Yellow jackets are aggressive, predatory wasps that frequently become a nuisance during outdoor activities, particularly in late summer and fall. Unlike the honey bee, which is primarily a pollinator, yellow jackets are scavengers and predators that pose a stinging threat to humans and pets. Effective management of these pests often involves trapping, but the best bait to use is not static; it changes dramatically depending on the time of year and the biological needs of the colony. Understanding these seasonal dietary shifts is the foundation for selecting a bait that targets yellow jackets specifically and maximizes the success of any trapping effort.
Seasonal Shifts in Yellow Jacket Diet
The nutritional requirements of a yellow jacket colony are linked to its life cycle, dictating what substances adult worker wasps seek out. In the early part of the season, typically spring and early summer, the colony is focused on growth and reproduction. During this period, the adult wasps require a steady supply of protein to feed the developing larvae, which cannot forage for themselves. These larvae are the reason yellow jackets are drawn to meats and other protein sources, as the workers bring the protein back to the nest.
Adult yellow jackets feed the chewed-up insects and scavenged meat to the young larvae. In return, the larvae secrete a sugary liquid that the adults consume for immediate energy, creating a symbiotic relationship within the nest. Consequently, traps set up during the spring and early summer must contain a protein-rich bait to be effective against the foraging workers.
A significant shift occurs in late summer and early fall when the colony matures and the queen stops laying eggs. At this point, the demand for protein to feed larvae drops sharply, and the adults lose their internal source of sugar. The foraging workers then transition to seeking out high-energy carbohydrates from external sources to sustain themselves until the cold weather arrives. This is why yellow jackets suddenly become persistent scavengers at picnics, drawn to sugary drinks and ripe fruit, making late-season trapping a sugar-based endeavor.
Specific Bait Recommendations
The best bait aligns the attractant with the colony’s current nutritional needs, using protein sources for the early season and sugar sources for the later season. For protein-based trapping in spring and mid-summer, cooked meats are highly effective, with turkey or ham being good choices. Canned tuna, canned chicken, or wet cat food are also strong attractants, but these baits must be used fresh. Raw meat should be avoided because it spoils too quickly and can repel the wasps, requiring frequent replacement.
Once the season progresses into late summer and fall, the focus must shift entirely to high-carbohydrate, sugary baits. Excellent homemade options include apple juice, fruit wine, or a mixture of water, sugar, and vinegar. Fermented products, such as fruit juices, beer, or a mixture of sugar and yeast, are particularly attractive because they mimic the smell of overripe, fermenting fruit. It is important to avoid using pure honey or simple sugar water, as these can strongly attract beneficial insects like honey bees.
Many commercial traps contain specialized chemical attractants, such as heptyl butyrate, which is highly selective and effective for yellow jackets. These commercial lures are formulated to attract the target pest without drawing in non-target insects. Whether using commercial or homemade baits, adding a few drops of liquid dish soap to the bait solution helps break the surface tension of the liquid, causing the trapped wasps to drown quickly.
Trap Placement and Maintenance
Trap placement is almost as important as the bait used. Traps should be placed a minimum of 15 to 25 feet away from areas where people are active, such as patios, decks, or picnic tables. The goal is to lure foraging yellow jackets away from human activity zones, not to attract them closer to the protected area.
Placement height can vary, but traps are generally effective when hung between two and eight feet off the ground, ensuring they are out of the reach of children and pets. Traps should be positioned in sunny locations when temperatures are below 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but moved to shaded areas when the weather is hotter to prevent the bait from drying out or spoiling too quickly. If a trap is not catching yellow jackets after two sunny days, it should be relocated to a different spot.
Regular maintenance is necessary for the trap to remain effective throughout the season. Protein baits, especially, need to be checked and refreshed frequently to prevent spoilage. Before emptying a full trap, ensure all captured yellow jackets are dead by submerging the trap contents in soapy water or placing the entire trap in a freezer for 48 hours. Traps should be emptied and cleaned every three to four weeks to maintain effectiveness.