How to Make Insect Glue

A simple two ingredient glue immobilizes insects.

Homemade insect glue provides an effective, efficient and environmentally friendly method of pest control. Basic household ingredients are used to create a sticky substance that immobilizes insects for easy removal. Easily swabbed onto construction paper or other disposable materials, the sticky paste creates an affordable alternative to costly professional pest control products. Placing multiple traps around the infested area can effectively eliminate much of the pest population.

Things You'll Need

• 1 qt corn syrup
• 1 qt water
• Sauce pan
• Stove

Instructions

1. Pour 1 qt. corn syrup and 1 qt. water in a sauce pan. Stir the mixture together.

2. Place the sauce pan on the stove top. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat when it thickens to a sticky paste.

4. Take a plastic knife coated with a thin layer of dish soap and spread the mixture onto a piece of construction paper or other disposable material to make a trap.

Tips & Warnings

• Petroleum jelly and used motor oil also create successful sticky traps.

• Place a piece of fruit, dab of peanut butter or other bait onto the glue to attract insects.

• Try a bright yellow sticky trap to attract white flies and aphids.

References

• Ask the Exterminator; Glue Traps; Rick Steinau
• Pest Cemetery; Making Glue Traps; Jerry Schappert