DIY Bee Traps: A Safe And Effective Guide

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, but they can become a nuisance, especially during outdoor gatherings. While it’s important to protect and preserve bee populations, there are times when you may need to keep them at bay. Creating DIY bee traps is a practical solution for keeping bees away from areas where they might be unwelcome, like your picnic or cookout space.

Understanding Bee Behavior
Before diving into DIY bee traps, it’s crucial to understand bee behavior. Bees are generally attracted to sweet scents, which is why they often hover around sugary foods and drinks. However, bees are also beneficial pollinators, so it’s essential to use traps responsibly, aiming to deter rather than harm them.

Simple DIY Bee Trap Ideas
Here are some easy-to-make bee traps that can help keep your outdoor space bee-free:

1. Soda Bottle Bee Trap
This classic trap is simple and effective. All you need is an empty plastic soda bottle, some sugar water, and a bit of fruit juice.
Materials Needed:
• Empty plastic soda bottle
• Scissors or a knife
• Sugar water or sweet juice
• Tape

Instructions:
• Cut off the top third of the soda bottle.
• Fill the bottom part of the bottle with sugar water or sweet juice. This mixture will attract the bees.
• Invert the top part of the bottle and place it inside the bottom part, forming a funnel.
• Tape the edges together to secure the funnel in place.
• Place the trap in an area where bees are a problem.
• Bees will be attracted to the sweet liquid, enter the bottle through the funnel, and will have difficulty finding their way out.

2. Jar and Funnel Trap

Another simple yet effective bee trap can be made using a glass jar and a paper funnel.
Materials Needed:
• Glass jar with a lid
• Paper (to make a funnel)
• Sugar water or fruit juice
• Tape

Instructions:
• Fill the jar with sugar water or fruit juice.
• Create a funnel with the paper, ensuring the hole at the bottom is large enough for a bee to enter but small enough to make escape difficult.
• Place the funnel in the jar, with the narrow end pointing downwards.
• Tape the funnel to the jar to keep it in place.
• Set the trap in an area with bee activity.
• Bees will be drawn to the sugary scent, enter the jar through the funnel, and find it hard to escape.

3. Homemade Sticky Trap
This trap is a bit more involved but can be very effective in catching bees.
Materials Needed:
• A piece of cardboard or wood
• Sticky adhesive (like Tanglefoot or any sticky trap adhesive)
• Sugar water or fruit juice
• Small container

Instructions:
• Spread the sticky adhesive on one side of the cardboard or wood.
• Place a small container with sugar water or fruit juice near the sticky surface. You can also dab a bit of the sweet liquid directly on the sticky area.
• Position the trap where bees are most active.
• Bees attracted to the sweet scent will land on the sticky surface and become trapped.

Tips for Using Bee Traps Responsibly
While DIY bee traps are effective, it’s important to use them with care to avoid harming too many bees. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Position Wisely: Place traps away from areas where people will be sitting or eating to avoid attracting bees to these spaces.
Use Sparingly: Only use traps when necessary, such as during an outdoor event. Avoid leaving traps out for extended periods to minimize harm to the bee population.
Consider Relocation: If you have a bee infestation, consider contacting a local beekeeper or pest control professional who can safely relocate the bees without harming them.

Keeping Bees at Bay
DIY bee traps are a practical way to manage bee activity around your home, especially during outdoor gatherings. By using these traps responsibly, you can keep bees away from your immediate space while still respecting their important role in the ecosystem. Remember, the goal is to deter bees, not to harm them, so always use these traps with care and consideration.