What food attracts wasps the most?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have come across numerous situations where wasps have been attracted to certain types of food. One of the most common foods that attract wasps is anything sweet. Wasps have a strong affinity for sugar and are particularly drawn to fruits, such as ripe bananas, apples, and grapes. The scent of these sweet fruits can be quite enticing to them.

In addition to fresh fruits, wasps are also attracted to open juice or soda bottles. The sugary content in these beverages acts as a magnet for these buzzing insects. It is important to be cautious when enjoying these drinks outdoors, as wasps may quickly become interested in your beverage and make an unwelcome appearance.

Sweet spreads like honey and jam are also highly attractive to wasps. The sticky nature of these substances makes them an easy target for the wasps to feed on. I have personally witnessed wasps swarming around jars of honey or plates of jam at outdoor picnics and gatherings.

Desserts, especially those with high sugar content, are also known to be a favorite food of wasps. Whether it’s a slice of cake, a scoop of ice cream, or a bowl of pudding, these sugary treats can quickly catch the attention of these insects. It is important to cover your desserts or keep them in sealed containers to prevent wasps from feasting on them.

It is worth mentioning that wasps have a particular affinity for a substance secreted by yellow jacket larvae. This sugary substance serves as the primary source of sugar for adult wasps during the summer season. Therefore, any food that contains a similar sugary substance may also attract wasps.

To summarize, wasps are most attracted to sweet foods. Fruits, open juice or soda bottles, honey, jam, and desserts are some of the foods that can draw their attention. It is essential to take precautions when enjoying these foods outdoors to avoid unwanted encounters with these buzzing insects.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.