What tactic dramatically reduced wasp stings at our National Parks?

Serving drinks in cups with lids is an effective tactic for reducing wasp stings, particularly in environments like National Parks where outdoor dining is common. This approach minimizes the chances of attracting wasps, which are drawn to open containers of sugary beverages. By covering drinks, it reduces the accessibility of sweet liquids to these insects, thus lowering the likelihood of encounters that can lead to stings.

Unlike open containers, which can inadvertently invite wasps as they search for food sources, using lids effectively creates a barrier that helps to keep both the drink safe and encounters with wasps to a minimum. This preventative measure aligns well with safety practices in outdoor settings, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their activities without the added worry of wasp stings.

Other methods, like applying insecticides or planting fruit trees, might not be as effective in a public space for managing stings, as they could pose environmental risks or create additional attractants for wasps. Additionally, using traps may reduce wasp populations in specific areas, yet they do not mitigate the immediate exposure to stings as effectively as simply covering drinks.