Wasp Traps - Ask Extension
I recently purchased solar-powered wasp traps to place in my garden. The only insect I really want to get rid of is yellow jackets. I am concerned tha...
Knowledgebase
Wasp Traps #925931
Asked March 12, 2026, 4:32 PM EDT
I recently purchased solar-powered wasp traps to place in my garden. The only insect I really want to get rid of is yellow jackets. I am concerned that these traps will attract my bees and other important pollinators. I am attaching a picture of the trap and the instructions. What do you think??
Also, last year I purchased two large bags of cactus, palm & citrus soil. I wondered if I could augment the soil so that I can use it in my planters and planting beds. Is that possible?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Pat,
Because the solar wasp trap uses a generic "sweet" bait, it can attract non-wasp insects, like pollinators. The yellow jacket traps are better because the baits only attract yellow jackets. You would want to put those out NOW because they will capture the queens and not the drones. Take it down in May - after that point, you'll just collect the workers. The queens fly early to establish their colonies for the season.
You can use the cacti mix, but I would suggest you mix it with other potting media. There is probably a lot of sand in it, which will decrease water holding capacity and drain quickly. Perhaps do a 3-1 ratio of potting mix to cacti mix (or 2-1).
Because the solar wasp trap uses a generic "sweet" bait, it can attract non-wasp insects, like pollinators. The yellow jacket traps are better because the baits only attract yellow jackets. You would want to put those out NOW because they will capture the queens and not the drones. Take it down in May - after that point, you'll just collect the workers. The queens fly early to establish their colonies for the season.
You can use the cacti mix, but I would suggest you mix it with other potting media. There is probably a lot of sand in it, which will decrease water holding capacity and drain quickly. Perhaps do a 3-1 ratio of potting mix to cacti mix (or 2-1).
Thanks!!
Pat Ewert
719 Locust Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
<personal data hidden>
