Summer pests - wasps and hornets

How to efficiently eliminate hornets and wasps with an eco-friendly trap harmless to bees…

Unless we have a large hornet nest nearby (possible!) the mere quantity of hornets we’ve trapped so far this year might be an indication there are large numbers around. So, although I posted an article on Tap-Trap last year, I am re-posting it again this year.

Hornets can provoke an allergic reaction which can be fatal if not treated quickly. If you’re in doubt as to whether or not you might be allergic, it’s advisable to carry an Epipen on you at all times.

Tap-traps are eco-friendly traps for ‘flying pests’. They pose no danger to bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. And they are HIGHLY efficient.

It is the simplest and oldest of concepts used by generations of home gardeners. Its modern-day designer Roberto Carello, suggests various recipes to attract different types of non-pollinating insects. The specially designed lid ensures they will go in to the jar, but not to exit it.

All you need is a honey or jam jar and a Tap-Trap lid (which you can buy on Amazon). It’s best to hang and load the jars in early spring when just a few wasps or hornets are around (because this will prevent a later infestation), but any moment is good if you’re inundated with wasps and hornets.

Recipe for eliminating hornets and wasps:

500 ml of beer + 1 tablespoon of cane sugar (this is what we use!)

500 ml of water + 2 tablespoons of sugar + a glass of vinegar

Replace every 20-30 days or when full.

For other bait recipes and to find out which jar lid is suitable for trapping which insect, see www.taptrap.com. There are also tap traps for snails and slugs.

Alison Koetser, 06/07/2023 11:39:06

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