Wasp Traps
Wasp traps are devices designed to attract and capture wasps. They are useful for controlling wasp populations in areas where their presence is problematic.
Types of Wasp Traps
- Commercial Wasp Traps: Like those we offer at BirdGard Iberia. These traps are usually made of plastic and are designed to contain a liquid that attracts wasps and captures them effectively without any possibility of escape.
- Homemade Wasp Traps: Can be made with cut plastic bottles, with an attractive solution inside.
Attractants to Place in Wasp Traps
- Commercial attractants are usually liquids and are specifically designed for wasps.
- Homemade attractants are the most common and natural. They can include mixtures of sugared water, beer, vinegar, fruit juice, etc.
What is the Best Location for My Wasp Traps?
It is important to place traps in areas where wasp activity has been observed, but away from high human traffic areas to avoid accidents.
How Should I Maintain My Wasp Traps?
We recommend regularly checking and cleaning your wasp traps to maintain their effectiveness. In the case of using homemade attractants, we recommend changing the attractant solution every few days.
When handling or cleaning traps, it is prudent to wear protective clothing, as the captured wasps can be aggressive. If you are allergic to wasp stings, it is best to avoid installing and maintaining these traps yourself and consider getting help from others.
What Alternatives Exist to Wasp Traps for Repelling Wasps?
There are several alternatives to wasp traps that can be equally effective in deterring them without needing to trap them, which you will find at BirdGard Iberia. Below are the links to these products:
- False Wasp Nest. Wasps are territorial and generally avoid areas where nests already exist. False nests, which resemble real wasp nests, can be placed in areas where wasps are not wanted. This strategy is based on the instinct of wasps to avoid potential territorial conflicts.
- Table Fan with Repellents This product not only keeps wasps away with the movement of its blades but also has a container where you can place a natural wasp repellent: essential oils of citronella, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. The combination of blade movement and repellent aroma helps keep wasps away from dining or outdoor recreation areas.
In addition to these alternative products to wasp traps that will help you keep wasps away, you can also consider other natural repellents and plants:
- Plants to Repel Wasps. Some plants like mint, citronella, and eucalyptus have odors that are unpleasant for wasps. You can plant these species around your house or in areas where you spend time outdoors. This can help repel wasps naturally. As we mentioned earlier, the essential oils of these plants can also be used in diffusers or applied to surfaces to repel wasps.
- Garden Maintenance. Keep in mind that wasps are attracted to food and sweet drinks. Therefore, to repel wasps, we recommend keeping food and drinks covered and not leaving leftovers. Likewise, do not leave your pets' food outdoors and make sure that garbage containers are well closed.
What Problems Do Wasps Cause?
While wasps play an important role in ecosystems as pollinators and pest controllers, wasps can also cause problems, some of which are minor annoyances, while others can be more serious:
- Stings and Allergic Reactions. Wasps can sting when they feel threatened or provoked. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. Wasp stings can be painful and cause swelling, redness, and itching. In allergic individuals, stings can cause severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.
- Food Safety and Hygiene Problems. Wasps are attracted to food and drinks, especially those that are sweet, which can be a problem at picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor activities. They can contaminate food by landing on it, and their presence can be a nuisance or even a danger if it comes to avoiding stings.
- Aggression and Disruptive Behavior. Some wasp species can be aggressive, especially near their nests. They can attack in groups if they feel threatened, which increases the risk of multiple stings.
- Damage to Structures. Some wasp species build their nests in eaves, attics, or sheds. Large nests can cause physical damage to property. Removing these nests requires specialized professional services.
- Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Wasps are predators and can affect the populations of other insects, including beneficial pollinators like bees. In some cases, invasive wasp species can displace native species and alter local ecosystems.
- Agricultural Problems. Wasps can attack crops, especially fruit, and cause economic damage to farmers.
What are the Most Common Wasp Species in Europe?
In Europe, some of the most common wasp species are:
- Vespula vulgaris: Commonly known as the common wasp, this species is widespread across Europe. It's recognized for its yellow and black striped body and builds paper nests often found in the ground or in cavities in walls or trees.
- Vespula germanica: Also known as the German wasp, this species is similar to the common wasp but can be distinguished by its slightly different pattern of black and yellow on the abdomen. It's notorious for its aggressive nature, especially towards the end of summer.
- Polistes dominula: The European paper wasp is easily identifiable by its slender body and long legs. Unlike Vespula species, Polistes build open, umbrella-shaped nests often found under eaves or in other sheltered areas.
- Vespa crabro: Known as the European hornet, this is the largest wasp species found in Europe. It's less aggressive than other wasps and makes its nests in dark, secluded places like hollow trees or attics.
- Dolichovespula sylvestris: The tree wasp is another common species, recognizable by its long body and preference for building nests in trees, as its name suggests.
- Vespa velutina: The Asian hornet, an invasive species in Europe, is increasingly common and poses a threat to local ecosystems, particularly honey bees. It's slightly smaller than the native European hornet and has a distinctive yellow-tipped abdomen.
Traps for Velutina
Traps for Velutina, also known as the Asian hornet or black hornet, are used both to reduce the number of individuals and to detect their early presence in an area. The Wasp Traps you will find at BirdGard Iberia also serve as Traps for Velutina. They are plastic containers with entry holes. These holes are large enough for the wasp to enter and are arranged in a way that prevents them from leaving.
The traps for velutina should be placed in areas where Vespa velutina activity has been observed or in places prone to their appearance. It is common to place them near beehives, in gardens, and in areas with lush vegetation.
Bait for Velutina
The most effective bait for attracting the velutina, or Asian hornet, can vary depending on the season and local food availability. However, there are certain mixtures that have proven effective. Here are some options:
- Spring and Early Summer: During this time, the queens of Vespa velutina are active and seek sugar-rich foods for energy. An effective bait can be a mixture of sugar and water, or sugar syrup, sometimes complemented with a bit of sweet white wine or beer to increase attraction.
- Late Summer and Autumn: At this time, the worker wasps seek more proteins to feed the larvae in the nest. An effective bait can be a mixture that includes proteins, such as decomposed fish (tuna or sardine) or meat, mixed with a bit of sugar or molasses to increase attraction. Some also recommend mixing sweet white wine, beer, or cider with the protein bait.
Homemade Bait Recipes for Wasps
- A common recipe includes 100 ml of sweet white wine, 100 ml of beer, and 30 grams of brown sugar or honey.
- Another option is to mix equal parts of sweet white wine and sugar syrup, with a small piece of fish or meat.
It is important to regularly change the bait to maintain its freshness and effectiveness. The exact composition of the bait may require experimentation, as the attraction can vary depending on the location and the availability of natural foods for wasps.