Have you ever been enjoying a peaceful afternoon in your garden, only to have it interrupted by the sudden appearance of wasps or hornets? Their aggressive behavior and painful stings can quickly turn a relaxing moment into a stressful ordeal. I know firsthand how unsettling it can be when these buzzing intruders invade your space.
But don’t worry there’s a solution. In this post, I’ll introduce you to the five best wasp and hornet traps that can help you reclaim your outdoor spaces. These traps are designed to attract and eliminate these pests effectively, allowing you to enjoy your garden without fear.
Imagine hosting a barbecue or simply lounging in your backyard without the constant threat of stings. With the right trap, this can be your reality.
Stay tuned as we explore these top-rated traps, so you can make an informed choice and take back control of your outdoor environment.
Our Evaluation Process
We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of various wasp and hornet traps to identify the most effective options. Our testing encompassed 27 brands: Fatal Funnel, Sancodee, RESCUE!, Catchmaster, and RAID. After thorough assessment, we selected five top-performing traps from these brands.
Our testing process involved setting up each trap in areas with known wasp and hornet activity, ensuring a fair comparison. We monitored the traps over a 48-hour period, recording the number and type of insects captured. This data allowed us to evaluate each trap’s effectiveness and selectivity.
Based on our findings, we identified the top five traps that demonstrated superior performance in attracting and capturing wasps and hornets. These selections offer a range of options to suit different preferences and needs.
Our Preferred Selections
Best for Long-Term, Effective Wasp Control: Fatal Funnel FFW-6P
Best for Reusable and Versatile Trapping: Sancodee OBF-3
Best for Quick and Efficient Trap Setup: RESCUE! WHYTR
Best for Pet-Safe Pest Control: Catchmaster
Best for Low-Maintenance and Reusable Use: RAID-WASPJAR
Best for Long-Term, Effective Wasp Control
Fatal Funnel FFW-6P
Effectiveness: 8.0 Design and Build Quality: 7.2 Ease of Use: 9.0 Safety: 8.1 Baiting Mechanism: 7.5 Capacity: 6.3 Maintenance: 7.4 Design Features: 8.0 Environmental Impact: 6.1 Price and Value for Money: 7.2
Brand: Fatal Funnel | Is Electric: Yes | Target Species: Hornet, Wasp | Product Dimensions: 9.5″L x 2″W x 5.5″H | Number of Pieces: 6
The Fatal Funnel FFW-6P is a dependable and efficient solution for managing wasp and hornet infestations, making it ideal for long-term, effective wasp control.This 6-pack of traps is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, featuring a bright yellow color that attracts target species like hornets and wasps.
Each trap measures 9.5″L x 2″W x 5.5″H, making it compact yet effective for outdoor use. The electric functionality ensures that the traps operate efficiently without the need for chemicals or baits, making them environmentally friendly. The traps are lightweight, weighing only 3.98 ounces, and are easy to set up and maintain.
Manufactured in the USA, the Fatal Funnel FFW-6P is a durable product with a global trade identification number of 00689076834094 and a UPC of 689076834094. Customer reviews rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars, with 1,875 ratings, highlighting its effectiveness in pest control. While it ranks #138,640 in Patio, Lawn & Garden and #1,772 in Pest Control Traps, its performance in long-term wasp control makes it a standout choice for homeowners and gardeners.
The Fatal Funnel FFW-6P is a practical, no-fuss solution for keeping outdoor spaces free from wasps and hornets.
Best for Reusable and Versatile Trapping
Sancodee OBF-3
Effectiveness: 9.2 Design and Build Quality: 8.3 Ease of Use: 9.1 Safety: 8.0 Baiting Mechanism: 7.4 Capacity: 7.1 Maintenance: 8.2 Design Features: 9.0 Environmental Impact: 7.3 Price and Value for Money: 8.1
Brand: Sancodee | Color: Orange | Style: 3 Pack Wasp Trap | Product Dimensions: 2.4″L x 2.4″W x 11.5″H | Target Species: Bee
The Sancodee OBF-3 is a highly practical and efficient solution for controlling flying insects, particularly wasps, bees, flies, mosquitoes, and moths. It is ideal for reusable and versatile trapping. This 3-pack wasp trap set is designed for wide application, making it suitable for various outdoor environments such as gardens, courtyards, and campgrounds.
The traps are constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring durability and safety while effectively attracting insects naturally. The orange color and thoughtful design, including a snap feature for stability and a glue guard to enhance capture rates, make it a reliable choice for pest control. Each set includes three bee traps, six stickers, and one string, making it easy to replace the trap paper and reuse the traps by simply cleaning and replacing the sticky surface, which adds to its eco-friendly and economical appeal. The traps measure 2.4″L x 2.4″W x 11.5″H, providing ample volume for capturing insects.
While the product has a customer rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 360 reviews, its reusable nature, ease of use, and versatility in targeting multiple insect species make it a practical addition to any outdoor space. For enhanced effectiveness, users can add honey to the trap. Overall, the Sancodee OBF-3 is a functional and cost-effective tool for managing flying pests.
Best for Quick and Efficient Trap Setup
RESCUE! WHYTR
Effectiveness: 9.3 Design and Build Quality: 8.4 Ease of Use: 8.2 Safety: 8.0 Baiting Mechanism: 9.0 Capacity: 7.2 Maintenance: 8.3 Design Features: 8.1 Environmental Impact: 9.0 Price and Value for Money: 8.2
Brand: RESCUE! | Material: Plastic | Product Dimensions: 4.2″L x 3.7″W x 11.7″H | Is Electric: Yes | Target Species: Fly, Hornet, Wasp
The RESCUE! WHY Trap is an excellent choice for effectively managing flying pests such as wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. Its quick and efficient setup makes it ideal for those seeking a reliable solution. This green plastic trap measures 4.2″L x 3.7″W x 11.7″H and weighs just 0.01 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to hang outdoors.
Its dual-chambered design is highly effective, utilizing three attractants to lure and trap 19 different species of insects. The trap is designed so that pests can enter through either the top or bottom, and once inside, they expire naturally without the need for chemicals or electricity. The included two-week supply of attractant targets paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, European hornets, and yellowjackets, ensuring versatility in pest control.
One of the key advantages of the RESCUE! WHY Trap is its reusability; the durable plastic construction allows it to be used for multiple seasons, with attractant refills available for purchase. Made in the USA, this trap reflects RESCUE!’s commitment to safe and effective pest control solutions. While it has a 3.4 out of 5-star rating based on 5,003 customer reviews, its practicality and efficiency make it a reliable choice for quick and hassle-free pest management.
The product’s compact design, ease of use, and ability to trap multiple species without requiring identification make it a top pick for homeowners seeking a straightforward solution to flying insect problems.
Best for Pet-Safe Pest Control
Catchmaster
Effectiveness: 8.1 Design and Build Quality: 8.0 Ease of Use: 7.3 Safety: 7.5 Baiting Mechanism: 8.2 Capacity: 8.1 Maintenance: 8.0 Design Features: 7.2 Environmental Impact: 6.4 Price and Value for Money: 7.3
Brand: Catchmaster | Material: Plastic | Item Weight: 0.57 Pounds | Is Electric: Yes | Target Species: Yellow Jacket
Catchmaster’s Jacket Jar Trap 2-Pk offers a highly effective and reusable solution for controlling yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. It is ideal for pet-safe pest control. Made from durable plastic, this red-colored trap weighs 0.57 pounds and includes two units, each designed for long-lasting use.
The trap is electric and specifically targets yellow jackets, making it ideal for outdoor use from Spring through Fall. Its all-natural, extra-strength dual attractant is safe for children and pets, ensuring a pet-safe pest control option for homes or businesses. Setting up the trap is straightforward: add water, pour in the attractant, and place or hang it in sunny areas away from electrical lights and strong winds.
The Jacket Jar is easy to clean and reusable with refill attractant packs available separately. While it is highly effective for trapping stinging pests, it is not recommended for nest removal, which should be handled by professionals. Despite its practical design, the product has a 2.6 out of 5-star rating from 625 customer reviews, with some users noting mixed results. However, its discreet design and mess-free operation make it a preferable alternative to traditional fly traps or sticky traps.
Catchmaster’s Intelligent Pest Management approach ensures a science-based, integrated solution for pest control, making this product a reliable choice for those dealing with yellow jacket infestations.
Best for Low-Maintenance and Reusable Use
RAID-WASPJAR
Effectiveness: 7.0 Design and Build Quality: 7.1 Ease of Use: 6.2 Safety: 7.3 Baiting Mechanism: 7.4 Capacity: 6.2 Maintenance: 7.1 Design Features: 6.3 Environmental Impact: 5.0 Price and Value for Money: 6.1
Brand: Raid | Material: Plastic | Target Species: Fly, Hornet, Wasp | Product Dimensions: 5.25″L x 5.25″W x 7.5″H | Is Electric: No
The RAID-WASPJAR is an effective solution for managing flying pests such as yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets. It is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance and reusable option. This multicolor plastic jar trap measures 5.25″L x 5.25″W x 7.5″H and weighs 5.9 ounces, making it compact and easy to place or hang in outdoor spaces.
Its reusable design ensures long-term use, and the setup is straightforward—simply add water and the included water-soluble food-based lure, which has been tested and proven effective in attracting and trapping target species. The non-electric operation makes it a low-maintenance option, ideal for those seeking a hassle-free pest control method.
Manufactured by PIC in the USA, the RAID-WASPJAR is durable and designed for repeated use, though customer reviews average 2.8 out of 5 stars, indicating mixed feedback on its performance. Despite this, its ability to attract, trap, and kill pests efficiently makes it a valuable tool for outdoor areas.
With an ASIN of B0BZG7ZNCT and UPC 072477994052, this product ranks #1,477 in Pest Control Traps, offering a reliable, eco-friendly alternative for managing flying insects.
Wasp and Hornet TrapSelection Guide
When evaluating wasp and hornet traps, it’s essential to consider their design, attractant methods, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact to determine the most effective solution for your needs.
Design and Functionality: Many traps utilize a dual-chamber design, allowing wasps and hornets to enter through multiple points. Once inside, they become trapped due to the trap’s structure, preventing escape. This design is common among top-rated traps, ensuring efficiency in capturing these pests.
Attractant Methods: Effective traps employ specific attractants to lure wasps and hornets. Some use sweet-smelling liquids, such as sugar water or fruit juices, to appeal to the pests’ natural preferences. Others incorporate visual cues, like bright colors or patterns, to attract wasps. The choice of attractant significantly influences the trap’s effectiveness.
Maintenance and Reusability: Maintenance requirements vary among traps. Some are designed for single-use, requiring disposal after filling, while others are reusable and necessitate periodic cleaning and refilling. Reusable traps often demand more maintenance but can be more cost-effective over time. It’s crucial to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining the trap.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of wasp and hornet traps is a growing concern. Some traps may inadvertently capture non-target species, including beneficial insects like bees. Selecting traps with selective attractants and designs that minimize bycatch is important to reduce ecological disruption.
When choosing a wasp and hornet trap, consider its design, attractant method, maintenance needs, and environmental impact. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a trap that effectively addresses your specific situation while minimizing unintended consequences.
FAQs
How do wasp and hornet traps work?
Wasp and hornet traps are designed to attract and capture these insects using various methods. Many traps feature a dual-chamber design with multiple entry points, making it difficult for the insects to escape once inside. They often use specific attractants, such as sweet liquids or pheromones, to lure wasps and hornets into the trap. Once inside, the insects are unable to find their way out and eventually perish.
Are wasp and hornet traps safe for other wildlife?
While many wasp and hornet traps are designed to target these specific insects, some may inadvertently capture non-target species, including beneficial insects like bees. To minimize this risk, it’s important to use traps with selective attractants and designs that reduce bycatch. Additionally, placing traps away from flowering plants and areas frequented by bees can help protect these beneficial pollinators.
How can I make an effective DIY wasp trap?
Creating a homemade wasp trap is both cost-effective and straightforward. One effective method involves using a plastic bottle. Cut the top off the bottle, invert it, and place it back into the bottom portion, creating a funnel. Fill the bottom with a sweet liquid attractant, such as sugar water or fruit juice, and add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension, causing the wasps to drown. Hang the trap in areas where wasp activity is high, but away from places where bees are present.
Final Verdict
So, there you have it—the 5 best wasp and hornet traps to tackle those pesky invaders! If you’re like me, dealing with these flying nuisances can feel like an endless battle, but the right trap can make all the difference. While all the options we discussed have their strengths, the RAID-WASPJAR stands out as the ultimate winner for its low-maintenance, reusable design. Just add water, and it’s ready to go—no complicated setups or constant refills. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free solution that actually works. Say goodbye to swatting and hello to a wasp-free zone.
