Using yellow sticky traps: placement, checks and next steps
Flying insects around your plants? Yellow sticky traps help you track them. Learn how to check catches, inspect plants alongside the traps and decide when a different approach is needed.
What does a yellow sticky trap tell you?
A sticky trap retains insects that land on its adhesive surface. Catches help you see which flying insects are present and whether their numbers change. Use this to guide closer inspection. A full trap does not identify the source of a problem; an empty trap does not prove every plant is clear.
Our yellow sticky traps come in packs of 10. The grid on the pictured BUG-SCAN trap helps with counting. To compare product formats, explore plant pest control.
1. Inspect your plants first
Check both sides of leaves, new shoots and the area around each pot. Note where you see insects, discolouration or damage. Take a sharp photograph before treating anything. Where possible, keep new plants separate for observation before adding them to the rest.
2. Choose a repeatable monitoring position
Position traps near plants as directed on the packaging and keep leaves clear of the adhesive. Choose locations you can find again and number them. Compare catches from the same positions so a change of location does not distort the result. Avoid unnecessary contact between beneficial insects and the adhesive.
3. Record the catches
Check at least weekly, and more often if the problem is clearly increasing. Record the date, location, insect type and new catches. Photographs help you look back. Use the same counting method and replace a trap when the adhesive or visibility of the catches becomes inadequate.
More insects caught: inspect the surrounding plants again.
Few insects caught but visible leaf damage: continue examining the plant.
Fewer catches after action: keep monitoring before considering the problem resolved.
4. Match your next step to the pest
Traps support monitoring. They do not reach larvae in growing media or replace checks for spider mites on leaves. Remove plant debris, keep tools clean and identify the organism you find. Choose treatment once the plant, pest and intended use are clear.
A product such as Promanal-R concentrate 50 ml has a specific use on ornamental plants. ADYBAC room treatments have different requirements. Do not treat product names as interchangeable solutions. Read the label and product information before use.
5. Prepare any spray application carefully
Does the chosen label call for spraying? Check that your pressure sprayer or mister is suitable. Do not transfer dilution rates, treatment intervals or mixing advice from another product. Our guide to cleaning a pressure sprayer helps you check the tank, hose and nozzle; dispose of residues as instructed for the product used.
Help us advise you
Which plant and growth stage are involved?
Where do you see insects and damage?
How are the catches changing?
Which products have you already used?
Photos of the plant and the catch help us give more focused advice. Explore Pro Trap for sticky traps and the related ECO range.