The RESCUE! WHY Trap, manufactured by Rescue, is an excellent trap for addressing a paper wasp, hornet or yellowjacket problem.

The reason it works so well is its double-chambered design and three different attractants. The top chamber is baited with two attractants -- one of which is a solid contained in a vial, and the other a liquid mixed with water. The bottom chamber is baited with a liquid attractant poured onto a cotton pad.

Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets have two ways to enter: either through the top cap or through the holes in the bottom cap. Once inside the trap, the insects cannot fly out and die either by drowning (top chamber) or dehydration (bottom chamber). Because of its durable construction, it can be reused for multiple seasons. 

Tools Needed

The trap comes ready to use but you will need a pair of scissors, string wire or twist tie before proceeding.

How to Use

• Step 1: Unscrew the bottom cap to remove the cardboard coaster. Grasp the anterior comb to remove it and the contents inside.
• Step 2: Slide the cone back into the tab channel and snap it into place.
• Step 3: Place the cotton ball into the attractant cup. Cut the tip of the attractant tube and carefully empty the liquid onto the cotton.
• Step 4: Screw the bottom cap back into place. Thread your twist tie through the top tab then hang the trap outdoors in the natural setting like a tree 20 feet away from human activities or an area known to have a yellow jacket nest.

Where to Use

We recommend the trap be placed at least 20 feet away from an outdoor activity area, such as a patio or deck. Generally speaking, the Why Trap will capture more paper wasps near a house structure, and more hornets and yellowjackets near a natural setting of bushes and trees. It can be highly effective to place multiple traps around the perimeter of a yard or area where insects are entering. The trap should also be placed at least 20 feet away from a known yellowjacket nest.

When to Use

The RESCUE! WHY Trap can be used in early spring when the queen paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets emerge from overwintering to look for new nest sites. It can also be used throughout the summer and fall to capture foraging wasp, hornet and yellowjacket workers. Wasp, hornet and yellowjacket queens hibernate during the winter, then emerge to look for nest sites. Paper wasp queens are the first to emerge, usually in late winter. Hornet and yellowjacket queens emerge later, during the first warm days of spring. When you use the WHY Trap at that time, you can capture some queens and reduce the likelihood that a nest will be established nearby.

Safety Information

The Rescue WHY Trap is absolutely safe to use around children and pets when applied according to the product label instructions. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling and applying this product.

Special Considerations

The attractant only will last for two weeks. You will need to purchase more attractant when you want to reuse.