Emergency: Spider Mites and Maggots Destroying Venus Flytraps

Severe spider mite infestations can kill Venus flytraps quickly. Maggots (likely fungus gnat larvae) in the soil compound the problem.

Acephate systemic insecticide: 1–2.5 tsp/gal as fine mist spray. Repeat 2–3x/day or every 1–3 days.
Add a miticide (e.g., Pentac) to the mix for better mite control.
Spray every 4 days for 4–6 treatments to break the life cycle.

For fungus gnat larvae, a soil drench with the same systemic mix helps. Repotting into fresh, sterile media after treatment is ideal.

Act fast—these pests multiply rapidly in warm conditions.

Carnivorous Plants: Venus Flytrap Dormancy: Why You Can't Skip It and What to Expect Next Season; Repotting a Flowering Venus Flytrap in Spring: Cut the Stalk, Then Transplant; Venus Flytrap Leaf Deformation: Possible Viral Cause; Venus Flytrap and Drosera adelae Indoor Struggles: Move Them Outside; Venus Flytrap from Lowe's "Death Cube": Cut All Leaves to Save It; Venus Flytrap Traps Won't Open: Low Light + Fungus; Venus Flytrap in Winter (New Zealand): Dormancy Care; Why Your Venus Flytrap Wrinkled After Leaving the Terrarium; Do You Need to Feed Venus Flytraps? The Answer Might Surprise You; Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula): Care Guide for Carnivorous Plant

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