How to Keep Wasps From Building Nests
Tip
Wasps are attracted to sweet smells. Do not wear heavy perfumes or colognes. Avoid wearing bright colors or floral prints.
Warning
If a wasp is buzzing around you, avoid swatting at it. This could make the wasp more aggressive, and you are more likely to get stung.
Wasps can be a nuisance to humans, but they do benefit your yard and garden because they prey on other insects that can destroy landscaping. However, if you are severely allergic to their venom, or if they get too close for comfort, wasps can become a problem. While no surefire techniques to prevent wasps from building a nest exist, you can take steps to discourage nest building near your home.
Search for open entry points in your home. Check for cracks in door frames and window frames, unsealed vents and torn screens. Paper wasps can build nests inside your walls, so use a sealant to close off all possible means of access.
Buy a garbage can with an airtight lid. Wasps will forage for food anywhere, and if your discarded food is easy for them to find, they are likely to build nests nearby.
Wipe any spills and clean up any crumbs after eating outdoors. If wasps find anything worth eating on your patio, they will come back.
Place decoy wasp nests around your home. You can buy them at a gardening supply store or online. Wasps tend to avoid other wasp nests, so the fake ones will trick them into staying away. Decoy nests are a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to using pesticides.
Hang clothes dryer sheets around your home. Dryer sheets seem to repel wasps.
Spray store-bought chemical pesticides around your home. If you have pets or small children, be sure to keep them away from areas you spray. Protect your eyes, mouth and skin from the chemicals with goggles, a mask and gloves.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
After accidentally stumbling into a journalism class at University of North Texas, Abby Vaun has been writing ever since. She honed her skills writing for "The Dallas Morning News" and as a copy editor for Earle Palmer Brown in New York City. From Dallas to New York to L.A., she has enjoyed freelancing for 10 years and expanding her knowledge through her profession.
