While yellow jackets have their place—these beneficial insects do wonders for your flowers—your garden may be the last thing on your mind when these buzzing critters are swarming around your pitcher of sweet tea. Skip the toxic pesticides in favor of this natural, homemade bait that will safely lure those cranky stingers away.
What you'll need:
- Large 2-liter bottle
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 banana peel
- 4 cups of water
- Razor knife
Pour ½ cup of water into the bottle. Add the sugar and shake the liquid until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the apple cider vinegar and shake well. Add the banana peel (decaying fruit attracts yellow jackets), and then add more water until the bottle is about halfway full.
Cut a ¾-inch hole in the top half of the bottle and place it close to the hive. If you can't find the hive, or don't want to get that close to the swarming nest of buzzing insects, place the trap far away from your summer barbecue. The yellow jackets will be most interested in the watering, sugary concotion than you and your food.