Flytraps are a great product that you can use to get rid of any pesky flies or wasps around your house or garden.
However, along with the ease they provide, disposing of them can be a pretty challenging task.
Liquid fly traps are a household favorite to the point they stink up the entire premises.
The attractant solution within these fly traps can be incredibly smelly, especially when it has done its job.
Some fly traps last for a year, while others last for three to four months. I
t really depends on what brand you buy or what price point you choose. Either way, fly traps are bound to smell.
So, how to dispose of fly traps?
Well, the answer to this question depends on what kind of flytrap you’re using.
Most people like to use disposable fly traps because they are easy to get rid of.
However, some like to stick to more robust, long-term fly traps that can last for a while.
But then, these fly traps require more care and cleaning. You can’t just dump the whole thing in the trash once it’s full.
In this article, we are going to answer a few questions regarding fly trap disposal.
On top of that, we will also shed some light on which kind of fly trap you should invest in and how you can get rid of that god-awful smell.
Let’s dive right in!
How to Dispose of Fly Traps
Here are a few ways through which you can dispose of your used fly traps:
Dump It in a Trashcan
According to most fly trap manufacturers, it is wise to just place the trap in a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash can.
Sometimes, or rather most of the time, depending on the bag you place it in, leaking is a possibility.
To counter that, you can place the trap in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag and then cover that in a grocery plastic bag before disposing of the fly trap in the trash.
This can help you lower the chances of any spills or leaks, saving your trash can from smelling worse than it needs to.
You can wait till the day the garbage disposal trucks come around to dump it in.
If you dump the contents in the trash can way before, the chances of spills may increase.
Bury the Contents
If you have a fly trap that you can use more than once, it is best to bury the contents in the earth.
A fly trap essentially traps insects such as flies, moths, or even wasps.
Dead insects are great for composting. If you live in an area with a garden, backyard, or better yet, a farm, you can dig a hole in the ground.
Empty the contents of the fly trap into the hole and cover it back up with the soil.
However, before dumping in the contents, it’s best to let the fly trap dry out a bit. The soil on top will definitely help in masking the putrid smell.
Burn the Fly Trap Contents
If you have a burn barrel or a separate space where you can burn leaves and other such things, you can use that to dispose of the contents of a fly trap.
Let the contents within your fly trap completely dry out. Once it’s done, toss everything inside a burn barrel and light it up.
This will get rid of the dead insects as well as the smell.
Do keep in mind that you can’t, instead shouldn’t, burn the plastic container. It is best to clean and repurpose the plastic container.
You can use it to hold any bits and bobs around the garage or wood workspace.
However, do not use the containers for food or sanitary supplies even after thoroughly cleaning them.
The plastic used in fly traps is not food-grade, so it’s best to stay away from it in that regard
Cleaning Up a Fly Trap Spill
If you ever accidentally spill the contents of a fly trap where you shouldn’t, here are a few products you can use to clean and remove the odor:
We recommend using enzyme-based products because they can help break down the contents easily as well as get rid of the putrid smell.
- Tide or other similar washing powders for Clothes and Hands
- Odor Mute for Concrete and Patio Bricks
- Petzyme or other similar enzyme-based pet odor removers
- Simple Solution Pet and Odor Remover
- Biokleen Bac Out
- White vinegar and water mixture
- Baking soda and vinegar solution
- Baking soda and lemon solution
Things To Remember
- Most people like to purchase disposable fly traps because it is much easier to toss them in the trash. However, investing in long-run fly traps reduces plastic consumption and is better for the environment.
- Do not reuse a disposable fly trap more than three to four times. Always read the packaging to figure out how many times one fly trap can be used to ensure effective results.
- If you keep reusing the same fly trap more times than it’s meant for, you will reduce its ability to catch flies and wasps.
- Always store your fly trap in a cool and dry place
- Wash your hands with soap immediately after handling a fly trap
Wrapping Up
When disposing of a fly trap along with the contents in it, it is essential to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
If you throw out the smelly contents without sealing them in a bag, it can cause a ton of problems for the people handling your trash.
Not to mention the smell your garbage can is going to have for months to come.
So, it’s best to take responsibility for your fly traps and work towards a safer, cleaner, and much healthier environment for everyone.
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