- 1). Empty the contents of a 20 ounce plastic bottle and clean it thoroughly. If you are using a bottle with a sugar-based liquid, you can reserve some of the liquid to use in place of homemade sugar water.
- 2). Cut four X shapes into the bottle halfway down, using the box cutter. Each cut should be about 1/2 to 3/4 inches long. Be careful to make sure you have a firm hold on the bottle and keep your hands free of the blade.
- 3). Press the center of each X into the bottle. When you press the centers, there will be four small triangles from each X that point inward. This will create small holes that the bees can fly into, but they will not be able to fly back out.
- 4). Mix three tablespoons of sugar with a half cup of water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.
- 5). Use a funnel to pour the sugar water mixture into the bottle. Be careful not to fill the bottle past the holes you cut. The liquid should be at least half an inch deep so there is enough to drown the bees.
- 6). Screw the cap back onto the bottle. The lid ensures that the bees cannot escape through the top.
- 7). Place the bottle on a deck railings or fence pole. You can also tie a piece of twine around the neck of the bottle and hang it from a tree or awning.
- 8). Refill the sugar mixture as needed.
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