What is the best wasp trap?

If you want one trap that’s broadly effective and easy to use, I’d pick the RESCUE! TrapStik for Wasps, Mud Daubers & Carpenter Bees.

• RESCUE! Outdoor Hanging TrapStik for Wasps - $10.97 (Walmart)

Why I’d choose it

• No liquid bait or pesticide — it uses visual attraction plus a sticky surface.
• Very easy to set up and doesn't require mixing or refilling bait.
• Independent testing by Bob Vila rated it 4/5 for effectiveness and 5/5 for ease of use/value.
• Recent customer reports include traps catching dozens to hundreds of wasps, although results vary substantially by location and species.

One important caveat: if your problem is specifically yellowjackets, I'd choose a baited trap instead:

• RESCUE! WHY Trap for Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets - $14.97 (The Home Depot)

The WHY trap uses multiple attractants and is designed for wasps, hornets and yellowjackets.

My quick recommendation:

• 🟢 Paper wasps / mud daubers: TrapStik
• 🟡 Yellowjackets around a patio/pool: RESCUE! WHY trap
• 🔴 There's an actual nest in/around your house: a trap alone usually isn't the right solution; don't approach an active nest if you're unsure of the species.

If you tell me where the wasps are bothering you (patio, pool, roof/eaves, garden, etc.) and what they look like, I can tell you which trap is best and where to hang it.

The reusable bottom-entry funnel trap (such as the PIC Yellow Jacket and Wasp Trap Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) is widely considered the best overall choice because it catches high volumes of pests, prevents them from escaping, and can be emptied and reused year after year.

Watch this helpful video testing different wasp and yellow jacket traps to see how funnel traps compare to sticky and disposable options:

10:18 YouTube 167K views  · 2 years ago YouTube · Shawn Woods

Different trap types suit different needs depending on your yard, budget, and preference for reusability.

Top Wasp Trap Types

• Reusable Funnel Traps: Features inward-pointing holes on the bottom that let wasps enter and drown in liquid bait, but block their escape. Excellent for long-term control.
• Sticky TrapSticks: Uses visual patterns and a sticky surface to catch pests on contact without chemicals. Highly effective for fast results, but disposable once full.
• Glass/Hanging Decorative Traps: Aesthetic options (like traditional European-style glass jars) that use sweet liquids like juice or sugar water and blend nicely into patios or fruit trees.

Comparison of Popular Options

If you tell me where the wasps are gathering (such as near a patio, a nest, or fruit trees) and whether you prefer disposable or reusable traps, I can recommend the exact setup for your space.

When looking for the best wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket trap, performance comes down to multi-species attraction, safety around pets, and whether it protects beneficial honeybees. Highly rated and reviewed options include:

• RESUE! W·H·Y Trap (Wasps, Hornets & Yellowjackets) : Widely considered a top-tier multi-species choice. It uses three different attractants in two separate chambers to catch upward of 19 different species without attracting beneficial honeybees. You can check availability via suppliers like SiteOne Landscape Supply.
• Spectracide Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Trap : A popular disposable or reusable hanging option featuring a quick-drowning formula that offers up to 30 days of active outdoor patio protection. Details can be found directly on the Spectracide Product Page.
• Enoz Trap-N-Kill Outdoor Yellow Jacket, Hornet, and Wasp Trap : A reliable pesticide-free alternative that comes pre-baited and specifically targets stinging pests while ignoring honeybees.

Pro-Tips for Placement:

• Hang traps 20 to 30 feet away from high-traffic patio or seating areas to lure pests away from your guests.
• Place them 4 to 6 feet off the ground , ideally in the shade, to keep the bait from evaporating too quickly in the heat.
• Set traps out in spring if you have a recurring problem to catch queen wasps before they can build full nests.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• Are you mostly trying to catch wasps, hornets, or yellowjackets?
• Do you prefer a reusable plastic trap or a disposable bag trap?

If you're dealing with yellowjackets, my top pick is the RESCUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap. A field study found the RESCUE! yellowjacket trap was the most effective and cost-effective of the traps tested, and the manufacturer says the disposable version works for major North American yellowjacket species.

• RESCUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap - $6.76 (Walmart)

My picks

• Best overall for yellowjackets: RESCUE! Disposable — inexpensive, no poison, just add water, and throw it away when full.

• Best reusable: RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap — durable and designed to prevent yellowjackets from escaping.

• Best if they're actually paper wasps/hornets: RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap — specifically designed for wasps, hornets and yellowjackets, covering up to 19 species.

• Good alternative: TERRO Yellow Jacket Trap — reusable, easy to bait, and doesn't use chemical insecticide.

• RESCUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap - $6.76 (Walmart)

• RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap - $27.00 (The Home Depot)

• RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap - $14.97 (The Home Depot)

One important tip: don't put the trap right next to your patio or doorway. RESCUE recommends placing it at least 20 feet away from outdoor living areas; otherwise you can attract more insects toward the area you're trying to protect.

If you tell me what the wasps look like (yellow/black, mostly yellow, long skinny body, etc.) and where you're seeing them, I can tell you which trap is best for your particular situation.

If you mean outdoor wasps/yellowjackets, my top pick is the Spectracide Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Trap. It was the best overall in Bob Vila’s hands-on testing, with particularly strong catch rates, easy setup, and a reusable design.

Spectracide Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Trap

$16.37

My picks

• 🏆 Best overall: Spectracide — best combination of effectiveness, price, and reusability.
• ♻️ Best reusable: RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap — particularly good if yellowjackets are the main problem.
• 🧹 Best no-mess option: RESCUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap — add water, hang it, and throw the whole thing away when full.
• 🪰 Best chemical-free/sticky option: RESCUE! TrapStik — no liquid bait and no pesticides; it uses a visual lure and sticky surface.

RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap

$26.44

RESCUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap

$6.76

RESCUE! TrapStik for Wasps

$8.89

One important caveat: traps reduce foraging wasps but generally won't eliminate an established nest. Experts note that a trap can catch lots of workers while leaving the colony intact.

If you tell me where the wasps are bothering you (patio, deck, lawn, around the house, etc.) and whether they're yellowjackets or larger hornets, I can tell you which trap I'd buy and exactly where I'd put it.

The best overall wasp traps are chemical-free, use targeted multi-insect lures, and feature entry funnels that prevent pests from escaping . The ideal option depends entirely on whether you prefer a reusable fluid-based container, a mess-free sticky design, or a heavy-duty budget trap.

Top Wasp Trap Recommendations

• Dual-chamber setup uses three non-toxic lures to catch 19 different species of stinging insects.

• Highly effective because it catches paper wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets simultaneously.

• Heavy-duty reusable construction lasts across multiple seasons with available liquid refills.

• Formulated specifically to not attract beneficial honeybees.

• Uses a unique, high-visibility 3D visual pattern rather than odors to lure pests.

• Mess-free adhesive surface instantly catches paper wasps, carpenter bees, and mud daubers.

• Weatherproof coating ensures the sticky surface stays effective through wind and rain.

• Perfect for hanging directly under eaves or porches where wasps frequently nest.

• Uses a proprietary quick-drown design that submerges insects immediately upon entry.

• Long-lasting sugar-based lure requires zero tools to assemble and lasts up to 30 days.

• Completely low-odor solution made with basic food-grade ingredients.

• Canister is easy to empty and reuse once it reaches two-thirds capacity.

• Budget-friendly design utilizing six multi-directional entry funnels to maximize catch rates.

• Completely customizable since it lets you supply your own natural household baits like juice or raw meat.

Critical Tips for Placement and Baiting

• Distance is key : Hang all fluid and bait traps at least 20 feet away from outdoor patios, decks, and active play zones to draw pests away from you.
• Spring vs. summer baiting : Use proteins like meat scraps or tuna in the spring to catch nesting queens. Switch to sugars like fruit juice, beer, or molasses in the summer and fall when workers crave sweets.
• Protect the bees : Avoid sweet baits like honey. If mixing a DIY sugar bait, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; wasps love the sour-sweet scent, but honeybees find it repulsive.

If you are dealing with a specific issue, let me know:

• What specific insect is buzzing around? (Yellowjackets, large hornets, or paper wasps?)
• Where do you plan to hang it ? (An open backyard tree, a garden, or under a porch roof?)

I can narrow down the perfect match or share a DIY trap recipe using a plastic bottle.

If you mean the best outdoor trap for wasps/yellowjackets, my pick is the RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap.

RESCUE! Yellowjacket & Wasp Trap

$17.99

Why I’d choose it

• Broad coverage: designed for yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets—not just one type.
• No pesticide spray: it uses attractants and a two-chamber design.
• Reusable: better value if you have a recurring problem.
• Good choice for late-summer activity, when yellowjackets can become particularly persistent.

If you know they're specifically yellowjackets, I'd actually choose the RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap instead—it has a more species-specific lure and is designed specifically for yellowjackets.

RESCUE! Wasp, Hornet and Yellowjacket Trap

$20.81

One important tip: put the trap well away from where people sit—ideally 20–30+ feet from a patio or doorway. You want to intercept them, not attract them right next to you.

If you tell me what the wasps look like (yellow/black, reddish, large black, etc.) and where you're seeing them, I can tell you which trap is best for that specific wasp.

The "best" wasp trap depends on whether you prefer a low-maintenance disposable option, a heavy-duty reusable canister, or a non-toxic sticky surface . Field tests and expert reviews point to a few standout options:

Watch this hands-on performance comparison to see how top-rated hanging bag traps perform in real backyards:

12:00 Wasp trap showdown what wasp trap works the best 5.5K views  · 1 month ago YouTube · Wasp Hunter

• Best Disposable Trap: RESUE! Disposable Yellowjacket Trap
  Widely considered a top performer for sheer catch volume, you simply add water to activate the internal non-toxic bait. Wasps fly in and drown, and when it's full, you throw the whole sealed bag away without ever touching a bug. (Note: Ensure you buy the regional version—East vs. West of the Rockies—matched to your local species).
• Best Reusable/Overall Trap: Spectracide Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Trap
  A favorite for multi-season durability. It features a dual-entry chamber design that prevents insects from escaping and uses a non-toxic food-based attractant. You can empty, clean, and rebait it infinitely.
• Best Sticky Trap: RESCUE! TrapStik for Wasps
  Instead of a liquid drowning chamber, this uses a cylindrical sticky surface coated with a visual and chemical lure. It catches paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets on contact and is clean to handle since there is no sloshing smelly liquid.

Pro-Tip: Matching Bait to the Season

No matter which trap you buy, effectiveness relies heavily on using the right bait for the time of year:

• Spring & Early Summer: Wasps need protein to feed their developing larvae. Bait your reusable traps with a small piece of raw meat, chicken, or canned wet cat food/tuna.
• Late Summer & Fall: Their nutritional needs switch to carbohydrates/sugar. Switch your bait to fruit juice, soda, sugar water mixed with a splash of vinegar (to deter honeybees), or jam.

If you let me know where you are seeing the wasps (near a patio, hovering around an entryway, or suspected inside a wall) and what time of year it is , I can help you decide whether a trap or a direct nest treatment is your best move.

The RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap is widely regarded as a top-performing option for outdoor control, as demonstrated in this comparative test:

The "best" wasp trap depends on whether you are trying to catch yellowjackets, paper wasps, or hornets, and whether you want a reusable or disposable option . Pest control enthusiasts and gardeners generally point to RESCUE!Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as the leading brand because their scientifically formulated attractants target stinging insects without accidentally luring beneficial honeybees (which happen when using generic sugar or juice baits).

Top-rated choices categorized by type include:

Add to list This heavy-duty, reusable multi-species trap catches up to 19 different species of wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets using a multi-chamber, multi-lure system. It works great around the perimeter of a yard because it uses both meat- and sweet-based attractants.

Add to list An inexpensive, single-use hanging bag that you activate by adding water. Once full, you seal it and throw it away. It is exceptionally effective during peak yellowjacket season in late summer.

Add to list This uses a visual pattern and a sticky surface rather than smelly liquid bait. It is ideal for catching paper wasps, mud daubers, and carpenter bees right around structures or greenhouses without drawing a massive swarm from across the yard.

DIY 2-Liter Bottle Trap (Best Homemade Option): Cut the top third off a plastic soda bottle, invert it like a funnel into the bottom portion, and tape the edges. Bait it with a bit of meat, ham, or sugary juice. It’s free and surprisingly effective, though you have to empty and reset it manually.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Placement: Hang traps at least 20 feet away from where people gather so you pull the wasps away from your patio or dining area, rather than right into your party.
• Timing: Setting traps out in the early spring can help catch founding queens and prevent a major nest from establishing, though food-based traps work best in mid-to-late summer when wasps switch from building nests to foraging for food.

To help narrow down the best solution, tell me:

• Are you dealing mostly with yellowjackets (ground/patio pests) or paper wasps (hanging nests under eaves)?
• Is the issue out in the yard or right next to where people sit and eat?

If you mean the best trap for outdoor wasps/yellowjackets, my top pick is the RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap.

RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap

$17.99

🏆 Best overall: RESCUE! W·H·Y Trap

• Designed for wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets, rather than just one type.
• Uses multiple attractants and can catch around 19 species.
• No pesticide spray is involved.
• Particularly good if you're not sure exactly which stinging insect you're dealing with.

🟡 Best specifically for yellowjackets

RESCUE! Reusable Yellowjacket Trap

$26.44

This is a better choice if the insects are definitely yellowjackets. It has generally good user feedback, although results can vary by species and location.

🪰 Best chemical-free sticky trap

RESCUE! TrapStik

$9.98

This is especially good around patios, eaves, and sheds because it doesn't require liquid bait. Recent reviews and coverage have been quite favorable.

One important tip: put baited traps well away from where people sit—roughly 20+ feet if possible—so you draw the wasps away from you rather than toward you.

If you tell me whether you're dealing with yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets, or big black/red wasps, I can tell you which trap is best for that particular insect.