Make a Wasp Trap

Bugs/ InvertebratesBuilding for ConservationEcosystems and HabitatsFauna: Introduced SpeciesIndoor ActivitiesKaitiaki/Conservation
Written By Kim Manunui

Introduced wasps are a big problem in New Zealand. They kill our native invertebrates such as wēta and butterflies. They also disrupt out ecosystem (the balance in nature) by eating honeydew, which is an important food source for birds such as tui, kākā, and korimako (bellbirds). With few predators here, and abundant food sources, wasps have thrived. Read more about introduced and native wasps in our ‘Learn about New Zealand Wasps’ nature connector.

You can make a wasp trap. If you manage to catch a queen wasp you could stop a nest of more than 10,000 workers!

We researched how to make a wasp trap and found the wonderful instructions here from Greater Waikato Regional Council. Click on them to download the pdf.

We also read that a few drops of dishwashing detergent added to the mix will break the surface tension of the water and drown the wasps. Another online example used fresh fruit to attract the wasps. So here’s a video of our version! Can you do some research and make your own wasp trap? Let us know what works best!

You will need:

  • A large plastic drink bottle

  • Scissors

  • A small cup of warm water

  • Sugar (about 2 tablespoons)

  • A cup of vinegar (to prevent bees from coming into your trap)

  • Fresh fruit (optional)

  • A few drops of dishwashing detergent

Steps:

  1. Cut the top 1/3 of the bottle off with scissors

  2. Mix warm water and sugar together in the bottle until dissolved

  3. Add a few drops of detergent, the vinegar and fresh fruit

  4. Invert the top part of the bottle, so that it is like a funnel, and place it inside the bottom part of the bottle. Attach it with tape if you need to so that there are no gaps

  5. Empty dead wasps out regularly, as other wasps may use them as a raft to escape!

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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