Red Wasp Trap

Very few can lay claim of not having had an experience of the terrible sting by red wasps, which are almost like the killer hornets and yellow jacket sting wasps. The only distinction being their red color. They belong to the family of Vespidae which houses about 300 recognized species and sub-species. Quite often they choose houses and buildings to initiate their nests. They have been reported to turn highly aggressive when provoked or when they perceive any kind of threat. In response, the complete lot from their nest turns its attention towards the threat and punishes it ruthlessly. On many occasions, stung by red wasps has been observed to be severe enough to cause death, and therefore it is very important to learn proper handling procedures when dealing with the red wasps. You have two options to stay protected from red wasp stings. Either adopt some preventive measures beforehand or use a red wasp trap to keep them away from yourself.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures are undoubtedly the best. Avoidance of places of their nesting is always advisable. The following is also recommended to prevent or eliminate wasps easily.

• Sealing all possible entry points like doors, windows and ventilators is the primary defensive battle against the red wasps.
• Avoid wearing floral patterned dresses while being in their vicinity since this will attract the wasps and you may be harassed.
• Do not leave anything eatables like pet food, open cans of juice, pieces of fruits, etc., in the open.
• It is better to walk away confidently on coming across the red wasps rather than trying to swat and squash them, because this makes them release a chemical (pheromone) which attracts and incites wasps roaming nearby.
• You can also avoid wasp nests on walls by lining the under roof area (prone to nesting) with aluminum foil with the help of a staple gun. Generous application of bar soap solution in areas likely to prove ideal for nesting, would also be a good help at least for one season.

Traps for Red Wasps

Numerous ways ranging from improvised to commercialized traps can be resorted to, depending upon the likely size and numbers of nests. Using pesticides can be very effective, but due restraint ought to be exercised before selection of the chemical considering the degree of toxicants and the pollution that will accrue. Ideally, traps should be set up in early spring when only the queen variety travels around in search of food and each captured queen in turn represents over 3000 workers trapped. Some commonly used trap have been mentioned below:

Water Trap
One of the simplest homemade wasp traps wherein a plastic bottle (2 liter) is cut one-fourth from the top. Place the top cut portion inverted on the lower one and secure both with colorful tapes. Fill the lower half portion with water. Rub the upper portion with jam or honey to attract the wasps which will subsequently fall in the water and drown. You can place the trap or hang it with a string at any place infested by wasps. Don't forget to empty and recharge the trap on regular basis.

Non-Toxic Glass Wasp Trap
Available for a reasonable $15.99 is made of colored hard glass which accommodates a non-toxic lure. Add a bit of water to the lure and place its stopper. Station the trap at locations supposed to be concentration areas. Wasps get attracted by the trap and get into it through two bottom holes only to get trapped and drown.

The Waspinator
Something like a "scare crow for wasps", the waspinator, readily available in market, is though an artificial nest, but exactly resembles natural nests and deters the red wasps since they do not like to encroach upon the vicinities of other nests.

There are scores of other traps and repellents, both improvised versions available in the market, which you can choose as anti-wasp measures. But it is best to avoid them as far as possible. Make sure that children, most likely potential threats to the wasps, are well-educated and well-advised to abandon misadventures of disturbing the red wasps. Stay away, stay safe!