaves can be collected and bundled up with those of other herbs to create an all-around fruit fly repellent that can be placed in key parts of the home. Place fresh bundles around the kitchen and close to windowsills.
But how do you care for a carnivorous plant? The easiest plants to grow are Venus Flytraps, Sundews and some Trumpet Pitchers.
Some appeal to many species of flies because of the smell they exude. In addition, any plants that don't repel flies will attract them. Plants that attract flies include herbs like dill, parsley and fennel. Flies also tend to enjoy sunflowers, lavender, lemon balm and certain types of orchids.
White Trumpet Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia leucophylla)
Many find white trumpet pitcher plants (Sarracenia leucophylla) the prettiest of the carnivorous plants.
species, the critically endangered Attenborough's pitcher plant (N. attenboroughii), is the largest carnivorous plant, reaching up to 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) tall. Its pitchers are 30 cm (11.8 inches) in diameter and are able to capture and digest rodents and other small animals. About 25 other species are listed…
How do I get rid of fruit flies quickly? A fast way of getting rid of fruit flies is by pouring boiling white vinegar or boiling water down your drains. Fruit flies like to live in moist and hidden locations, such as drains and garbage disposals.
Vinegar (or acetic acid) is the ultimate product of the fermentation process in fruit, which is why fruit flies are attracted to vinegar odor. However, both low and high concentrations of vinegar odor leave flies indifferent (left).
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in an open jar or small bowl and leave on the kitchen bench for a couple of days. Fruit flies are attracted to it and drown. Add a few pieces of ripe, skinless banana or overripe pear or stone-fruit to a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.
Simply pour some distilled vinegar into a bowl and add a couple drops of dish soap. You can leave the bowl uncovered on your counter or any surface near where you tend to add fruit flies. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the dish soap will cause them to sink so they can't escape.
Fruit flies typically lay their eggs directly on rotting fruits and vegetables or else inside drains that are not kept clean. The pests may produce up to 500 offspring during any mating season, and it only takes about a week for the entire life cycle to conclude.
Fruit fly has several predators - Braconid wasps are egg parasites; ants and ground beetles feed on the maggots; and spiders, dragonflies, robber flies and birds such as Swallows, Restless Flycatchers and Willy Wagtails eat the adult flies.
To create a DIY fruit fly trap, mix a quarter cup of either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap. The idea is that the irresistible vinegar attracts the fruit flies, while the soap breaks the vinegar's surface tension and drowns them.
Fruit flies are minuscule, so it's easy for them to get into your house. They're attracted to overripe fruit that's sitting out on your counter, plus they love moist surfaces and sink drains where food and residue may be built up.