Bug Trap

This bright yellow bowl serves as a magnet for fungus gnats, thrips and some whiteflies. Here's another good insect trap: the soda pop in the bottom of the plastic cup attracts fungus gnats and fruitflies. Simply pour a half-inch of soda in the bottom of the cup, insert a straw halfway in and cut off the top. The insects will crawl into the straw to the liquid but will not be able to get out. Use regular--not diet--soda.

What you'll need:

• paint stirrer
• stapler
• small, bright yellow plastic bowl
• petroleum jelly

What to do:

1. Staple a paint stirrer onto the bottom of a small, bright yellow plastic bowl so that it serves as a vertical anchor (the trap will have the appearance of a large yellow lollipop).
2. Smear the bowl with petroleum jelly and insert the paint stirrer into the soil of the plant so that the bowl is suspended near the plants' leaves or blooms. Insects will be attracted to the bright yellow color and will become trapped in the petroleum jelly.

Once the trap is full, discard it and create a new one.