Wasps
Identify different wasps, understand their behaviors, and use professional and DIY treatments to remove wasp nests.

How To Keep Wasps Away (2024 Guide)

Wasps are one of the most feared pests because of their ability to sting multiple times and thier aggressive nature. If you’ve ever dealt with a wasp issue or wasp stings, you know how difficult it can be to remove them safely and effectively. A wasp nest is never a welcome sign in or around your home, and often your best bet will be to prevent them instead of trying to get rid of them.

Knowing how to keep wasps away can help you keep your home safe and comfortable for everyone. By understanding what wasps are attracted to and what they are afraid of, you can take some simple steps to keep them from building their nests around your home. Having this information handy will allow you to prep your home and prevent wasp problems from plaguing you and your family.

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How To Keep Wasps Away

There are several things you can do to prevent an infestation of wasps around your home. By taking some of these simple precautions, you can stop wasps from building their nests in your yard or garage.

Wasps are extremely territorial, and they’ll avoid building nests where other nests have already been built. You can take advantage of this by inflating a few paper bags and tying them off with a rubber band. Then, hang the bags in conspicuous areas around your home where wasps are likely to build their nests. Under porch roofs or in the eaves of your home, garages, and tree branches are great places to hang these decoys and repel wasps.

The scent of dryer sheets repels wasps, and they can be used as a simple deterrent around the house. You can hang them in trees or simply spread them around your home or backyard. Not only will they be an effective wasp repellent, but they also provide a pleasant aroma around the house. Replace them as needed whenever the scent starts to fade.

Wasp spray is an aerosol insecticide that can shoot a directed stream up to 20 feet to kill wasps and hornets on contact. The active ingredients typically include pyrethrins, prallethrin, or tetramethrin. Wasp spray knocks flying insects out of the air quickly. It can be applied directly to nests after dark when wasps are less active. Make sure to wear protective clothing when using wasp spray. Look for formulas labeled for outdoor/indoor use. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully. A simple homemade wasp spray can be made by mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle – the soap breaks the surface tension of the water so it can soak and drown insects quickly.

You can make a DIY wasp trap with just a few simple items from around the house. Cut a two-liter bottle in half and invert the top half in the bottom. Then, seal the two halves together using clear packing tape. Place a cup of sugar water in the bottom of the trap and hang it somewhere away from the house. Wasps will crawl down into the bottom to get to the bait, but they won't be able to crawl out again.

Many plants secrete natural pest repellents. One of the most effective of these oils is spearmint. Spread spearmint or peppermint oil around your backyard or patio with a spray bottle to keep wasps away as well as other pests like mosquitoes, rats, and flies. Other oils like eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, and geranium also work well.

Wasps will get into your home any way they possibly can. If you have any cracks in your walls or foundation, seal them up with spackle or concrete to ensure they can’t get in and build a nest. If, however, you find a nest in one of the crevices of your home, don’t try to seal it up. You will have to remove the nest since wasps can either find a way out or chew through the wall.

One of the best ways to prevent wasps is to ensure they don’t have access to food sources in or near your home. Ensure that all of your garbage cans are sealed up with lids and that you completely close your garbage bags when you put them in the bins. This will keep the smell of your food scraps from attracting wasps and larger wildlife like raccoons.

Keeping an eye out for nests is a great way to stay on top of the wasp population around the house. If you notice a nest being built, contact a pest control professional and have them remove it as soon as possible. You should not ever try to remove a nest yourself, as wasp stings can be extremely dangerous.

Wasp powder is a natural pest control product made from diatomaceous earth that can help get rid of wasps. The powder is abrasive to insects and kills wasps through mechanical action. When wasps crawl through diatomaceous earth, it sticks to their bodies and causes microscopic cuts in their exoskeleton. The powder also absorbs oils from the insect's outer layer causing dehydration. Apply wasp powder by dusting it lightly around nest entrances, eaves, cracks, or other areas where you notice wasp activity. The fine powder gets on the wasps as they travel through the treated zones. Wasp powder is safe for use around humans and pets when applied properly. Make sure to wear a mask to prevent inhaling the dust. Reapply after rain or watering. The powder provides residual pest control as long as it remains dry.


Things That Attract Wasps

Knowing what wasps are attracted to can help you prevent them from building their nests or multiplying. By eliminating some of the things that bring wasps to you, you can ensure that they won’t infest your garage or backyard. When it comes to wasps, it's always easier to prevent them than it is to remove them.

Wasps are attracted to places where they can hide and build their nests without being disturbed. Attics, basements, sheds, holes in the ground, and cavities in trees or under roof overhangs are ideal nesting spots for wasps if they can access them. Make sure any vents, cracks, or crevices leading to these types of spaces are sealed up properly.

Meats and proteins will attract wasps more than almost any other food. If you're throwing away meat scraps, always be sure to double bag the trash and seal the bags tightly before putting them in your outside trash cans. If you have a barbecue, cover all meat items with tin foil or plastic wrap before putting them out for serving.

Sugary foods are another attractor for wasps. Just like bees and flies, wasps will swarm to sweet food items like candy and soda. If you or someone in your family spills anything sweet, be sure to clean it up as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Today's Homeowner Tips

Wasps are attracted to places where they can hide and build their nests without being disturbed. If you have any areas like an attic or basement, check to ensure there is no outside access and that all holes are sealed up. You’re most likely to find wasp nests in places where people rarely go.


Keep Your Home Safe from Wasps

While wasps can be incredibly dangerous, they’re relatively easy to prevent. If you're proactive about preventing them, you can keep them away from your home and make sure they don’t build new nests. All of the above steps are great methods for keeping wasps out of your yard or home and keeping you and your family safe.

If you’re already dealing with a wasp infestation, calling a professional exterminator is crucial. Pest control experts have the tools and techniques to remove the nest without getting hurt and can also help you prevent them from coming back in the future.

So, Is Preventing Wasps Effective?

Taking proactive steps to keep wasps away is the best defense against dealing with a painful sting or an infestation. While methods like traps and decoys can help, the most important thing is eliminating food sources, sealing up cracks, and acting quickly when you spot a nest. Prevention also costs much less than professional removal if wasps do manage to build a nest on your property. As long as you stay diligent year-round, you can help reduce wasp problems and keep your outdoor living space comfortable.

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