Wasps can be a threat to people and pets when they build nests too close to homes. Don’t take any chances – get rid of the problem by setting up a wasp trap.
Wasps, a common type of insects, can be a nuisance, especially during late summer and early fall when they are most active. These pests can build wasp nests in various areas around your home, posing a risk to you, your pets, and even your food areas. A wasp trap can be a highly effective solution to this problem.
A wasp trap is a device designed to lure and trap live wasps using a sweet smell from sugary substances like apple juice or fruit juice as bait.
The trapped wasps are unable to escape and eventually die, reducing the population around your home. It’s a safe and environmentally friendly way to handle a wasp problem, especially if you have children and pets at home.
DIY wasp traps are a popular choice for homeowners. These traps can be easily constructed using common household items. While there are many different types of wasps, a DIY trap can work on any of them that pose a threat to people and pets.
In this article, I will guide you on how to make your own wasp trap and help keep your surroundings wasp-free from early spring to early fall.
When to Set DIY Wasp Traps?
Wasp activity varies with the seasons, and understanding this behavior is crucial in determining the most effective time to set your DIY wasp traps.
Generally, wasps emerge from hibernating in early spring. At this time, they begin the process of building their nests, making this an ideal period to set up your traps.
In early summer, the number of wasps tends to increase significantly as the insects mature and become more active. This is another effective time to place your wasp traps. By trapping the wasps early, you can prevent the establishment of large wasp nests which can be more challenging to control.
As we move into late summer and early fall, wasps become particularly aggressive as they forage for sugary substances to sustain the colony. This is the time when most people notice an increase in wasp activity and when the risk of stings is at its highest. Therefore, maintaining your wasp traps during this period is essential.
It is important to note that the bait used in the traps should also change with the seasons. In early spring to early summer, wasps are usually in search of protein sources to feed their larvae.
Therefore, a protein-based bait such as pet food or raw meat can be effective. However, in late summer to early fall, wasps are more attracted to sweet smells, making sugary substances like apple juice or other fruit juices an ideal bait.
When setting up your DIY wasp trap, always ensure it is out of the reach of children and pets. Also, avoid placing the traps near food areas to prevent attracting wasps to these locations. Regularly check and empty the traps, disposing of dead wasps safely.
Keep in mind that dealing with live wasps can be dangerous, and it is always advisable to seek professional help when dealing with large nests or if you are allergic to wasp stings. Safety should always be your priority when dealing with these insects.
Check out our complete guide on how to get rid of wasps to learn more.
How to Make DIY Wasp Trap
Setting up a wasp trap might sound complicated, but it’s not. Here’s exactly how to set one up and the basic household supplies you’ll need:
Supplies Required
To construct an effective DIY wasp trap, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. These items are commonly found in most households, and they are safe to use around pets and food areas, provided they are kept out of the reach of children.
- Plastic Bottle: You’ll need a clear plastic or glass bottle, preferably with a wide base and a narrow neck. This will form the main body of your wasp trap. The narrow neck of the bottle is crucial as it allows wasps to enter the trap but makes it difficult for them to escape.
- Scissors or Box Cutter: Next, you’ll need a pair of scissors or a box cutter. These will be used to cut the top of the bottle and to make a small incision in the cap. A knife can also be used in place of a box cutter or pair of scissors, but it should be used with caution to avoid injury.
- Bait: To attract the wasps, you’ll need bait. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells and sugary substances, especially in late summer and early fall. Therefore, fruit juice, particularly apple juice, is an excellent choice for bait. In early spring and early summer, when wasps are in their reproductive phase, they are more attracted to protein. In this case, a bit of grease or meat can serve as an effective bait.
- Liquid Soap: To ensure the wasps drown once they enter the trap, you’ll need to add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the bait. The soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid, making it impossible for the wasps to float or fly out.
- Clear Packing Tape: You’ll also need clear packing tape or a funnel to secure the top of the bottle upside down inside the base, forming a sort of funnel that leads wasps into the trap.
Step 1 – Mark Where To Cut the Plastic Bottle
To begin making your DIY wasp trap, you will need a clear plastic bottle. This bottle will serve as the main body of the trap, providing a space where wasps will be lured in and contained.
First, using a marker, draw a line around the neck of the bottle, approximately one-third of the way down from the cap. This line will serve as your guide for cutting the bottle.
It’s important to make sure this line is straight and even to ensure the top part of the bottle will fit snugly into the bottom part when inverted, forming a funnel-like entrance for the wasps.
Once you’ve marked the bottle, carefully use a pair of scissors, a knife, or a box cutter to cut along the line.
Always remember to exercise caution when handling sharp objects to avoid any accidents. If children are participating in this activity, it’s crucial that an adult supervises them during this step.
After cutting, you should have two parts: the top part with the cap that will act as a funnel, and the bottom part that will serve as the holding area for the wasps.
Step 2 – Preparing the Wasp Trap
Once you have cut your DIY wasp trap, the next step is to bait it. The bait you use will be determined by the time of year.
Wasps have different dietary preferences throughout the year. In the early spring and early summer, they prefer protein-based foods, while in the late summer and early fall, they are more attracted to sugary substances.
For a protein-based bait, you can use grease or other meat products. Cut the meat into small pieces using a knife or a pair of scissors, then place them in the bottom of the trap.
Make sure the pieces are small enough to fit through the neck of the bottle but large enough that they can’t easily be carried away by the wasps.
In the late summer and early fall, when wasps are more attracted to sweet substances, bait your trap with a mixture of fruit juice and a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Apple juice is an excellent choice as it has a sweet smell that wasps find irresistible. The soap in the mixture will ensure that wasps, once they enter the trap, cannot escape.
Step 3 – Set the Wasp Trap
Now that you have made your DIY wasp trap, it’s time to set it up in a strategic location. The placement of your wasp trap is crucial to its effectiveness.
Wasps are attracted to food areas, particularly those with a sweet smell or sugary substances. Therefore, placing your trap near these areas can greatly increase your chances of trapping these insects.
Before setting your trap, ensure it is out of the reach of children and pets. While the trap is designed to catch wasps, it can also pose a risk to curious children and pets who may inadvertently come into contact with live wasps or even the dead wasps trapped inside.
To set the trap, pour your bait into the bottom section of the bottle. Then, invert the top section of the bottle (the neck of the bottle with the cap removed) and place it into the bottom section, forming a funnel. The wasps will be attracted to the bait, enter through the funnel, and become trapped.
Use clear packing tape to secure the two sections of the bottle together. This will ensure that the wasps cannot escape once they have entered the trap.
Once the trap is set, monitor it regularly. Remove dead wasps and replace the bait as needed. Always be cautious when handling the trap to avoid contact with live wasps.
Step 4 – Hang the Trap (Alternatively)
If you prefer not to place your DIY wasp trap on a flat surface, another option is to hang it. This can be particularly effective if you have identified wasp nests in trees or high places around your property.
Hanging the trap also keeps it out of the reach of children and pets, which is especially important if you’ve used substances like apple juice or other sweet, sugary substances as bait.
To hang the trap, first make sure the neck of the bottle is securely fastened with clear packing tape. This is crucial as live wasps will be attracted to the sweet smell of the bait and enter the trap through the neck of the bottle.
Next, use a pair of scissors or box cutter to make two small holes opposite each other near the top of the bottle. Thread a strong piece of string or wire through the holes to form a loop.
Ensure the loop is secure and can support the weight of the trap, particularly as dead wasps accumulate in the bottom.
Choose a location to hang your wasp trap. This could be near known wasp nests, food areas, or places where you’ve observed wasps. However, be careful not to hang it too close to areas frequently used by people, as the trap will attract wasps.
Hanging your trap in early spring can catch queen wasps, preventing the formation of new nests. Alternatively, hanging traps in early summer can help control the wasp population during its peak.
Step 5 – Monitor Trap and Change Placement (If Needed)
Monitoring your DIY wasp trap is an essential part of the process. The aim is to capture as many live wasps as possible, reducing the population of these stinging insects around your home, food areas, or places where your pets often play.
To do this effectively, you need to regularly check your traps and make necessary adjustments.
When checking your trap, look for the presence of dead wasps. If your trap is full, it’s time to empty it and refill with fresh bait. Remember to handle the trap carefully to avoid releasing any live wasps.
Use a pair of scissors or a box cutter to carefully cut the clear packing tape and remove the top of the trap. Dispose of the dead wasps safely, out of the reach of children and pets.
If you notice that your trap isn’t attracting many wasps, it might be time to change the bait. Also, consider the placement of your trap. Wasps tend to fly along the edges of buildings or plants, so traps placed in these areas can be more effective.
However, make sure to keep traps away from areas where people frequently gather, as the sweet smell of the bait can attract wasps.
Also, remember to clean and refill your trap regularly. A simple solution of warm water and liquid dish soap can help remove any leftover bait and dead insects, ensuring your trap remains effective.
Once clean, you can refill the trap with bait, secure the neck of the bottle with clear packing tape, and replace the funnel.
Other Guides from Planet Natural:
Hornet vs Wasp: How to Identify and Tell the Difference
Fig Wasp: Are There Dead Wasps in My Figs? (Complete Guide)
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