Warmer weather is a welcome feeling, no matter where you are. As spring and summer arrive, more outdoor activities are possible. The scenery transforms as well, bringing bright colors and thriving flowers and plant life. With these changes, however, annoying pests start to arrive, too. Among the most prevalent are wasps. These insects can hamper any outdoor picnic, barbecue, or get-together.
Unlike bees, wasps don’t exclusively pollinate; instead, they feed on smaller insects and are attracted to many of the foods you eat. They are also prolific hive-builders and can make their homes in many spots on your house or around your yard. It’s difficult to go anywhere outdoors in the spring and summer and not encounter these annoying pests.
A wasp’s sting can be painful or even deadly for those who are allergic. If you’ve got an infestation of wasps in or around your house, it’s time to do something about it, like calling the best pest control companies to see how much it would cost to remove a wasp nest? With some diligent action on your part, you can send them away.
Here are some preventive steps you can take to keep wasps away
Step 1: Take Care of the Trash
Wasps love hanging around trash cans and garbage sacks. You’ll often see them buzzing around discarded food or other materials outside. When you take out the trash, make sure you have tied up the bag tightly, and there are no holes in the bag. Ensure that the lid to the trash can shut all the way, so wasps can’t get inside. Also, don’t leave trash strewn about your yard.
Keeping your yard clean will discourage wasps from being near your home. This will help to prevent them from building nests on your porch, deck, or home. Then the chances will be slim that you’ll see them indoors this spring and summer.
Step 2: Plant Wasp-repellent Flowers and Shrubs
You may think that a healthy garden or flower bed might attract wasps to your home. While this is true for some varieties of plants, others keep wasps away. If you place wormwood, spearmint, thyme, catnip, or citronella on your property, you can reduce wasp sightings. Lemongrass and eucalyptus are other options to consider.
Step 3: Seal Openings to Your Home
It’s bad enough having wasps flying around outside when you’re trying to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening. But if these pests start making their way inside your house, it can be even more annoying and unnerving. It doesn’t take a lot of space for wasps to intrude on your living areas. Patching up these spots is essential.
Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and holes. Seal any openings you find in the foundation or siding. Place mesh coverings over vents or holes where wires and pipes are coming into and out of your house. Caulking around your windows and doors will also prevent wasps from entering.
Step 4: Light Candles Outside
During a meal or refreshments outside, wasps always seem to make their presence known. If you’re eating meat or drinking soda, in particular, wasps aren’t likely to be far away. They may land on the food—or on you—ruining your otherwise peaceful time. You don’t have to let these pests take over.
Wasps do not like the scent that candles give off. Lighting some and placing them on the tables where you’re eating will help to keep them at bay. There are even candles specifically made to repel wasps. These can create a perimeter that these insects aren’t likely to invade.
Here are a few ways to get rid of Wasps
Option 1: Soap and Water
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy repellents or insecticides (though these can be effective too). A tried-and-true method is to combine a little soap with some water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. About two tablespoons will do. When you spray this simple concoction on wasps, the soap will clog their breathing pores, killing them almost instantly.
Option 2: Vinegar
Something else you probably have in your house can take care of a wasp problem. Mixing equal parts of vinegar and water can have deadly effects on these insects. The vinegar will burn the wasps, killing them right away.
Option 3: Call in the Pros
If a huge number of wasps have invaded your yard and home, it may be time for a different approach. Professional exterminators are equipped to kill wasps, destroy their hives, and prevent more of these pests from coming. Exterminators will use techniques to safely remove hives and find places where wasps are coming into your house. They will also use potent sprays to kill the wasps and discourage hive-building.
If you are tired of contending with wasps every spring and summer, take close note of these ideas. It’s possible to have wasp-free outdoor activities and steer clear of these pestering insects. Whether you’re seeing a moderate amount of wasps or if they are overwhelming you, there are effective ways to do away with them for good.