If you enjoy a social gathering in your garden on a summer’s day but can’t relax with annoying wasps around you and your guests, there are ways to prevent the pests from ruining your day.
Here are 5 things you can do to stop wasps from gathering around your home.
1. Keep your food covered and bin clean
Wasps love to explore the scents and treats that are left around the place, especially around bins. Wash your bins regularly, and keep them away from windows if possible so that your home is not the next port of call. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your home can also deter pests, emphasizing the benefits of regular house cleaning.
It’s best to also keep sweet drinks, cakes, biscuits etc away from your windows. Wasps have a sweet tooth and will find their way to your sugary snacks. If you’re having a party outside you should keep your sweet snacks covered.
It’s best to also keep sweet drinks, cakes, biscuits etc away from your windows. Wasps have a sweet tooth and will find their way to your sugary snacks. If you’re having a party outside you should keep your sweet snacks covered.
2. Grow strong smelling plants
There are some smells that do a great job of discouraging wasps from coming into the area, such as: fresh mint, tomato stems, cloves, and ground coffee.
One effective method is to plant a border of fresh mint around your garden. And you can also fill a window box with mint – this will help to prevent the wasps from entering your window, as well as bringing a fresh minty scent into your home.
3. Avoid growing bright flowers in your garden
You might need to consider toning down the colours of the flowers in your garden if you experience a high volume of wasps. Removing bright coloured flowers may be necessary if keeping the garden wasp free is important to you.
4. Scatter some peppermint oil
Much like wasps don’t like the smell of fresh mint, peppermint oil is also highly effective at deterring wasps. Simply add a few drips to cotton balls or tissues, and place these around the garden, and around any decking, guttering, sheds, or any place where wasps tend to gather.
5. Distract them with something sweet
If you’re having a gathering and your garden is big enough you could plant a glass of orange juice in a far corner of the garden to draw them in that direction away from your party. You can also use very ripe fruit for this too.
If you’re dealing with a wasp problem on a larger scale, such as a wasp nest that needs to be removed, then speak to the experts. The Pest Experts Ayrshire provide Wasp Control services in Ayrshire, Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What attracts wasps to homes and gardens?
Wasps are mainly attracted by sugary foods and drinks, protein sources, rubbish bins, and overripe or fallen fruit. They are also drawn to sheltered areas where they can build nests, such as roof spaces, sheds, and wall cavities.
How can I stop wasps being attracted to my garden?
You can reduce attraction by keeping outdoor food and drinks covered, cleaning up spills quickly, and removing fallen fruit. Keeping bins tightly sealed also helps prevent wasps from being drawn to the area.
Do sweet smells really attract wasps?
Yes. Wasps have a strong sense of smell and are highly attracted to sweet scents from food, drinks, and ripe fruit. Even small residues can encourage them to investigate an area.
Does water attract wasps?
Yes, wasps need water for survival and nest building. Standing water, pet bowls, and damp areas can all attract them, especially during warmer weather.
Can wasps be attracted by certain colours or plants?
Bright colours and strongly scented plants can sometimes attract wasps, as they associate these with food sources. However, food availability is usually the strongest attraction factor.
What is the best way to prevent wasp problems long-term?
The best long-term prevention is to remove attractants such as food, rubbish, and standing water, and to regularly check and seal potential nesting sites around the property.
