Wasps normally die off in winter, only the queen survives to start a new colony in the spring. However, the warmer weather throughout the winter has meant that not all the wasps have died. The result is that the colonies this year are bigger than usual, they have more mouths to feed and the wasps need to be more aggressive when looking for food.
This can make them a nuisance, especially if you’re allergic to wasps and bees. Don’t forget that wasps can sting multiple times and one sting can be painful enough.
That’s why you need to take prompt action if you start to notice an issue, your local pest control firm will be able to help, you should never try to remove a hive yourself.
That’s not to say you can’t do anything yourself, here are 8 ays to get rid of wasps and keep them away:
Keep It Tidy
Prevention is the best way to prevent a wasp problem from happening. Start by removing all food traces and covering all your bins. Wasps need food and if you’re not advertising they are likely to go elsewhere.
Maintenance
Walk around your home and look for any signs of issues that create an opening for a wasps nest. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for then contact your local pest control company, they can guide you through the process and point out where potential issues are.
The important thing then is to seal the gaps, ensuring wasps can’t create their nests there.
Peppermint Oil
Studies have found that peppermint oil, or any type of mint, is effective at repelling wasps. You should add peppermint oil to your windows and doors, preventing the wasps from entering your home.
You can simply place a small bowl by each potential entrance with a few drops of the oil in.
Plants
Mother Nature does provide a natural solution for dealing with wasps, you’ll want to start planting near, but not too close, to your home. If you choose plants such as thyme, citronella, and even eucalyptus, they’ll keep the wasps away while creating a delightful fragrance which will help you to enjoy your garden!
Sugar Traps
Sugared water, or something else sweet, such as jam, is a great way of attracting wasps. This makes sugar traps an effective way of dealing with wasps that are already on your property. The theory is that the wasps can get into your trap but then can’t get out.
You don’t need to buy a trap, simply cut the top of a lemonade bottle and invert it into the lower part of the bottle. Place your sugared water in the bottom, the wasps will be attracted but unable to get back out.
A little olive oil on the side walls really helps to ensure the wasps fall into the trap!
Decoys
Wasps are generally territorial and won’t set up a nest too close to an existing one.
You can take advantage of this by hanging decoy nests around your property, hopefully keeping the wasps away.
Smoking
If you already have a nest then it’s advisable to get professional help. But, you can use a smoke gun or light a fire just below the nest. The smoke from the fire will seep into the nest, forcing the wasps to vacate. You can then knock down the nest and destroy it.
Soap & Water
Surprisingly, a spray bottle of soap and water is effective at getting rid of wasps!
You’ll need two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle of water. Spray the wasps and you’ll clog their breathing spores killing them instantly.
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