How to Use a Planaria Trap to Catch Flatworms

Quick answer

Place the trap in the aquarium at night with a protein-based bait inside, and remove it in the morning to catch and dispose of planaria.

Step-by-step guide to using a planaria trap

1. Step 1: Prepare the trap and bait: Disassemble the trap if needed and place a small piece of protein-rich bait inside, such as a frozen bloodworm cube or a piece of shrimp pellet. Planaria are strongly attracted to protein. Avoid using too much bait; a pea-sized amount is enough. Over-baiting can cloud the water.
2. Step 2: Position the trap in the aquarium: Submerge the trap near the substrate or where you have seen planaria activity. Place it in a shaded area or near decorations, as planaria avoid bright light. Ensure the entrance is unobstructed. Do not place the trap directly under strong light or near strong filter outflow, as this will deter planaria from entering.
3. Step 3: Leave the trap overnight: Planaria are most active after the aquarium lights turn off. Leave the trap in place for at least 8–12 hours, typically overnight. Check it first thing in the morning. If you check during the day, you may see few or no planaria inside even if they are present, because they retreat during daylight.
4. Step 4: Remove and dispose of trapped planaria: Carefully lift the trap out of the water and empty the contents into a paper towel or container. Dispose of the planaria away from any water source. Rinse the trap before reusing. Never flush planaria down the drain; they can survive and spread in local waterways. Always dispose of them in the trash.
5. Step 5: Repeat as needed: Continue using the trap nightly until you catch fewer than 2–3 planaria per session. This may take several days to a week, depending on the infestation level. If catches remain high after a week, reduce feeding and vacuum the substrate to remove leftover food that planaria feed on.

Product spotlight

• Hobby Planaria X Trap: Planaria (platyhelminthes), also known as turbellaria or flatworms, are unwelcome guests in an aquarium, some of which can even pose a threat to nursling fish. Owing to their nocturnal lifestyle, the presence of these pests often goes completely unnoticed. The Hobby Planaria X Trap works by luring these nocturnal pests into a container they cannot escape, so you can remove them without disturbing your shrimp or fish.