Dual-Entry Bottle Trap for Wasps and Hornets ILE

01 · HOW IT GOES TOGETHER

Two windows in the side

Cut two openings in the side of the bottle and the pieces push into place, one on each side. The shape of the entry gives the wasp somewhere to land before going in and makes getting back out awkward. Then hang it by the neck on a cord. Empty and clean the bottle when needed, check its condition and replace any damaged pieces.

02 · THE BAIT

Preparing and checking the bait

Use a bait suited to the trap and stick to how it should be prepared. Wine or beer do not guarantee that bees or other insects are kept out. At every check, look at the state of the liquid and the species caught. Do not add insecticide to the bait.

03 · WHEN AND WHERE

Depending on the aim and local activity

The type of bait and the period are chosen according to the aim, local activity and monitoring; there is no compulsory switch from sugar to protein that applies to every trap.

04 · WHAT TO EXPECT

Set the aim and check the catches

These entries make it easy to put together a low-cost bottle trap, but putting out more traps can also increase accidental catches and the checking workload. Start with a clear aim and monitoring, and adjust the set-up according to the results. The number of hornets caught does not, on its own, show that the hives are protected.

05 · BEFORE YOU BUY

What is sold are the two entries: the bottle is yours and can be reused if it is still in good condition. The attractant is separate.