Do Fly Trap Plants Really Eat Flies? Here’s What the Truth

If you’ve ever been bothered by buzzing flies in your kitchen, you’ve probably wondered if nature has a solution. Enter the fly trap plant. Known for its alien-like appearance and reputation as a "bug-eating plant," many homeowners across the U.S., from suburban neighborhoods in Tempe, Arizona to the coastal towns of Charleston, South Carolina, are turning to this natural insect killer as an eco-friendly pest control option. But do fly trap plants really eat flies, or is this just a garden myth? Let’s explore the truth about these fascinating carnivorous plants, how they work, and whether they can really help you get rid of unwanted flying pests in your home.

How Do Fly Trap Plants Actually Work?

The most well-known fly trap plant is the Venus flytrap, scientifically known as Dionaea muscipula. It’s a true carnivorous plant, evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor soil by gaining nutrients from insects. But how do fly trap plants eat insects, exactly?

Each trap consists of two lobes that snap shut when tiny trigger hairs are touched twice in quick succession. This prevents accidental closures. Once a fly or other bug is caught, the plant secretes digestive enzymes to break down the insect over a period of 5-12 days. This unique mechanism makes the Venus flytrap one of the most intriguing natural bug-eating machines.

To better understand why flies are drawn to your home in the first place, you might want to explore the 10 reasons of having fly problem and what can be done to reduce them.

Do Fly Trap Plants Actually Catch Flies?

Yes, fly trap plants do actually catch flies—and other bugs too! Their design is highly effective for trapping small flying insects. However, their effectiveness depends on environmental factors like light, humidity, and proximity to the insect source. If you live in a warmer climate such as Orlando, Florida, your fly trap plant will likely thrive better and catch more bugs naturally.

But it’s not just about location. Placement in your home matters too. A sunny windowsill where flies tend to gather is a perfect spot for a live insect trap plant to show off its skills. That said, you shouldn't expect it to handle an infestation by itself—it works best as part of a broader flying insect control plan. You can pair it with other methods listed in the Best Indoor Fly Traps to increase your success.

What Kind of Insects Do Fly Trap Plants Eat?

While their name suggests they're solely interested in flies, these plants are opportunists. Fly trap plants eat a range of bugs, including:

• Houseflies

• Gnats

• Fruit flies

• Mosquitoes

• Ants

• Beetles

• Spiders (yes, even those!)

So if you're asking, do fly trap plants eat mosquitoes or spiders? The answer is yes, though they generally prefer bugs that easily fit into their traps. Keep in mind, their diet is insect-based, so don’t expect them to tackle larger pests like cockroaches.

Want to know more about the insects that might be creeping around your home? Check out the 13 home flying insects that could be hiding in plain sight.

Do Fly Trap Plants Need Flies to Survive?

This is a common misconception. While fly trap plants thrive when they can digest bugs for nutrition, they can survive without them. They still perform photosynthesis like other green plants, but bugs give them an extra boost. So, if you're wondering can a fly trap plant survive without flies, the answer is yes, though it may grow more slowly.

In low-insect environments, some people choose to feed their plants manually (more on that soon). However, it's important not to overfeed or use the wrong kind of food, which leads us to another important point.

Can You Feed a Fly Trap Plant Manually?

Absolutely—but it requires care. If you want to know how often you should feed your flytrap plant, experts recommend once every 1-2 weeks if it isn’t catching insects on its own. Use live or freshly killed insects that are no bigger than 1/3 the size of the trap.

Avoid feeding it meat or human food. That means no hamburger, no chicken, and no cheese. And can I feed my flytrap meat is one of the most common beginner questions—the answer is a firm no. These items will rot and harm your plant.

Feeding should also only be done when the plant is healthy and during its growing season (spring through early fall).

What Happens When a Fly Trap Plant Eats a Bug?

Once a bug is trapped and the lobes snap shut, the plant begins to secrete digestive fluids. Over several days, it extracts nitrogen and other nutrients from the insect. After digestion, the trap reopens, leaving behind the exoskeleton, which can be removed manually or allowed to wash away naturally.

If you’re curious what happens when a fly trap plant eats a bug, it’s a surprisingly slow but methodical process, all orchestrated without brains or nerves. It's a bit like watching nature's very own slow cooker! To understand more about insect behavior, read the Fly Behavior that explains how and why they move the way they do.

Are Fly Trap Plants Dangerous for Pets or Kids?

Not at all. The idea that fly trap plants bite humans is a myth. While the traps can close on a curious finger, they aren’t strong enough to cause harm. And they only close when multiple trigger hairs are stimulated in succession—a clever energy-saving design.

These plants are completely safe to have around pets and children. Just be aware that too much poking can exhaust the plant, causing it to waste energy and reduce its lifespan. Teach children to observe but not interfere.

Are Fly Trap Plants Fake or Just for Decoration?

This is another big question: Are fly trap plants fake? No, they are very real and very functional—but expectations must be realistic. A single fly trap plant won’t rid your home of all bugs. Think of it as a support player in your insect control game plan.

They do work—but on a small scale. If you live in a bug-prone area, a natural bug killer like the Venus flytrap can complement your efforts with screens, sticky traps, or UV light traps. For a deeper understanding of regional fly species, take a look at the Types of Flies in North America and see which ones you're likely to encounter in your state.

How Many Flies Can a Fly Trap Plant Eat?

Each trap can only catch and digest a few bugs (about 3-4) before it dies off and a new trap grows. So how many flies can a fly trap plant eat depends on how many traps it has and how healthy it is. A mature plant with multiple traps may consume a dozen bugs over a few weeks.

If you’re thinking of using fly trap plants in a home with lots of flying insects, consider owning several healthy plants placed in strategic locations.

Why Is My Fly Trap Plant Turning Black?

Fly trap plants turning black is usually due to:

• Overfeeding

• Poor lighting

• Dormancy in winter

• Overwatering or root rot

Check your care routine and adjust accordingly. They need distilled water, high humidity, and plenty of light—at least 4-6 hours of direct sun or strong grow lights daily.

Best Way to Use Fly Trap Plants for Fly Control

If you're serious about reducing indoor bugs, pair your fly trap plant with these strategies:

• Keep doors and windows closed or use screens

• Use fruit covers or keep produce refrigerated

• Clean up food spills quickly

• Use UV insect light traps in kitchen corners

• Supplement with sticky fly strips near windows

The Venus flytrap is best for smaller areas and as an eco-conscious, pesticide-free option. In combination with good sanitation and supplementary traps, it can be a unique and useful addition to your pest control toolbox. Learn more about comprehensive methods from the Indoor Flies Control guide.

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So, do fly trap plants really eat flies? Yes—they absolutely do! While they're not going to replace professional pest control or eliminate every insect in your home, they are functional, fascinating, and effective at helping manage small numbers of flies and other bugs naturally.

Whether you live in sunny Tempe, humid Charleston, or anywhere else in the country, adding a fly eater plant to your space is a smart, sustainable way to improve indoor comfort and enjoy a touch of nature's wild side.

FAQs

1. Do fly trap plants eat mosquitoes?
   Yes, if the mosquito lands inside the trap, it can be caught and digested like any other small insect.

2. Can I feed my Venus flytrap dead bugs?
   Yes, but you may need to stimulate the trap manually to close, as it typically reacts to movement.

3. Do fly traps eat spiders and ants?
   They can eat both if the insects are small enough and enter the trap.

4. How long does it take for a Venus flytrap to digest a bug?
   Typically 5 to 12 days, depending on the size of the insect and the health of the plant.

5. Are Venus flytraps easy to grow indoors?
   Yes, with proper care—they need distilled water, bright light, and high humidity.