Wasps can quickly ruin a peaceful afternoon in the backyard—especially in Northern Illinois, where warm summers and blooming gardens attract all kinds of stingers. If you’re tired of wasps hovering around your patio, deck, or fruit trees, this simple, homemade trap might be exactly what you need. All it takes is a plastic bottle and a few basic supplies to create an effective wasp trap.
Here’s how to make one in just a few steps.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
1 empty plastic water or soda bottle (16–32 oz)
A pair of scissors or a utility knife
Bait (see suggestions below)
String or wire for hanging
Tape (optional)
🧪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut the Bottle
Cut off the top third of the bottle—just where the curve begins to form the neck. This will serve as a funnel to trap the wasps inside.
Fun Fact: Wasps have poor long-term memory. Once they enter the funnel, they have trouble finding their way back out.
2. Flip and Insert
Flip the bottle top upside down and insert it into the bottom section like a funnel. The neck should point down toward the base of the bottle.
You can tape the two pieces together if desired, but a snug fit is usually enough.
3. Add the Bait
Pour about 1–2 inches of bait into the trap. The best wasp lures include:
- Sugar water or soda (like root beer)
- Cat food (Yellowjackets are carnivores, so respond well to meat baits)
- Overripe fruit or fruit juice
- A splash of vinegar to deter honeybees
Pro Tip for Illinois Residents: Wasps are especially drawn to sugary foods in late summer and early fall, making this an ideal time to bait traps.
4. Puncture and Hang
Poke two holes near the top rim and run string or wire through so you can hang the trap from a tree branch or shepherd’s hook.
Hang it away from high-traffic areas but close to where you’ve seen wasp activity (fruit trees, grills, patios).
🎯 Why This Works
Wasps crawl in through the funnel, attracted by the sweet bait. Once inside, they have trouble navigating out and eventually drown.
This design works well across Kane, DuPage, and McHenry counties where paper wasps and yellow jackets are common yard invaders. Many residents in areas like Algonquin, Elgin, and Naperville have used this style trap to great effect during peak season.
🐝 Bonus Tips for Wasp Control in Northern Illinois
Remove outdoor food and drinks promptly.
Seal garbage cans tightly.
Avoid wearing strong floral scents or bright colors when outside.
Inspect eaves and overhangs regularly for early signs of nests.
If you notice heavy wasp traffic or a nest forming near your home, professional help may be the safest option—especially for families or businesses.
📍 Need Wasp Control in Northern Illinois?
At Fox Valley Environmental Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective wasp removal throughout Kane, DuPage, and northwest Cook counties. Whether you’re dealing with aggressive yellow jackets or paper wasps near your eaves, we can help.
Call us today or schedule a wasp inspection to take back your yard.
