As someone allergic to bees, I’m perpetually searching for successful ways to deter bees, wasps, hornets, and the like from our residence and yard. Even if you aren’t allergic, the sting of these insects is far from enjoyable. Fortunately, numerous straightforward yet effective methods exist to keep wasps at bay in your open-air spaces!
1- Safeguard Your Food
Outdoor dining in pleasant weather is a joy. However, leaving food exposed during a picnic or barbecue is a definite magnet for wasps. Ensure any food is covered when eating outside and promptly bring your plate indoors once you’re finished to avoid leaving leftovers that might attract wasps.
2- Be Cautious with Fruit Trees
Wasps are incredibly attracted to the sweet, decomposing fruit that drops from fruit trees. Regularly picking up any fallen fruit from your yard, especially if you have fruit trees, can help keep wasps from lingering.
3- Steer Clear of Sweet Scents
Wasps, along with mosquitoes, are attracted to sweet fragrances, including perfume, scented lotions, and even fragrant hair products. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid wearing scented products when you plan to spend time outdoors.
4- Use a Repellent
Consider wearing a wasp repellent spray when enjoying the outdoors. You can purchase a commercially made wasp repellent spray, or create your own by blending a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water.
5- Grow Wasp Deterrent Plants
Certain plants are unpalatable to wasps. Incorporate plants like spearmint, lemongrass, thyme, or citronella in your gardens or patio pots to naturally dissuade wasps from settling in.
6- Install a Decoy Nest
Wasps avoid establishing nests in areas where another nest already exists. Consider hanging a decoy nest in your front and back yard in the spring.
7- Maintain Your Yard
Several wasp species will nest in holes, tunnels, brush piles, and decaying wood. Try to keep your yard tidy. Fill in any holes and remove heaps of wood, brush, and other similar materials.
8- Implement a Wasp Trap
If your wasp problem is minimal, consider purchasing a wasp trap from a home and garden or hardware store. This is an affordable and simple solution for smaller wasp populations.
9- Look After Your Home
While most of the attention is given to preventing wasps in outdoor spaces, it’s equally critical to keep them out of your house! Ensure any cracks in doorways are sealed and window screens are free of rips or tears. A regular maintenance check helps prevent wasps from infiltrating your home.
10- Remove Nests Safely
In severe wasp infestations, the issue typically originates from a nearby nest. We strongly advise against attempting to remove it yourself. Seek the services of a professional as nest removal can be complex and hazardous. It’s well worth the investment to avoid hundreds of potential stings.
11- Clean Thoroughly After Nest Removal
After successfully removing a wasp nest, cleaning the area thoroughly is crucial. Wasps leave behind a pheromone trail that can attract other wasps to the location, where they may start building a new nest. Clean the area with hot, soapy water and rinse well.
12- Secure Your Car
Ever found yourself trapped in your car with a wasp? It’s an experience you want to avoid. To keep wasps out of your vehicle and encourage any that do enter to exit promptly, place some mint leaves in a mesh bag and keep it in your car.
