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How to make a homemade trap for wasps using an old plastic bottle
A simple homemade trap could help keep unwanted visitors away from patios and gardens as Oriental hornets are spotted in the Region of Murcia
With Oriental hornets recently being spotted in Cartagena, residents are being urged to take care around these potentially dangerous insects, particularly if they come across a nest.
The arrival of the species has also raised concerns for local beekeepers and farmers, as the insects can prey on bees and feed on fruit, potentially adding further pressure to already struggling bee populations.
While anyone who discovers a nest should keep their distance and report it rather than attempting to remove it themselves, there are some simple steps you can take to make your garden or patio less attractive to unwanted flying visitors.
One option is a homemade trap using a recycled plastic bottle and a few ingredients you may already have at home.
You’ll need:
- 1 empty 1.5-litre plastic bottle
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Some string, wire or strong cord for hanging
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Beer
How to make it:
1. Start by cutting around the top of the bottle, leaving roughly three or four finger-widths below the cap. Keep the top section because you'll need it later.
2. Next, make two small holes near the top of the bottom section of the bottle. These can be used to thread through the string or wire so the finished trap can be hung outside.
3. Pour the ingredients into the bottom of the bottle. A mixture of beer, sugar and vinegar creates a sweet-smelling liquid designed to attract wasps. The vinegar is also intended to make the mixture less attractive to bees.
4. Take the top section of the bottle and remove the cap. Turn it upside down and place it inside the bottom section, creating a funnel. The bottle opening should sit inside the trap without touching the liquid.
The idea is that wasps are attracted by the sweet smell and enter through the narrow opening, but have difficulty finding their way back out.
5. Once the trap is ready, hang it in an area where you've noticed wasps regularly appearing. Near fruit trees or other areas where the insects tend to gather can be a suitable location.
It's important to remember, however, that a homemade trap isn't a substitute for professional pest control, particularly if you've spotted what you believe could be an Oriental hornet nest. Don't approach, disturb or attempt to destroy a nest yourself, as disturbing a colony can result in multiple stings.
The risk is particularly serious for anyone with a known allergy to insect stings, while multiple stings can also cause a severe reaction in people who aren't normally allergic.
So, if you spot a nest, keep your distance and contact the appropriate local authorities or pest control professionals rather than reaching for the ladder and trying to deal with it yourself.
Image: ENC
