Dealing with swarms of “meat bees” is one of the most frustrating aspects of enjoying an outdoor meal. These persistent insects seem to arrive the moment food is uncovered, aggressively seeking out every available morsel. Their presence often forces the premature end of seasonal gatherings and can pose a stinging hazard to guests. Understanding the identity and motivation behind this behavior allows for the effective use of specific strategies to reclaim your dining space.
Identifying the Scavengers and Their Attraction
The insects commonly referred to as “meat bees” are actually Yellowjackets, which are predatory social wasps belonging to the genus Vespula. Unlike honeybees, Yellowjackets are not covered in thick hair and can sting repeatedly. Their attraction to human food sources is driven by a seasonal shift in the colony’s nutritional requirements.
Early in the season, adult workers hunt insects and scavenge protein-rich foods, such as meat, to feed the growing larvae. The larvae consume this protein and secrete a sugary droplet that provides the adult wasps with necessary carbohydrates.
As the summer progresses and the queen ceases egg production, the larvae disappear, cutting off the adults’ internal sugar supply. This abrupt shift forces the now-aggressive adults to seek external sugar sources, making sodas, fruit, and other sweet items irresistible targets during late summer and fall.
Immediate Measures for Food Protection
The first line of defense involves physically blocking access to the food and maintaining strict cleanliness. All food items should remain in tightly sealed containers or coolers until they are ready to be served. Once food is on the table, cover serving dishes with mesh screens or plastic wrap, and ensure all beverages are consumed from cups with lids and straws to prevent wasps from entering.
Prompt sanitation removes the odors that draw the insects. Immediately wipe up any spills of sugary drinks or sauces and quickly rinse off utensils and meat trays after use. Trash cans containing food scraps should be located a significant distance from the dining area and kept securely covered.
Natural scents can also provide localized protection. Yellowjackets are repelled by the aroma of certain essential oils, including clove, peppermint, and lemongrass. Placing small dishes of these oils or strategically arranging slices of cucumber near the eating area can help deter the scavengers.
Strategic Diversion and Trapping Methods
A highly effective strategy involves diverting Yellowjackets away from the gathering spot using bait stations and traps. This technique offers a more attractive food source elsewhere, satisfying their foraging drive. The diversion station must be set up at least 20 to 30 feet away from where people are eating to ensure the insects are drawn toward the trap, not the picnic.
The bait used should match the seasonal dietary needs of the wasps: raw meat or tuna fish early in the year, and fruit juice or sugary soda later in the season. To create a simple trap, a container can be baited and filled with a few inches of water mixed with liquid dish soap. The soap eliminates the water’s surface tension, causing the Yellowjackets to fall in and drown.
Commercial or DIY bottle traps should be hung 3 to 5 feet off the ground, often in a partially shaded area if temperatures are high. Adding a small amount of vinegar to the sugar bait can increase its drawing power without attracting honeybees. If a nest is located nearby, professional removal is the safest option, as Yellowjackets aggressively defend their colony.