How the ribbon works

BugBane Fly Ribbons are sticky hanging strips that capture flies and other flying insects by physical contact. Each ribbon is a paper strip coated on both sides with a non-drying adhesive. When a fly lands on or brushes against the ribbon, it sticks to the surface and cannot escape. The ribbon contains no insecticides and no bait or scent attractant; it works purely by trapping insects that come into contact with the glue.

What it catches

The adhesive surface can catch a range of flying insects, including houseflies, cluster flies, fruit flies, gnats, and moths. Because the ribbon works by contact rather than attraction, it catches the insects that fly into it.

Where to hang it

  • Hang the ribbon where flies are a nuisance, such as near windows, doorways, light sources, garages, or sheds.
  • Position the ribbon along the flight paths insects use, rather than in a still corner.
  • Keep it away from people, foot traffic, hair, and curtains so the sticky surface is not brushed accidentally.

What to expect

  • The ribbon catches insects on contact; there is no activation or waiting period.
  • Catch rate depends on placement and how much insect activity passes by the ribbon. If a ribbon is not catching anything, move it to a more active area.
  • Over time the adhesive collects dust and trapped insects, which reduces its tack. Replace the ribbon once it is full or after about three months.

Materials

The ribbon is made of reinforced paper coated with a non-drying synthetic-resin adhesive. It contains no insecticides. The strip ships rolled inside a cardboard tube with a hanging cord and a mounting pin.

Disposal

When the ribbon is full or spent, take it down by the cord or tube and place the entire ribbon in your household waste. Wrapping it before disposal helps keep the sticky surface contained.

General Product Information
  • Brand: BugBane
  • Model Number:
    • FlyRib10 – Fly Ribbons – 10 Pack
    • FlyRib24 – Fly Ribbons – 24 Pack
    • FlyRib48 – Fly Ribbons – 48 Pack
  • Product Type: Adhesive Insect Trap
  • Primary Function: Capture and containment of flying insects via high-tack adhesive.
  • Target Species: Houseflies, Fruit Flies, Gnats, Cluster Flies, and Moths.
  • Ribbon Material: Reinforced paper (high tensile strength)
  • Adhesive Base: Non-toxic, non-drying synthetic resin
  • Dimensions (Per Ribbon): ~2.0 inches (W) x 30 inches (L) (fully extended)
  • Weight (Per Ribbon, Dry): ~60 grams (2.1 oz)
  • Housing Material: Compressed cardboard tube
  • Color: Golden Yellow (high-visibility for insects)
  • Retail Units: Sold in 10-, 24-, and 48-roll packs.
  • Inner Packaging: Individual rolls are sealed to preserve adhesive moisture.
  • Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to maximize shelf life.
  • Effective Duration: Up to about 3 months (depending on dust accumulation and insect saturation).
  • Operational Temperature: 10°C to 45°C (50°F to 113°F).
  • Note: At lower temperatures, the adhesive requires manual warming before deployment.
  • Weather Resistance: Moisture-resistant; suitable for high-humidity indoor areas or covered outdoor locations (porches/sheds).
  • Adhesive Strength: High-tack adhesive that holds insects on contact.
  • Attachment Method: Integrated hanging loop (poly-cord) plus included mounting pin.
  • Mounting Hardware: One steel thumbtack per roll, located inside the top cap.
  • Tension System: Gravity-fed. The bottom cardboard housing acts as a stabilizing counterweight to prevent curling.
  • Cleanup: Adhesive is soluble in lipid-based cleaners (vegetable oil) followed by a surfactant (soap).
  • Precautions: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • EPA Establishment Number: 93378-CHN-1
  • This product is a pesticide device under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). As a pesticide device it requires an EPA Establishment Number, not EPA registration.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
  1. Warm the tube in your hands if it is very cold to make the ribbon easier to remove.
  2. Remove the lid and set the thumbtack aside in a secure location for later use.
  3. Hold the red cord with one hand, then slowly pull the tube down with a twirling motion using the other hand.
  4. Hang the ribbon by the thumbtack or red cord anywhere flies are a nuisance.

To get the most out of your BugBane Fly Ribbons, use these placement and handling strategies:

  • Warm it up first: In cooler rooms the adhesive can be stiff. Place the tube in your pocket for a few minutes, or briefly warm it, before pulling the cord. Softening the resin helps the ribbon extend to its full 30-inch length without snapping.
  • Place it in the flight path: Because the ribbon works by contact, hang it a few inches away from a window or light source rather than in a dark corner. Flies move toward light, which increases the chance they contact the ribbon.
  • Keep it vertical: In areas with fans or open windows, attach a small paperclip to the bottom of the cardboard tube once unrolled. The extra weight keeps the ribbon hanging straight and stops it from sticking to walls or curtains.
  • Match the height to the insect: Hang ribbons higher (6–7 feet) for houseflies, which favor ceiling corners and light fixtures, and lower (3–4 feet) for gnats and fruit flies near tabletops, trash bins, or potted plants.
  • Remove it cleanly: Before taking down a full ribbon, slide a cardboard tube up over it from the bottom to sleeve the sticky surface, then pull the whole unit down without touching the glue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slowly pull the ribbon away, then dab the affected area with oil-soaked cotton balls (vegetable, olive, or baby oil) until the glue dissolves. This may take a few minutes. Rub with a soft, dry cloth, then wash with soap and water.

Each ribbon lasts around 3 months. In a very dusty area it may not last as long, because dust landing on the glue eventually keeps it from working. Replace each ribbon after about 3 months, or once it is full of flies.

The ribbons are moisture-resistant and suitable for high-humidity indoor areas or covered outdoor locations such as porches and sheds. Avoid hanging them where they will be rained on directly.

No. The ribbons contain no attractant. They are coated only with sticky glue — no insecticides and no bait. Just make sure you do not hang them somewhere children or pets might walk into them.

BugBane Fly Ribbons can trap a range of flying insects on contact, including houseflies, cluster flies, fruit flies, gnats, and moths. Hang them in areas of high insect activity. If you are not catching anything, try moving the ribbon to another area.

  • Start with 1–2 ribbons per area and see how quickly they fill up.
  • Add more if you are seeing high fly activity — some customers hang several throughout a garage.
  • Spread them out near windows, light sources, doorways, or areas where you notice the most insect activity.
  • Move them around if they are not catching anything — placement matters more than quantity.
  1. Warm it up first — roll the tube between your palms for a few seconds before opening. Warmth makes the strip more pliable and less likely to tear or stick to itself.
  2. Pop off the lid gently — use the tab to open it; do not yank it.
  3. Unravel slowly — pull the strip out gradually and steadily; rushing is the main cause of tearing or tangling.
  4. Do not remove the bottom tab until the strip is fully hung and in place.
  5. Hang it first, then let it unwind — some customers attach the top cord first and let the strip unroll downward by gravity.