In the spring when they are building up the nest they seem to prefer a quick energy boost so something sugar based probably would be most effective. Later on they seem to prefer protein based materials.
Since Yellow Jackets can be beneficial why do you feel the need to trap them?

Yellowjacket trap! Thanks for this thread now I learnt about yellowjacket and bait.

Caelian

Kimmsr, people trap them because they get into your food and your face and they sting. Their business is annoying people, unlike honeybees or other insects that don't bother us. You can't sit outdoors near yellowjackets.

I find them near garbage......never been bitten and I just "shoo" them away.

How dare you call my Fourth of July picnic "garbage!"

;)

Kevin

I have been stung more often by honeybees and bumblebees than by Yellow Jackets although I know many people that have been stung by the Yellow Jackets. I also know that Yellow Jackets, in the wrong place, can be a problem and that if someone is stung by one Yellow Jacket that person will be attacked by a swarm since the first one will emit a pheromone that calls others to help.
However, the question posed does not indicate there is a problem just that the poster wants to trap them,.