Wasp traps: How to finally get rid of annoying wasps

As soon as the temperatures rise, they appear: Wasps. Whether in the garden, on the balcony or at a barbecue in the park, the black and yellow insects are omnipresent.

It is particularly annoying when they pounce on food and drinks. If you want to sit outside and relax without constantly swatting at them or getting up frantically, you can take precautions with a good wasp trap.

But what is important for an effective wasp trap and what is the best way to attract the animals?

This article will give you an overview of what makes a good trap and the best way to fill it.

The best wasp traps

What is important for a wasp trap?

A wasp trap should do one thing above all: reliably catch wasps without them escaping again. This is one of the most important points when buying or building a trap: the mechanism.

Many traps rely on a funnel-shaped entrance: the wasp finds its way in, but not out again. This is because insects orient themselves by the light and usually fly upwards or to the side, not back through the same narrow entrance. A clever design is therefore crucial.

The material also plays a role. There are cheap plastic models, reusable glass traps or even electric models with UV light.

If you prefer a more animal-friendly solution, you can also use attractant traps, where the wasps can be caught alive and released later. But be careful: this method only works if you have the confidence to release the animals unharmed.

It is also important where you place the trap. A place that is not too close to the dining table is ideal, but also not too far away for the wasps to find the trap. A semi-shady place with little wind usually works well.

Wasp trap: What to fill it with?

The contents of the trap are at least as important as the trap itself. Because the trap only fulfills its purpose if the wasps are attracted to it. But what do wasps particularly like?

Sugary liquids are at the top of the list. Especially in late summer, when animals are looking for energy, they react strongly to sweet smells. Here are a few tried and tested fillings:

• Sugar water: A classic. Simply mix water with sugar or syrup. It is particularly effective if you add a splash of vinegar. This keeps bees away, which you definitely don’t want to lure into the trap.
• Lemonade: Varieties with a lot of sugar and artificial flavoring are particularly attractive. Cola or orange soda can also work.
• Beer or apple juice: beer attracts wasps surprisingly well! It’s not entirely clear why, but it works. Apple juice is also popular. The important thing is not to choose a variant that is too healthy: the sweeter, the better.
• Ripe fruit: A few pieces of overripe fruit such as peaches, grapes or bananas enhance the curling effect. This can work wonders, especially in combination with sugar water.
• Vinegar and sugar mix: A mixture of vinegar, sugar and a little washing-up liquid is particularly effective. The washing-up liquid reduces the surface tension of the liquid – once landed, the wasps can no longer get away.

What you’d better not use: Leftover meat or sausage. Even though it is often claimed, wasps only look for protein in certain phases. In late summer, the desire for sweets prevails, and with sweet fillings you also avoid attracting other animals.

Build it yourself or buy it?

If you are handy, you can also make your own wasp trap, for example from an inverted plastic bottle with the upper part inserted inwards like a funnel. It works in a similar way to the store-bought models and is quick to make.

If this is too time-consuming for you or if you want a more visually appealing solution, there are numerous models on the market: from simple plastic traps to decorative vintage-style glass versions. Most of them can be used several times and some even have replaceable attractant capsules.