Bug Tip Tuesday – Homemade Wasp Trap

This is a good use for those plastic soda bottles, plastic milk jugs, or any other plastic container that has a cone-shaped top.

Supplies

• plastic soda bottle
• scissors
• string for hanging
• tape
• bait (balsamic vinegar, flat soda, fruit, beer, wine, or fruit juice)
• a few drops of dish soap, optional

Directions

1. Cut the top off the bottle just below the shoulder, where the cone part begins. Take the entire top off. Remove the cap and recycle.
2. Add your bait and a bit of water. A few drops of dish soap will help to kill the wasps quickly.
3. Turn the top part over and fit it inside the bottom part so it looks like a funnel. Make sure there is enough room so that the funnel bottom does not rest on the bait. There should be enough room for the wasp to fly around.
4. Carefully cut two holes in the top part of the bottle just below the top edge. Tape the two pieces together. String your string through both holes and tie the ends together.

Using your wasp/hornet trap

Hang near your home or outdoor area, but not right next to where you are. When it’s full or no longer attracts the wasps, take apart, empty and fit back together with new bait.