| How to Make a Wasp Trap Posted: 24 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT When wasps make a nest too close to home, they can pose a danger to people and household pets. While you can purchase wasp traps, they are often sticky and difficult to set up. Instead, try making your own reusable wasp trap out a plastic bottle, and some enticing bait like meat, sugar, or dish soap. This homemade wasp trap will not only be effective in catching the wasps, but it will also be easy for you to set up and maintain. [Edit]Making the Wasp Trap - Remove the labels from a plastic soda bottle. You want to be able to easily see through the bottle; otherwise, you won't know whether you caught any wasps or not. If the bottle you selected has labels that cannot be removed, you can use that bottle, but know that it will be harder to check on.[1]
- You don't have to use a plastic bottle to create this wasp trap. You can use a different type of plastic bottle or carton to make this trap, but make sure that the opening of the bottle or carton is large enough for the wasp to crawl through.[2]
- Draw a line with a marker around the neck of the plastic bottle. The line should be just under the neck of the bottle and where the mid-section of the bottle becomes a straight cylinder. The line does not have to perfectly straight as it is just to help guide you when cutting the bottle.[3]
- For a carton, draw the line around the top portion of the carton, just under the natural crease that forms the triangular top.
- Cut the neck off the plastic bottle along the marked line. You can use a razor knife, a pair of scissors, or whatever you are most comfortable using. The implement just needs to be sharp enough to cut through the bottle.[4]
- When you make your first cut, the plastic bottle can be slippery, so take your time and be careful not to cut yourself. To reduce slippage, place the bottle on a slightly damp cloth or towel. This will create needed traction to hold the bottle steady.
- You are going to need both the base and neck portions of the bottle to make this trap, so cut along your line.
- Use a paper towel grease the inside of the bottle and funnel with olive oil. This will create an additional slippery barrier that the wasps will be unable to climb. It is not necessary to do this, as the oil can become tacky over time if you do not maintain it or clean the bottle periodically, but it can make the trap temporarily more effective. Instead of olive oil, you can also use petroleum jelly.[5]
- Flip the neck upside-down, and place the neck into the bottle. The neck of the bottle will serve as a funnel for the wasps to enter, but not exit, the trap. Make sure to remove the cap before placing the neck into the bottle. This is the opening where the wasps will be entering.[6]
- Tape the two pieces together along the cut edges. The tape will hold the funnel in place. It is best to use a clear packing tape to do this, so you can easily see when a wasp is inside the trap.[7]
- For tape that is not clear, like duct tape, cut the strip in half to keep the band of tape as narrow as possible.
- Make two holes on opposite sides of the funnel's edge. Use a hole-puncher, scissors, or another pointy implement to make the 2 holes. Just be careful when making the holes, so you do not injure yourself.[8]
- Tie the ends of a long string to each punched hole. This will create a handle so you can hang your wasp trap. You can use any type of string you have around, but try to pick one that is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the trap, and any wind that might blow it around.[9]
- A sturdy twine or even an old shoelace would work well as a handle for the wasp trap.
[Edit]Baiting and Setting up the Trap - Use grease or meat scraps as bait during spring and early summer. Dilute the mixture with some water to create a solution that will aid in drowning the wasps. In the spring and early summer months, the wasps will be focusing on making nests and laying eggs, so the wasps will be out looking for protein.[10]
- If you use meat during this time, you may even catch the queen wasp, which will force the rest of the nest to relocate.
- Bait the trap with something sweet during late summer and early fall. Mix the sweet substance with water and liquid dish soap. In the later summer and early fall months, the wasps want more energy, so they will be looking for something sweet. The dish soap will break the surface tension of the water and drown the wasp. Some sweet options include: sugar, lemon juice, or vinegar. You may have to experiment with the type and amount of sweet options to attract the wasps.[11]
- You can increase the amounts of water and soap as needed to fill your trap, but try and keep a ratio of of liquid dish soap for every } of water.[12]
- If you do not want to drown the wasp, but instead release it, do not add dish soap to the bait solution. Using dish soap will coat any wasps that escape and eventually suffocate the wasps.[13]
- Pour the mixed bait solution into the funnel of the wasp trap. The bait solution should not cover the opening of the bottle as this will prevent the wasps from entering the trap. You want about of the solution inside of the bottle. This will force the wasps to completely enter the trap in order to access the bait.[14]
- If you are not using a plastic bottle, and the bottle you chose instead is short, add less solution. You want at least of space between the baiting solution and the opening of the funnel inside of the shorter trap.
- If you are planning on releasing the wasps, then only add of the solution to the bottle. This will be enough solution to attract the wasp, but not enough to drown them.
- Set up your trap outside on the ground or hang it up. Stand the trap on a small table or stool so it is slightly elevated from the ground. You can also hang the trap from a fence post or a low tree branch as well. Traps that are hung about from the ground tend to catch more wasps than traps left on the ground.[15]
- Since the trap will be attracting wasps, you don't want to place it in an area close to where you frequently hang out or work. A good distance would be about away from your main gathering area outside.[16]
[Edit]Removing the Wasps and Refilling the Bait - Check the wasp trap daily. You want to make sure that you are using the right bait and placing your trap in the right spot to attract the wasps. At least for the first few days or until you know the wasp trap is working, check on the wasp trap at least once a day.[17]
- If you do not seem to be catching any wasps, try relocating the trap to another area where you know you have seen the wasps, or try a different bait solution combination.
- Undo the tape on the trap, and clean it out every 3 days. If you leave the trap unattended, the dead wasps will float on the surface of the bait solution and create a platform for other wasps to rest on. Make sure that all of the wasps in the trap are dead before removing the tape. Any wasps that are left alive in the trap will most likely be very aggressive.[18]
- Release living wasps with extreme caution. Unlike bees, wasps are aggressive by nature. You can release the wasps if you want, but do it away from your property and not in a place where other people hang out. Wasps will alert the rest of the colony if given the chance, so do not release the wasp near the nest. If there are uninhabited woods or fields down the road from you, try releasing the wasps there.[19]
- If you are going to release any living wasps, make sure to wear gloves, and clothing that will cover your arms and legs.[20]
- Bury or flush the dead wasps to avoid attracting others. Wasps are notorious for attacking in groups if they sense another wasp is in danger of being harmed. The dead body of a wasp will release a chemical that will attract the rest of the wasp colony. Just simply dumping the bodies of the wasps or tossing them into a trash can will only attract more nearby wasps.[21]
- Tape the wasp trap together again, and refill it with your bait solution. Unlike traditional sticky wasp traps, this homemade wasp trap can be used repeatedly. You just have to make more of your bait solution, and refill it.[22]
- Also apply more of the olive oil or petroleum jelly if you used that to coat the inside of your trap.
- If the trap develops a rotting or sour smell, rinse it with hot water before filling it with more bait solution. If the smell persists, you may want to consider making another wasp trap, or using vinegar in the trap to combat the smell.
- This is a measure to minimize wasp presence, not eliminate it — unless you catch a queen. The only way to keep wasps away completely is to remove the wasp nest. If you want the nest removed, call a professional to safely accomplish this.[23]
[Edit]Warnings - Do not add honey to your trap. This will attract more bees than wasps.[24]
- Do not place the trap anywhere near where children or pets will be spending time. The wasps will be attracted to the trap, so you do not want it in a popular hangout area on your property.[25]
- Be careful when handling the wasps. Even if the wasp is dead, the stinger is still active and can puncture you. If you are allergic to wasps and get stung once or multiple times, seek medical help immediately. Even if you are not allergic to wasp stings, receiving multiple stings can require medical attention.[26]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - soda bottle
- Sharp razor blade, or scissors to cut the bottle
- Hole-puncher
- Packing tape or Duct tape
- long piece of string
- Water
- Liquid dish soap
- Sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, meat grease, or meat scraps
- Olive oil, or petroleum jelly (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Transfer Pictures Onto Wood Posted: 23 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT Putting your pictures onto wood is a fun and simple way to create rustic decorations for your home. As long as you have a picture printed with a laserjet or HP printer, you'll be able to transfer the photo and make a beautiful piece of art to display. With a few simple supplies that you have at home or can find at your local craft store, you'll be able to make new decor that you'll love to show off! [Edit]Using Mod Podge - Cut the printed photo to the same size as the wood. Use a pair of scissors to cut the photo to size. Make sure the main focus of the picture is in the middle of the piece of wood when you're done cutting it down.[1]
- Make sure the photo is flipped horizontally if there are any words on it so they don't transfer backwards.
- Wood slices with bark can be purchased at your local arts and crafts store, but any smooth, flat piece of wood will work.
- Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on the wood's surface. Mod Podge is an adhesive and transfer agent used in many crafts. Pour a coin-sized amount onto the wood's surface and spread it evenly with a foam brush. Make sure there are no bubbles or large pools of the Mod Podge on the wood. Smooth out all of the liquid and remove any excess with the edge of the foam brush.[2]
- You can also use any photo transfer medium in place of the Mod Podge.
- Press the photo onto the wood. Set the photo on top of the wood face-down so it lays flat on the Mod Podge. Use the side of your fist to rub the photo onto the wood to remove any air bubbles and ensure the photo completely transfers.[3]
- Use a rubber roller, or brayer, to help flatten the picture.
- Let the photo set for 24 hours. Leave the photo in a cool, dry place so it can fully transfer onto the wood's surface. Don't lift the photo off the piece of wood at all.[4]
- Keep the wood on a counter or tabletop out of reach of pets so it can dry undisturbed.
- Wet a cloth and gently rub the back of the paper. Run a washcloth under warm water and wring it out. Lay the rag on top of the paper and press it down to get the picture wet. Use gentle back and forth motions to rub the paper away from the photo. The paper should easily tear away while the picture stays on the wood.[5]
- You can let the picture dry and then rub it again with another wet cloth to pull up any remaining residue.
- Seal the photo with a matte finish. Paint a thin layer on the wood's surface to protect the picture. Let the first layer dry before painting the second layer in the opposite direction. Once it's dry, your photo is complete![6]
- Purchase a matte finish from your local arts and crafts store.
- Remember to wash off your paint brush when you finish!
[Edit]Transferring Photos with Nail Polish Remover - Put a printed photo face-down on the piece of wood. Print the picture on regular paper with a laser or HP printer. Make sure the photo is the same size as the piece of wood you're using.[7]
- If the photo has words on it, flip it horizontally on your computer so the words read the right way once it's transferred.
- Wet a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub the back of the picture. Dip the cotton ball in the nail polish and rub it back and forth across the picture. The paper will become slightly transparent so you can see the picture on the other side. Coat the entire picture with the remover.[8]
- Use makeup cleaning pads instead of cotton balls to cover more surface area.
- Press the photo onto the wood with the back of a spoon. As soon as you've applied the nail polish remover, put firm pressure on the back of the spoon to transfer the photo onto the wood's surface. Move back and forth across the back of the photo so it lays down evenly.[9]
- Alternatively, use a brayer to roll the photo smooth.
- Peel the paper off of the piece of wood slowly. Pinch the corner of the paper between your fingers and peel it back from the wood. The photo should have completely transferred onto its surface.[10]
- If the paper starts to rip, try pulling it from a different corner instead.
[Edit]Printing on Wax Paper - Glue a piece of wax paper to a sheet of printer paper. Use a glue stick to attach the wax paper to a regular sheet of printer paper. Make sure the glossy side of the wax paper is facing up. This will make it easier for the wax paper to go through the printer without ripping or jamming.[11]
- Don't leave any lumps of glue between the paper since this could jam the printer.
- Print the picture onto the wax paper. Feed the paper into the printer so the photo prints on the glossy side of the wax paper. Make sure the photo prints out to the same size as your piece of wood.[12]
- You can use either a laser or inkjet printer on the wax paper.
- Mark a regular piece of paper in your printer and make a test print. Look for the mark on the test print to determine which way the paper feeds through your printer.
- Press the printed photo onto a flat piece of wood. While the ink is still wet, lay the piece of paper on top of the wood. Use the side of your fist to press on the photo firmly. Rub it so the ink transfers onto the wood.[13]
- Work quickly after the photo is printed since the ink will only sit on the surface of the wax paper for about 5 minutes before it dries.
- Lift the paper gently off of the wood. Peel the paper off of the wood slowly so the picture doesn't smear. The picture will look faint and the wood grain will be visible. Let the wood dry for 30 minutes before handling it.[14]
- Flip the photo horizontally on your computer before printing it if there are words in the picture. Otherwise, they'll be reversed once you transfer it.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Using Mod Podge - Laser-printed photo
- Scissors
- Piece of wood
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Washcloth
- Matte finish
[Edit]Transferring Photos with Nail Polish Remover - Laser-printed photo
- Piece of wood
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton ball or swab
- Spoon
[Edit]Printing on Wax Paper - Wax paper
- Printer paper
- Gluestick
- Printer
- Piece of wood
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Rid of Earwax Posted: 23 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT Although earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear and ear canal, sometimes it builds up, causing hearing difficulties or discomfort. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, like ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing, or dizziness, see a doctor since you may have an ear infection or other more serious condition. However, for simple maintenance, you can remove excess earwax with ear-safe substances like saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, or mineral oil. No matter what, however, always make sure to be gentle with your ears, so you don't cause more harm than good. [Edit]Cleaning Your Ears with Liquid Solutions - Rinse your ears with saline solution. A saline rinse is a gentle and effective solution for getting wax out of your ears. Soak a cotton ball with the solution, then tilt the affected ear toward the ceiling and squeeze a few drops into your ear. Keep your head tilted to the side for 1 minute to allow the saline to soak in, then tilt it the other way to let it flow out.[1]
- Gently dry your outer ear with a towel when you're done.
- You can buy pre-made sterile saline solution at the drug store, or make your own by mixing of distilled water with 2 teaspoons (11.4 g) of noniodized salt.[2] You can use tap water instead of distilled water, but you should boil it for at least 20 minutes and allow it to cool before use.
- If your earwax is hard and impacted, you may need to soften it first with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, or commercial earwax remover.[3]
- Soften stubborn earwax with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has the added advantage of being able to dissolve hardened earwax. To clean your ears, dip a clean cotton ball in a solution of 1 part water and 1 part hydrogen peroxide or pull a few drops into a medicine dropper or syringe bulb. Tilt your ear up and let 3-5 drops flow in, wait 5 minutes, then tilt your ear down to let the fluid flow out again.[4]
- You may wish to follow up with a plain water or saline rinse.
- You can use this solution 2 to 3 times a day for up to a week. Stop and consult your doctor if you experience pain or irritation in your ears.
- Try baby or mineral oil as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide. Much like hydrogen peroxide, baby or mineral oil can help soften stubborn earwax, making it easier to remove. Use a medicine dropper to put 2 to 3 drops of oil in your ear, then hold your ear facing up for 2-3 minutes so the oil has a chance to soak in. When you're done, tilt your head to the side to let the oil and wax run out.[5]
- You can also use glycerin for this purpose.
- Try using oil to pre-soften your earwax before rinsing your ears with saline solution.
- Use alcohol and white vinegar to dry out moist ears. A mixture of alcohol and white vinegar can help cleanse your ears and also dry out extra moisture that might lead to irritation and infection. Mix of white vinegar with of rubbing alcohol in a clean cup. Draw some of the mixture into an eyedropper and let 6-8 drops run into your upturned ear. Let the mixture run all the way down your ear canal, then tilt your head to let it run out again.[6]
- If your ears are chronically moist, you can use this solution twice a week for a few months if your doctor recommends it. However, stop and consult your doctor if you experience irritation or bleeding.
[Edit]Getting a Medical Evaluation and Treatment - See your doctor if you have symptoms of an earwax blockage. If you think you might have excessive earwax in your ear, make an appointment with your doctor. They can not only safely remove any excess earwax, but can also make sure your symptoms are not a sign of a more serious underlying issue. See your doctor if you experience symptoms such as:[7]
- An earache
- A feeling of blockage or fullness in your ear
- Difficulty hearing
- Ringing in your ear
- Dizziness
- A cough that isn't explained by a cold or other condition
- Ask your doctor to rule out an infection or other underlying condition. If you have an ear infection or an ear injury that is contributing to your symptoms, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage. Additionally, an infection or other problem with your ear (such as an injured eardrum) could make cleaning your ears dangerous.[8]
- If you have an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. You should not put liquids or objects (such as cotton swabs) into an infected ear unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
- Don't try to clean wax out of your ears on your own if you have an injured eardrum or an object stuck in your ear.
- Discuss having excess wax removed in the doctor's office. If you have excess earwax and don't want to attempt to remove it on your own, your doctor may be able to perform a simple in-office procedure to clean your ears. Ask them if they can remove your earwax with a curette (a curved instrument designed to scrape the wax out of your ear canal) or a warm water rinse.[9]
- Your doctor may also prescribe medicated eardrops to help remove excess wax from your ear. Follow the instructions on these products carefully, since they can irritate your eardrums and ear canals if you use them incorrectly.
[Edit]Avoiding Common Mistakes - Use cotton swabs for shallow cleaning only. Cotton swabs can be used in the outer ear to remove superficial earwax, but don't dig into the ear canal with a cotton swab. The tissue in your ear canal is extremely delicate; it's easy to cause damage by smashing into any of the tissue near the tympanic membrane, or eardrum.[10]
- Cotton swabs can also push wax deeper into your ear, potentially causing blockages, damage, or irritation.[11]
- Stay away from ear candles. Ear candling is a procedure that involves placing a cone-shaped device into the ear and lighting a candle on the far end of the spout. This procedure is supposed to create a vacuum that draws wax and impurities out of the ear. Ear candling is not only ineffective, however, but it can also cause a variety of injuries and ear problems, including:[12]
- Bleeding from the ears
- Perforated eardrums
- Burns to your face, hair, scalp, or ear canal[13]
- Don't spray any liquids into your ear with force. Doctors may do this, but you should not. Liquids that are thrust into the ear canal may get past the tympanic membrane and cause an ear infection or damage your inner ear.[14]
- When irrigating your ears, use a dropper, cotton ball, or syringe bulb to gently introduce the liquid a drop at a time.
- Never put any liquid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or surgically implanted tubes in your ears.[15]
- Only use eardrops if your doctor recommends or prescribes them.
- If your ears still feel full of wax after a week's worth of at-home treatment, consult your physician.
- Don't push cotton swabs further into your ear than the narrow entrance into your ear canal. This could end with your eardrum taking damage if you accidentally push earwax, or the cotton swab itself, into the eardrum.
- Don't pick your ears, because your hands may contain bacteria which could increase the risk of infections.
[Edit]Warnings - If you are experiencing ear pain, a fever, loss of hearing or ringing in the ears, do not attempt any home remedies for removing earwax unless your physician recommends it.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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