Q: We have lots of yellowjackets on our patio. What is the best trap for them? 

A: I have tried the commercial trap with special baits but the most effective traps were inexpensive or home made.

I had a thriving yellowjacket nest under a small tree so I compared the results of two homemade traps. See below.

Although I caught a lot of the insects, the nest continued to thrive. Traps are not an effective control measure but they may provide relief if you’re eating on your patio.

Also note the homemade tripod trap, using a piece of fish as bait. The designer says that raccoons sometimes stole the bait. After trying different things like chicken wire,etc. he bought a bird cage at a yard sale for $2 and put the trap in it and hung it from a tree. He says it actually worked better.

Pic WTRP Yellow Jacket Trap (available at ALDI supermarkets and Amazon)

results after two days using tuna and 2 tablespoons of canola oil for bait

 

breakfast bowl using tuna plus three tablespoons of canola oil

yellowjacket trap (photo courtesy of David Cate)