Once set the WaspBane wasp trap requires little if any maintenance. Should the WaspBane wasp trap require maintenance for any reason then this should be done when wasps aren’t flying preferably at the first light of day or late dusk.

Drying Out

The bait powders provided with the trap are non toxic food grade materials designed to keep the trap fresh through out the year. In exceptionally hot summers it may be necessary to add a little water to the WaspBane wasp trap but this is rare. The easiest way to do this is to simply take the trap whilst it is still fully assembled and lay it on its side so that one of the entry flutes is pointing vertically upwards. Pour water directly into the entry flute and then stand the WaspBane wasp trap upright again. The water will drain from the vapour chamber into the bait chamber.

Slugs

The bait system of the WaspBane wasp trap may stop working if large slugs (greater than 3cm) get into the trap which periodically happens if the WaspBane wasp trap is placed on the ground. Where large slugs have entered the vapour chamber but not the bait chamber, then the WaspBane wasp trap should be dismantled as detailed below and the slugs removed from the vapour chamber. The vapour chamber should be washed with soap and water to remove any slime left by the slugs before being re-assembled. If the slugs get into the bait chamber then the WaspBane wasp trap should be monitored for efficacy. If wasps stop coming to the trap then the bait chamber should be replaced with a new one.

Capacity

The bait system in the WaspBane wasp trap may be overwhelmed if too many wasps are caught at the same time and start to decay before the WaspBane wasp trap has chance to ‘compost’ them down. In such situations (which again are quite rare) the WaspBane wasp trap may start to stink and attract flies instead of wasps in which case the bait chamber should be replaced. If the WaspBane wasp trap catches too many wasps in a short space of time the wasps may interfere with the self sealing mechanism and there is a risk that they may be drawn through the self sealing mechanism when the trap is taken apart. Therefore, if the number of wasps caught in the WaspBane wasp trap exceeds the SAFE CAPACITY mark embossed on the side of the bait chamber, then the bait chamber needs to be replaced with a new one.

Of the countless thousands of WaspBane wasp traps used each year, only a handful ever need to have their bait chambers replaced in the same season.

Vapour Chamber

The WaspBane wasp trap is designed to last a whole season after which the bait chamber should be thrown away and replaced with a new one the following year. The vapour chamber should be washed with warm soapy water and then rinsed with clean fresh water. Allow the trap to dry and then put into storage in a dark dry place for use the following year. If looked after properly, the vapour chamber should last for a few seasons before it becomes brittle. The vapour chamber is not protected from UV rays because UV stabilizers glow in the ultraviolet range and attract bees. Before re-using the vapour chamber it is recommended that it is checked to see if it is brittle. To do this, simply squeeze the vapour chamber several times quickly. If the vapour chamber makes a crinkling/cracking sound then it should be replaced. If the vapour chamber flexes without making any sound it should be OK to use for the forthcoming season.

Dismantling Instructions

Please follow the instructions below if you wish to dismantle the WaspBane wasp trap at the end of the season or to replace a bait chamber.

1. Check that the vapour chamber is empty and free from wasps.

2. If wasps are present in the vapour chamber, cover the vapour chamber with a dark cloth or vapour chamber sleeve making sure that the bait chamber remains uncovered. Wasps fly towards the light so they will fly from the vapour chamber into the bait chamber. This may take a few minutes.

3. Swirl the WaspBane wasp trap to dislodge any wasps which may be on the safety seal or nozzle.

4. Place the WaspBane wasp trap on a flat surface.

5. Unscrew the lid from the vapour chamber and have it close to hand ready to seal the bait chamber.

6. Fully unscrew the vapour chamber collar. The vapour chamber will not separate from the bait chamber.

7. Hold the vapour chamber (not the vapour chamber collar) and pull the vapour chamber out from the bait chamber using a twisting motion.

8. Screw the lid onto the bait chamber immediately and dispose as domestic waste. Do not tighten the lid. This will allow the bait chamber to compress if it is disposed to landfill.

9. The vapour chamber is ready for cleaning and re-use after being checked for brittleness.

To assemble the WaspBane wasp trap go to 2.2.1 Assembly.