What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
There is no single bait that works best for every wasp or hornet trap. For general guidance, protein baits such as hamburger are often favored in spring, while fermenting fruit or beer may work better in late summer and fall. The right choice also depends on the insect species and trap design.
What is the best bait for a wasp trap?
Start with the season, then consider the target insect and the trap. University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends protein bait such as hamburger in spring, when wasps are building colonies, and says carbohydrate baits such as fermenting fruit or beer may be more effective in late summer and fall. These are broad recommendations, not a guarantee for every species or trap. University of Florida IFAS Extension
Spring: try protein bait, with an important study-specific exception
For a simple homemade option, IFAS describes a plastic bottle funnel trap with hamburger as a protein bait. A separate 2020 field study of invasive Asian yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) found that common beer performed better and more selectively than the commercial bait tested in spring, regardless of which of the study’s trap models was used. That finding applies to the study’s species, sites, and tested combinations; it does not overturn general guidance for all wasps and hornets. Read the Vespa velutina trap-and-bait study
Late summer and fall: consider fermenting carbohydrates
Fermenting fruit, fruit juice, or beer may be worth trying when carbohydrate baits are more attractive later in the season. In the same V. velutina study, one commercial trap-and-attractant combination had the leading autumn performance among the tested combinations. Because the result depended on a specific combination, it is not evidence that any commercial bait will outperform homemade bait in every trap.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- For RESCUE! Yellowjacket Traps – This attractant refill works inside any reusable RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap. Two vials of attractant are enclosed, each lasting 2 weeks.
- Attracts Yellowjackets – This refill lures queens and workers from all major yellow jacket species. (Please note: this trap only targets yellowjackets; it will not attract wasps or hornets).
- How it Works – When used in conjunction with a RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap, this attractant lures yellowjackets to fly or crawl into the trap. Once they are trapped inside, they dehydrate and expire.
- Won’t Attract Honeybees – Our Yellowjacket Attractant is specially designed to attract yellowjackets, not beneficial honeybees.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
Simple homemade bait options
Sugar solution with yeast
IFAS gives this recipe for a plastic bottle funnel trap: mix 1 cup of water, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 gram of brewer’s yeast, then use the mixture in a 2-liter bottle trap. The guidance also notes that fermenting fruit juices can attract stinging wasps. Do not use honey when attracting honeybees is a concern; IFAS warns that honey may attract them. See the IFAS trap instructions
Match the bait to the trap
A purpose-made chemical attractant is another option, but attractants are not automatically interchangeable. Use the refill or bait intended for the selected trap and follow its current label. A USDA-developed attractant technology was commercialized with Sterling International for the W·H·Y trap; the product label specifies covered species and product-specific assembly and baiting directions. This does not establish that the trap catches every species or is the best choice in every season. USDA’s account of the W·H·Y trap · W·H·Y product label
Rank #2
- FOR RESCUE! YELLOWJACKET TRAPS – This refill cartridge provides 10 weeks of yellowjacket attracting power when used in the RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap.
- POWERFUL ATTRACTANT – Rather than relying on chemical killing agents, this cartridge uses a powerful attractant that lures queens and workers, spring through fall.
- NO MESS – This handy plastic cartridge comes pre-loaded with yellowjacket attractant. Simply place inside of your RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap (not included) and watch yellowjackets pile up!
- NO KILLING AGENT – Our yellowjacket trap relies on a non-toxic mode of action. The attractant cartridge lures them in—once inside the trap, they dehydrate and die naturally.
- MADE IN THE USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design, manufacture, and market the safest and most effective pest control solutions available for homeowners. We are proud to manufacture our products in the USA!
What trap results can—and cannot—tell you
In the 2020 V. velutina study, the target hornet represented 3.65% of all insects caught in the best-performing trap-and-bait combinations in spring and 1.35% in autumn. The researchers compared two trap types and two sugar-based baits at two sites. Those percentages describe that study’s captures only; they are not a general bycatch rate for other traps, locations, or species. Traps can catch non-target insects, so consider whether the likely benefit is worth that risk in your setting. Study details and results
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to place a wasp or hornet trap
- Hang the trap about 4 to 5 feet above the ground, following IFAS guidance.
- Keep it away from people and areas where people gather.
- Read the instructions and label supplied with the specific product; configurations and directions may differ.
- The W·H·Y label says not to hang the trap if you are allergic to wasp, hornet, or yellowjacket stings.
These placement recommendations come from IFAS guidance and the W·H·Y label. For chemical attractants, use only as the applicable product label directs. Chemical attractants are a distinct approach from food baits; a 2016 review describes the development of chemical attractants used for pestiferous social wasps. Review abstract
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- QUICK-DROWN FORMULA: Designed to keep insects submerged for quick drowning.
- QUICK & EASY SETUP: No tools are needed to complete the setup.
- FAST ACTING: Starts working immediately with no activation time. Most effective time to use trap is June – October.
- LOW ODOR: Lure is made with simple food ingredients.
- REUSABLE TRAP: Empty trap after 3-4 weeks or when 2/3 full of insects. Refills available for purchase separately.
Rank #3
- REFILL: Replacement lure to be used with Spectracide Wasp, Hornet, & Yellowjacket Trap. Each lure lasts up to 30 days.
- QUICK-DROWN FORMULA: Designed to keep insects submerged for quick drowning.
- LOW ODOR: Lure is made with simple food ingredients.
- FAST ACTING: Starts working immediately with no activation time. Most effective time to use trap is June – October.
- EASY DISPOSAL: Open trap & empty current lure & insects.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
