Buzz
Nothing can ruin a camping trip or an outdoor adventure faster than a swarm of buzzing wasps. You can use natural repellents or store-bought solutions to secure areas prone to wasp invasions and eliminate food sources that attract them. A mixture of soap and water, traps, or professional pest control services can help remove wasps if they’ve already infiltrated your space.
Steps
Preventing Wasps from Entering Your Home
Seal gaps and cracks in your home. This step can prevent wasps from nearby nests from entering your house. Check for openings near exterior wall edges, where wires enter the house, or holes in window screens. Use sealant—typically caulk—to close these gaps.
- If you find a wasp nest in gaps or holes, avoid sealing it immediately. Some wasps can chew through barriers and find their way inside! Instead, contact a professional pest control service.
Keep trash bins tightly closed. Wasps are often drawn to yards with leftover food, and if your trash bins aren’t securely sealed, they can attract these pests. Ensure your bins are tightly covered at all times, and never leave them open.
Avoid leaving sweet-smelling foods outdoors. This includes nectar in bird feeders. Wasps are highly attracted to sweet scents, so having sugary foods in your yard increases the likelihood of a wasp invasion.
Clean up immediately after outdoor meals. This can also deter wasps, as leftover food can lure them in. Dispose of trash properly and seal any containers with remaining food.
Using Natural Wasp Repellents
Mix clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils. Fill a spray bottle with water, add a few drops of each oil, and a small amount of dish soap. Shake well to blend the ingredients, then spray in areas around your home that may attract wasps, such as eaves and porches.
- There’s no need to spray every area, as this can be costly. Focus on spots where wasp nests have previously been found.
- You can also purchase ready-made wasp repellents from stores if you prefer not to mix your own solution.
Plant wasp-repelling plants. Certain plants emit scents that deter wasps from coming near. Consider planting these around areas you frequent, such as your front porch or backyard, to keep wasps at bay. Mint, thyme, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are excellent choices that not only repel wasps but also add a pleasant aroma to your outdoor space!
Use decoys to deter wasps. Wasps are territorial creatures and will avoid building nests within 6 meters of another nest. Hanging fake wasp nests at both ends of your home can effectively prevent them from invading your space.
Eliminating Wasps
Create a soap and water solution. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well until the solution becomes slightly foamy. Maintain a safe distance and thoroughly spray the wasp nest.
Set up a wasp trap. You can make a DIY trap by cutting the top off a 2-liter soda bottle. Add a small amount of sugar water inside, then invert the top and place it back into the bottle. Secure the edges with tape and place it in your yard. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made wasp traps from stores.
Contact a pest control professional. This is especially crucial if you have an allergy to wasp stings. If you’re allergic or discover a large wasp nest, it’s best to call a pest control expert to handle the situation safely and effectively.
Warnings
- If you’re allergic to wasp stings, ask someone else to remove the wasps for you or hire a professional service.
