Does the buzzing of hornets near your backyard make your skin crawl? You are not alone. These insects can quickly turn a peaceful summer afternoon into a tense standoff. Dealing with hornets is a major headache for many homeowners. You want them gone, but which trap actually works? Walking down the aisle or scrolling online, you face a confusing maze of different traps, lures, and promises. It is hard to know which one will truly solve your hornet problem without wasting time and money.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best ways to trap hornets effectively. You will learn the secrets to choosing a trap that matches your yard and your needs. Stop guessing and start controlling your outdoor space. Keep reading to discover the top-rated hornet traps and the simple steps to set them up for success today.
Top Hornet Traps Recommendations
- QUICK-DROWN FORMULA: Designed to keep insects submerged for quick drowning.
- QUICK & EASY SETUP: No tools are needed to complete the setup.
- FAST ACTING: Starts working immediately with no activation time. Most effective time to use trap is June – October.
- LOW ODOR: Lure is made with simple food ingredients.
- REUSABLE TRAP: Empty trap after 3-4 weeks or when 2/3 full of insects. Refills available for purchase separately.
- Eliminate Wasps – VisiLure Traps lure wasps, red wasps, mud daubers, and carpenter bees with appealing colors and a multi-dimensional pattern. Once attracted, they become stuck to the sticky surface and expire.
- Choose VisiLure – The VisiLure TrapStik for Wasps lures insects without odors, chemicals, or wasp sprays. It catches queens and workers, from spring through fall.
- Thoughtful Design – Unique Glue Guards create a barrier around the sticky trap surface to reduce the chances of non-insect catches.
- Prevent Damage – Mud daubers (mud wasps, dirt daubers) and carpenter bees can cause serious property damage. The VisiLure TrapStik can stop this before it starts, without the use of potentially harmful sprays or chemicals.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design, manufacture, and market the safest and most effective pest control solutions available for homeowners. We are proud to manufacture our products in the USA!
- Effective and Durable: There are double-entry tunnels on the trap, one on each side, increasing the chance of attracting more insects to the device. These nasty insects will be attracted by added sugar water and ultraviolet rays at night, producing an irresistible odor, they will be submerged in water or eventually dehydrated
- Solar Panels & Lights: Using solar panels, the bumblebee trap above can be charged during the day and operated at night. The blue ultraviolet light will automatically emit a warm light to catch flying insects in the dark. ***Please note: The Wasp Traps don't contain the liquid mixture.***
- Easy to Use: Our Wasp trap is a simple and fast solution to annoying wasps. Basically, add a little sugar water or honey to the trap, and then hang it in the place where there are more insects
- High Quality: Made of PP and stainless steel, not easy to rust and fall off, which will be last for many years
- Environmental & Safe: Greatly simple and safe solution to get rid of annoying and dangerous insects, much more safe and eco-friendly for you and your families playing outdoor
- Lure & Eliminate Yellowjackets – This disposable yellowjacket trap targets and traps all major species of yellowjackets found in Mountain & Pacific States. Please consult the map to ensure you are purchasing the correct trap.
- Most Effective During Summer – This trap is most effective during summer months when the weather is warm and dry. (Please note: this trap only targets yellowjackets; it will not catch wasps or hornets).
- Easy to Use – Just add water to activate the powdered attractant and hang the trap outside! The attractant lasts for weeks, and no rebaiting is necessary. Once it’s full, dispose in the trash.
- Mountain & Pacific Formula – Make sure you choose the right trap! The attractant in this model is specially formulated to lure yellowjacket species found in states that fall in the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- Lure & Eliminate Yellowjackets – This disposable yellowjacket trap targets and traps all major species of yellowjackets found in Central & Eastern States. Please consult the map to ensure you are purchasing the correct trap.
- Most Effective During Summer – This trap is most effective during summer months when the weather is warm and dry. (Please note: this trap only targets yellowjackets; it will not catch wasps or hornets).
- Easy to Use – Just add water to activate the powdered attractant and hang the trap outside! The attractant lasts for weeks, and no rebaiting is necessary. Once it’s full, dispose in the trash.
- Central & Eastern Formula – Make sure you choose the right trap! The attractant in this model is specially formulated to lure yellowjacket species found in states falling in Central & Eastern Time Zones.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
- Eliminate Wasps with Solar Power: Say goodbye to annoying yellow jackets and wasps! This wasp trap uses a solar-powered lure light—it automatically charges during the day with an efficient solar panel, then emits a proven blue-spectrum light combined with natural bait to attract insects. This solution ensures that your backyard barbecues and patio gatherings remain undisturbed all season long.
- Safe and Natural Home Protection: This yellow jacket trap is perfect for households with children and pets. Our insect trap relies on harmless, food-grade attractants like honey, juice, or syrup. This gentle method effectively diverts pests away from play areas, reducing the risk of stings while keeping your garden and outdoor spaces peaceful.
- Easy Hang Design, Ready to Use: No complex tools or wiring needed—our bee trap comes with a hanging hook so you can install it on a tree, fence, or any outdoor location in seconds. The built-in entry tunnel naturally guides insects inside, safely capturing them without constant effort.
- Durable and Weatherproof with IP44: This hornet trap is made from high-quality, durable materials that withstand rain, wind, and UV exposure, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. With an IP44 rating, it is fully waterproof and fade-resistant, making it a trustworthy tool for effective wasp control throughout all four seasons.
- Reusable and Cost-Effective: This carpenter bee trap is designed for sustainability and is easy to empty and refill every 2–3 weeks—simply pour out the insects when the container is two-thirds full and add your preferred bait. The solar-powered lighting eliminates battery costs, making it an economical choice.
- THE ORIGINAL – There’s a reason you see this trap everywhere: it’s the original, and it works! There are roughly a dozen species of stinging yellow jackets throughout North America, and this trap is designed to lure them all.
- HIGHLY EFFECTIVE – Lured in by our specially formulated attractant, yellowjackets fly in through the holes in the bottom of the trap, continue upward through the interior cone, and become trapped. Once inside, they die from dehydration—no killing agent required.
- NON-TOXIC – Unlike potentially harmful sprays, this trap relies on a non-toxic mode of action to eliminate yellowjackets. Its durable plastic construction is built to withstand many seasons of use. Attractant refills are available.
- SMARTER PEST CONTROL – Our Reusable Yellowjacket Trap is specially designed to attract and kill yellowjackets, not beneficial honeybees. The included attractant lasts for weeks without daily maintenance.
- MADE IN THE USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design, manufacture, and market the safest and most effective pest control solutions available for homeowners. We are proud to manufacture our products in the USA!
- Traps Multiple Species – Unsure if your problem is wasps, hornets, or yellowjackets? The RESCUE! WHY Trap attracts all of them, so you’ll never need to identify an insect. Simply hang outdoors and watch them pile up.
- How it Works – A dual-chambered design uses three attractants to catch 19 different species of insects. Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets can crawl in through the top or bottom. Once inside, they expire naturally.
- What it Catches – The WHY Trap includes a two-week supply of attractant designed to attract paper wasps, bald-faced hornets, European hornets, and yellowjackets.
- Reusable – Its durable design allows this trap to be reused for many seasons. Attractant refills are available for purchase.
- Made in the USA – At RESCUE!, our goal is to design and manufacture the safest and most effective pest control solutions available. We proudly manufacture our products in the USA!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Hornet Traps
Hornets can be a real nuisance around your yard, patio, or deck. They sting, and they can ruin outdoor fun. A good hornet trap can help you control their numbers safely. This guide will help you pick the best trap for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a hornet trap, certain features make a big difference in how well it works. Look for these:
- Capacity: How much liquid bait and how many hornets can the trap hold? Larger traps last longer before needing to be emptied.
- Entry Points: Good traps have small, one-way entry holes. This lets hornets fly in but makes it hard for them to fly out.
- Durability: The trap needs to stand up to sun, rain, and wind.
- Easy to Clean: You will need to empty dead hornets and refill the bait. A trap that opens easily is much better.
Important Materials
The material the trap is made from affects how long it lasts and how effective it is.
Plastic Traps
Most traps use durable plastic. Look for UV-resistant plastic. This means the sun won’t make it brittle and crack quickly. Clear or translucent plastic lets you see when the trap is full.
Metal Components
Some traps use metal cages or hooks. Metal is strong but can rust if it is not stainless steel or properly coated.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all traps perform the same. Quality depends on design and construction.
Improving Quality
- Effective Bait Design: Traps that come with or allow for strong, specialized attractant liquids work much better. The liquid should smell irresistible to hornets but not to beneficial insects like bees.
- Stable Base or Hanging System: A trap that tips over easily is useless. Look for sturdy hanging loops or wide, stable bases.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
- Poor Seals: If the trap leaks bait when the wind blows or when it hangs, it creates a sticky mess and attracts other pests.
- Large Entry Holes: If the holes are too big, other insects like wasps or even flies can get in easily, filling up the trap with unwanted pests.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the trap should guide your purchase. Think about where you will place it.
Placement Strategy
You should place traps away from where people gather, like picnic tables. Place them near known hornet activity areas, like near eaves or dense bushes. A trap hung from a tree branch works well for general yard control.
Ease of Use
The best traps are easy to set up. You should be able to mix the bait solution quickly. Cleaning should take less than five minutes. If the process is too hard, people often stop using the traps, and the problem returns.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hornet Traps
Q: How do hornet traps actually work?
A: Hornet traps use a sweet liquid bait that hornets love. They fly into the trap to get the bait but cannot find their way back out through the one-way holes.
Q: Do these traps catch honeybees?
A: Most quality traps are designed to attract only yellow jackets and hornets. The opening size and the specific scent of the professional bait usually keep honeybees out.
Q: What is the best bait to use?
A: Many traps use a commercial liquid attractant. You can also make a simple homemade bait using sugar, water, and a little vinegar or fruit juice.
Q: How often should I replace the bait solution?
A: You should check the trap every few days. Refill or replace the bait when the liquid level gets low or if the solution looks cloudy. This is usually every one to two weeks.
Q: Can I use the same trap for wasps and hornets?
A: Yes. Most traps work well for both common wasps (like yellow jackets) and larger hornets. They are attracted to similar sweet foods.
Q: Where is the best place to hang a hornet trap?
A: Hang the trap at least 15 to 20 feet away from your main outdoor seating area. Place it near the edge of your property or near where you see the most insect activity.
Q: How long does it take for a trap to start working?
A: Results can vary. You might catch a few hornets on the first day. It often takes about three to five days for the bait scent to travel and attract a steady stream of pests.
Q: Do I need to wear gloves when emptying the trap?
A: Yes. Always wear gloves. Even though the hornets inside are dead or dying, they can still sometimes sting if you handle the trap roughly. Safety first!
Q: Are plastic traps better than glass ones?
A: Plastic traps are generally safer and more durable. If a glass trap breaks, you have sharp pieces mixed with dead insects and bait, which is dangerous.
Q: What should I do with the dead hornets?
A: Carefully empty the contents into a garbage bag. Seal the bag tightly and dispose of it in your regular outdoor trash bin.