Yellowjacket Trap FAQs

What it catches

Does the trap work on paper wasps?  

The RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Trap will not catch paper wasps; however, we will have a new trap on the market in 2009 that will. The W·H·Y Trap for Wasps, Hornets & Yellowjackets from RESCUE!® will catch 6 species of Paper Wasps; Bald-faced Hornets and European Hornets; and 12 species of Yellowjackets. Visit www.whyistheanswer.com to learn more.

Does the RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Trap catch ground hornets or meat bees?  

Yellowjackets are sometimes referred to as ground hornets, ground bees or meat bees in different parts of the country. If it's truly a yellowjacket, we will catch it!

Will honey bees be attracted to the RESCUE!® trap?  

RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Traps will not catch honey bees. While yellowjackets pose a threat to humans, honey bees are not dangerous and are regarded as beneficial insects since they pollinate crops and flowers and produce honey. 

Where it works

Where do I place the trap? 

Place the trap away from human activity, as yellowjackets will be drawn to the area near the trap. Place where there is air movement, but not strong wind. For best results, it is a good idea to place traps around the perimeter of your property to create a barrier. If you know a nest is nearby, the trap should be placed at least 20 feet away from it.  

What is the range of the trap? 

The trap should cover a radius of 20 feet. Three to four traps will cover an average-sized yard. 

How close to the nest should I place the trap? 

The trap should be placed no closer than 20 feet away from a yellowjacket nest. (Nests are usually underground, with an opening the size of a nickel.) 

Can I use the trap indoors? 

No; the trap is meant to be used outdoors only, to draw the yellowjackets away from human activity. The trap also needs airflow to disperse the attractant.

The Yellowjacket Attractant 

Will the trap work without the attractant? 

The RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Attractant is the primary attractant for drawing yellowjackets to the trap. You can use it with the supplemental attractants we suggest on the package instructions, but food used alone will yield smaller and short-lived catches. Replacements of our attractant can be found at the retailer where you purchased the trap.  

You can enhance the effectiveness of the reusable trap by adding a protein supplement during the summer season, in addition to the RESCUE!® Attractant. We recommend turkey ham because it doesn't spoil and provides the most consistently successful results. Products high in fat content quickly spoil and will actually deter yellowjackets – as will any decayed matter. During the late summer and early fall, a carbohydrate supplement (such as apple juice concentrate) is recommended.

How often do I replace the attractant in the trap? 

The liquid form of the RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Attractant should be replaced every 2 to 3 weeks. If it dries out (as in very hot temperatures), you may add a few drops of water to the cotton ball to extend the life of the attractant. 

The RESCUE!® Yellowjacket Attractant Cartridge lasts up to ten weeks. 

What is the shelf life of the attractant? 

The unopened attractant can be used indefinitely -- there is no expiration date.

Safety Questions 

How do I empty the trap if there are live yellowjackets inside? 

Placing the trap in the freezer for a couple of hours will kill any remaining yellowjackets. Be sure to first tape over the bottom entrance holes. 

What time of day is it safe to hang or empty the trap? 

Evening or early morning are the best times to hang or empty the trap, when there is no yellowjacket activity. We recommend emptying the trap before the dead yellowjackets accumulate above the cone. 

What should I do if a child or animal ingests the attractant? 

The product itself does not pose a health risk. . . the main concern is the scent because it will draw yellowjackets. Give them water or milk to drink, wash the substance off of the face and mouth with soap and water, and scrub their tongue with toothpaste to remove the scent. 

What should I do if the attractant spills on someone's skin? 

Again, the main concern is to remove the scent because it will draw yellowjackets. Wash the substance off completely with a soap that removes grease until the scent is completely gone.

What should I do if the attractant gets in someone’s eye? 

The substance may be a mild irritant but will cause no permanent damage. Rinse the eye with water for 20 minutes to flush the substance out.