You don’t have to use a 2 L (0. 53 US gal) plastic bottle to create this wasp trap. You can use a different type of plastic bottle or carton to make this trap, but make sure that the opening of the bottle or carton is large enough for the wasp to crawl through. [2] X Research source
For a carton, draw the line around the top portion of the carton, just under the natural crease that forms the triangular top.
When you make your first cut, the plastic bottle can be slippery, so take your time and be careful not to cut yourself. To reduce slippage, place the bottle on a slightly damp cloth or towel. This will create needed traction to hold the bottle steady. You are going to need both the base and neck portions of the bottle to make this trap, so cut along your line.
For tape that is not clear, like duct tape, cut the strip in half to keep the band of tape as narrow as possible.
A sturdy twine or even an old shoelace would work well as a handle for the wasp trap.
If you use meat during this time, you may even catch the queen wasp, which will force the rest of the nest to relocate.
You can increase the amounts of water and soap as needed to fill your trap, but try and keep a ratio of 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) of liquid dish soap for every 1 cup (240 mL)} of water. [9] X Research source If you do not want to drown the wasp, but instead release it, do not add dish soap to the bait solution. Using dish soap will coat any wasps that escape and eventually suffocate the wasps. [10] X Research source
If you are not using a 2 L (0. 53 US gal) plastic bottle, and the bottle you chose instead is short, add less solution. You want at least 2 in (5. 1 cm) of space between the baiting solution and the opening of the funnel inside of the shorter trap. If you are planning on releasing the wasps, then only add 1–3 tablespoons (15–44 mL) of the solution to the bottle. This will be enough solution to attract the wasp, but not enough to drown them.
Since the trap will be attracting wasps, you don’t want to place it in an area close to where you frequently hang out or work. A good distance would be about 27 feet (8. 2 m) away from your main gathering area outside. [12] X Research source
If you do not seem to be catching any wasps, try relocating the trap to another area where you know you have seen the wasps, or try a different bait solution combination.
Release living wasps with extreme caution. Unlike bees, wasps are aggressive by nature. You can release the wasps if you want, but do it away from your property and not in a place where other people hang out. Wasps will alert the rest of the colony if given the chance, so do not release the wasp near the nest. If there are uninhabited woods or fields down the road from you, try releasing the wasps there. [15] X Research source If you are going to release any living wasps, make sure to wear gloves, and clothing that will cover your arms and legs. [16] X Research source
Also apply more of the olive oil or petroleum jelly if you used that to coat the inside of your trap. If the trap develops a rotting or sour smell, rinse it with hot water before filling it with more bait solution. If the smell persists, you may want to consider making another wasp trap, or using apple cider vinegar in the trap to combat the smell.
