Starbar Captivator Fly Trap: Hanging and Reusing It Right
By UPCO Pet Supplies | Small Business Pet Shop in St. Joseph MO | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to hang the Starbar Captivator fly trap for effective outdoor fly control, refill it with bait, and reuse the jar season after season.
Quick answer
Hang the Starbar Captivator jar trap in a sunny, sheltered spot about 4–5 feet off the ground, away from doors and animal living areas. Activate the included attractant pouch with water, then empty and rebaits the jar every few weeks to keep it working all season.
Why placement matters more than bait strength
Flies seek warmth and shelter, so a trap hung in deep shade or dense vegetation will catch far fewer insects than one placed in a sunny, open area near a fly source such as a barn or manure pile. The Captivator is designed for medium-level control around barns, so putting it too close to a door or patio can draw flies toward the very area you want to protect.
Keep the trap at least 20–30 feet from entrances and pet feeding areas. If you have a large property, use two traps placed on opposite sides of the fly pressure zone rather than clustering them together.
When to replace the bait instead of reusing it
The included 30 gm water-soluble attractant pouch is meant to be mixed with water and poured into the jar. Once the jar fills with dead flies or the liquid turns dark and foul, the bait is spent and will not attract new flies effectively. In hot weather, expect to empty and rebaits every 2–4 weeks; in cooler weather, you can stretch that to 4–6 weeks.
Do not simply top off old bait with fresh water—the decomposition products that initially attract flies become repellent over time. Dump the entire contents, rinse the jar, and start with a fresh pouch.
How to hang and reuse the Captivator step by step
- Choose a sunny, sheltered location: Pick a spot that gets direct sun for most of the day and is protected from strong wind and rain. Hang the trap 4–5 feet above the ground, ideally from a fence post, barn eave, or sturdy branch. Avoid hanging the trap in deep shade or near doorways—flies will not find it, or they will find it too close to your home.
- Activate the attractant pouch: Open the 30 gm water-soluble pouch and drop it into the jar. Add about 1 quart of warm water (not hot) and swirl gently to dissolve. Do not fill to the very top—leave room for the fly catch. Use warm water to help the pouch dissolve quickly; cold water can leave clumps that slow attraction.
- Hang the jar securely: Use the built-in hanging loop or a sturdy wire hook to suspend the jar. Make sure the lid is screwed on tight and the trap hangs level so bait does not leak. Test the hang by gently pulling down—if it slips, reinforce the hook before filling.
- Monitor and empty regularly: Check the trap every few days. When the jar is about half full of flies or the liquid becomes dark and thick, it is time to empty it. Do not let it overflow—that reduces effectiveness and creates a mess. In peak summer, plan to empty weekly; in cooler weather, every 2–3 weeks is usually enough.
- Clean and rebaits for reuse: Empty the contents into a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash. Rinse the jar thoroughly with water—avoid harsh chemicals that might leave residue. Add a fresh attractant pouch and water, then rehang. Never reuse old bait; a clean jar with fresh attractant is key to consistent catches.
Product facts
- Starbar Captivator Fly Trap Outdoor Reusable Hanging Jar Fly Trap: Heavy-duty, reusable 2 qt. plastic jug trap. The 2-quart capacity holds a good amount of bait and catch, so you can go longer between cleanings than with small disposable traps.
Starbar Captivator Fly Trap Outdoor Reusable Hanging Jar Fly Trap - Starbar Captivator Fly Trap Outdoor Reusable Hanging Jar Fly Trap: Comes with a 30 gm water-soluble attractant pouch. You get the correct bait for the first fill, so you can set up the trap immediately without buying a separate attractant.
