Introduction: How to Make a Wasp Trap From an Old Plastic Jug.

By
About: Avid Geocacher and fan of all things iBles.

If you're a apiphobe like me or Adam Savage, you dread the coming of Summer. After months of peace, you wander outside only to hear that awful hum of a wasp flying by. I offer a quick, simple solution to this problem.

Step 1: The Jugg/ Materials

Look around the house for an empty plastic jug; about as large as a party-size soda bottle. I used a chocolate milk carton.

Besides the Jug you will need:

  • Clear packing tape.
  • A razor blade (or scissors).
  • Sugar.
  • Warm/Hot water.
  • Mixing devise (spoon)
  • Hole punch.

Because it was such a beautiful day, I decided to work outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Jug

Cut off the top third or fourth of the jug. The "drinking hole" will become the entrance to the trap. If you're hole is too big (which it likely is), there is a simple fix. First cut off a short length of clear packing tape and fold it in half; there should be no sticky side. Punch a hole near the center of the tape with a hole puncher. This will make a perfectly wasp-sized hole in the tape. Now secure the piece of tape to the opening of the jug, using more packaging tape. If this is confusing, look at the pictures.

When this is done you should have a bottom two thirds and a top third of the jug. The top third will eventually be inverted and placed in the bottom two thirds, make sure it fits before you make to the next step.

  • Note: I ended up wrapping this in yellow duck tape; it will hopefully help attract the buggers.

Step 3: Sweet, Sweet Bait

Now you will need to add a substance that will attract the local bee population. I used water with five to seven spoonfuls of sugar. Warmer water will dissolve the sugar faster. Fill your trap with about an inch of your sugar-water solution. Invert the top third of the jug and place it in the solution filled jug. Your trap is now completed.

If you do not want to accidentally trap honeybees, try these other bait options:

  • Vinegar.
  • A mixture of soda and water (about 1/2 cup to every 2 cups of water).
  • Rotting meat
  • Other "people foods"

Try adding soap to break the surface tension, it will make escape even harder.

Step 4: Location

The efficiency of your trap is all about location. Observe your surrounding, note where the yellowjackets are coming and going. This trap will attract bees, so don't place it near a frequently used public location. Hopefully this will help with wasp activity and the growing threat of Africanized bees.

As I have just made this today, I do not know how effective this will be. I will post any future results, feel free to improve upon this design.

  • The second and third image are a possible second design. It involves less cutting and could be more effective. Build both and see which is better.
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