07/03/2008 (By Larissa Walkiw)

Make your own Eco-friendly bug trap

Are wasps and other mean bugs getting in the way of your picnics and BBQs this summer? Keep them at bay by building a simple bug trap made from a recycled bottle!

All you need is:

A plastic bottle (a 1.5 L pop bottle works great)

An exacto knife

Bait (orange juice, soda pop, or some other liquid that's bound to bring in the bugs)

STEP 1: Remove the bottle cap. Cut around the upper third of the bottle using the exacto knife. (Be careful not to cut yourself during this step!) You will have two pieces: the top section and the bottom section of the bottle.

STEP 2: Pour some 'bait' (ex. orange juice or soda pop) into the bottom section of the bottle.

STEP 3: Take the top section of the bottle, turn it upside down, and fit it snugly inside the bottom section of the bottle.

Pests will be able to find their way into the bottle, but won't be able to find their way out again.

If you're planning an outdoor dinner or party, make a few bottle traps to set up around the table. They're cheap to make, quick to assemble, and they'll keep those pesky bugs away from your summer smorgasbord.

How are you finding Summer Tips Week on Y&F so far? Let me know by posting a comment below.

Larissa

Comments

1) Veronika - 07/03/2008

Hi Larissa, I have made these wasp traps in the past and they really work! However, instead of using an exacto knife, I just used my scissors to cut the pop bottle because the plastic is quite thin and easy to cut.