Homemade Wasp Baits & Attractants

During summer months wasps can be pesky. However, there are options for trapping them and keeping them at bay so you can enjoy time outside without the threat of being stung. One such option, which is the cheapest, is to make homemade wasp baits and attractants that can either be used in traps bought from a store or in homemade traps. Most baits only require a couple of ingredients and are easy to make.

Protein Baits

Wasps are attracted to proteins such as fish, liver and turkey. These types of baits are usually used in homemade water traps to lure the insect into the trap where it will eventually drown. The bait is hung just inside the opening of the trap, above the water and soap mixture.

Sweet Baits

Bees and wasps are attracted to sweet things. Leave an open soda can outside in the summer for any length of time and you'll see how true this is. For this reason, many homemade traps contain something sweet mixed with water and dish soap. The sweet substance can be anything from sugar to soda to jam.

Making a Trap With Protein Bait

Once you have your attractant, whether it be protein or sweet, the trick is in the mixing. For protein baits, it's just a matter of hanging the bait in the top of the trap to lure them in and then filling the trap about halfway with water mixed with about 2 tsps. of dish soap. The dish soap coats the wings of the pest, making it impossible to fly out. They eventually drown.

Making a Trap With Sweets

These are the easiest traps to make. Get a 2-liter bottle and cut the top off, about one-third of the way down. Turn the top upside down and place it inside the bottom part. Fill the bottle halfway with water, a can of soda and about 2 tsps. of dish soap. Set the trap outside near where you'll be, but not in the middle of everything and watch as the wasps fly in, but they don't fly out.