How the bait works

Fly Bait Refills are a water-activated attractant for reusable outdoor fly traps. Each box contains individual water-soluble packets of dried granules. You drop a packet into a reusable trap and add water; the packet dissolves and begins a natural fermentation process. Over the next 24-48 hours the bait releases a scent that draws flies into the trap, where they are caught and cannot escape. The bait works by scent-based attraction and contains no insecticides.

What it attracts

The bait is formulated to attract common filth flies, including house flies, blow flies, bottle flies, and flesh flies. It is not designed to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

What to expect

  • Allow 24-48 hours to activate. It is normal to see few or no flies during this fermentation period, and effectiveness increases as the temperature rises.
  • More fly activity near the trap at first is normal. The bait draws flies from the surrounding area, so place the trap at least 20 feet from patios, doors, and windows.
  • Warmth and sunlight speed up activation. Place the trap in a sunny spot for the best results.
  • The smell is how it works. The bait itself has only a mild smell. As the trap catches flies, they die and rot inside it, and the smell grows strong. It will smell very bad, like rotting meat. That is normal. That smell draws in even more flies, so the trap works better the fuller it gets. This is why the trap hangs at least 20 feet from where people spend time. Maggots in a full trap are normal too.

Compatibility

The refill packets are designed to work with reusable outdoor fly traps, including mesh ranch traps, plastic jug and bottle traps, canister-style traps, and DIY containers. A tightly closed trap smells less than an open container. Each box contains individual 1 oz (30g) packets.

Bait composition

The bait is made from natural, food-grade attractants (egg, fish meal, yeast and bran) and contains no insecticides. It is biodegradable.

Disposal

When the trap is full, pour the contents into a plastic bag and tie it. Put that bag in a second bag, tie it, and put it in your outdoor trash. You can also bury the contents in a garden.

General Product Information
  • Brand: BugBane
  • Model Number:

FlyBai3 – Fly Bait Refills – 3 Pack

FlyBai6 – Fly Bait Refills – 6 Pack

  • Product Type: Outdoor Fly Attractant Refill
  • Primary Function: Provides a universal refill to extend the lifecycle of reusable fly trap hardware.
  • Target Species: House flies, Blow flies, Bottle flies, and Flesh flies.
  • Trap: Not included. Each box holds 3 or 6 bait packets.
  • Form: Water-soluble granule packets
  • Weight per Packet: 1 oz (approx. 30g)
  • Scent Profile: Mild at first. Very strong once the trap holds dead flies (normal; it draws more flies).
  • Ingredients: Food-grade attractants (egg, fish meal, yeast and bran)
  • Environmental Impact: Biodegradable
  • Target Pests: House flies, Blow flies, Bottle flies, Flesh flies
  • Compatibility: Universal (mesh traps, jug traps, DIY containers)
  • Activation Method: Water-activated (dissolvable film)
  • Coverage Area: Up to 30-foot attraction radius per trap
  • Activation Time: 24 to 48 hours (temperature dependent)
  • Optimal Temp Range: 70°F – 100°F (21°C – 38°C)
  • Effective Duration: Depends on fly density and evaporation. Replace the bait when the trap is full or stops catching.
  • Disposal: Spent bait is biodegradable; double-bag it for outdoor trash, or bury.
  • Storage: Keep refills away from moisture and direct sunlight until ready for use.
  • Precautions: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Pesticide Status: This product has not been registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. BugBane represents that this product qualifies for exemption from registration under FIFRA.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Setup Instructions

  1. Drop the Packet: Tear open the outer pouch and drop the unopened inner packet directly into the trap.
  2. Add Water: Fill the trap with warm water up to the designated fill line. This will begin dissolving the packet.
  3. Seal and Open: Screw the lid on tightly, then pull up on the top tab to open the entry point for flies.
  4. Placement: Hang or place the trap outdoors, at least 20 feet away from where people live or gather, because it will develop a strong odor.

Maintenance Tips

  • Wait for Activation: It takes about 24-48 hours for the attractant to fully dissolve and start working.
  • Keep it Full: Check the water level periodically. If it drops, top it off with fresh water to keep the bait active. Keep enough water in the trap to cover the bait.

Strategic Placement

  • Never place the trap directly on your patio or near an entrance. The bait is designed to attract flies; place it at least 20 feet away from where you sit or eat, and farther if you can still smell it to draw the population away from you.
  • Flies are attracted to heat and light. Place your trap in a sunny area. The warmth also speeds up the fermentation of the granules, making the scent more potent.
  • Hang your traps approximately 4 to 5 feet off the ground. This is the zone where most species forage for food.

Water & Maintenance

  • Keep an eye on the water level. In hot weather, evaporation happens quickly. If the bait dries out, the flies will lose interest. Add water periodically to keep the mixture liquid.
  • Only fill the trap to the manufacturer’s recommended line. Too much water can dilute the scent and make it harder for flies to get trapped.
  • If you need to add water or move the trap, do it in the early morning when flies are less active and the odor is less intense due to cooler temperatures.
  • If you can smell the trap from where you sit, move it farther away.

Temperature & Timing

  • It takes 24 to 48 hours for the natural fermentation to activate. If you don’t see results in the first hour, the trap is still developing its scent.
  • Start hanging traps in early spring before the first major emergence of flies. Catching the first generation of the season reduces the population for the rest of the summer.

Additional Tips

  • In a prevailing breeze, place the trap downwind of your seating area so the scent carries away from you and toward the areas where flies are breeding.
  • When the trap is full of flies, the biodegradable contents can be composted; if you prefer to toss it, seal the contents in a plastic bag before placing them in the trash.

Safety note: These refills are for outdoor use only. The scent is intended to mimic decaying organic matter and is not suitable for indoor environments or enclosed garages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bait can be used with all outdoor reusable fly traps. Please note, this bait is only suitable for outdoor traps, as it has a strong smell. Traps should be hung at least 20 feet away from inhabited areas. Hang in low-wind areas for best results.

The traps attract common filth flies, including house flies, blow flies, flesh flies, stable flies, phorid flies, drain flies, face flies, deer flies, cluster flies, and tachinid flies.

Pour the liquid contents of the trap into a plastic bag and tie it up. Then place that bag into a second bag and tie that up. Finally, place the double-bagged liquid into your outdoor trash can. This will prevent the smelly liquid from leaking.

The bait attracts flies from up to 30 feet away. How long it lasts depends on how many flies there are and how fast the water evaporates. Replace the bait when the trap is full or stops catching. If the water level drops, top it up with fresh water so the bait stays covered.

The bait has no insecticide. It is made from food ingredients: egg, fish meal, yeast and bran. Still, hang the trap out of reach of children and pets. Once it starts catching flies, the contents are not sanitary. It is the trapped flies, more than the bait, that you do not want them getting into. If your pet eats any of it, please call your vet.

No. This product is for outdoor use only. Its smell is what draws flies. Once the trap starts catching flies, the smell becomes very strong, so it does not belong in a home or garage. Hang it outside, at least 20 feet from where people live or gather, and downwind.

No. The inner packets are made of a water-soluble film. Simply drop the entire unopened packet into your trap and add water. It will dissolve completely on its own.