Even the most extreme wildlife lovers will find it hard to warm to wasps. They are the most unappealing of all the pollinators. Even though, like bees they are essential at maintaining natural ecosystems in organic gardens, and like bees, they have a sting in their tail, as a society, we are yet to hear rallying cries of “save the wasps!”.
I count myself as among the majority who really dislike wasps. They seem to me unnecessarily aggressive and are lacking the fashionable marketing of their cute and cuddly, hardworking counterparts.
That being said, it’s important to me to not kill off wasps altogether, as they are living creatures after all, as well as valuable pollinators. Deterring them from my outdoor spaces however, I have absolutely no scruples with, and there are a variety of methods I am itching to try.
“Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil,” says James Higgins.
“Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you’ve seen them frequently.”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2. Keep your garden area clean
Adam Juson, co-founder of pest control company Merlin Environmentalsuggests the best remedial method of deterring wasps is to keep the space clear of things that attract them and considering bin storage and covers.
Adam suggests you do this by keeping food and sweet drinks covered when outdoors, sealing rubbish bins and cleaning up fallen fruit from trees. Keep your outdoor kitchen and dining areas cleared of food. I’ve always steered clear of those huge mesh food covers because of a lack of kitchen storage. But these Denny International Set of 3 Collapsible Pop Up Food Covers would be a great option for the space-limited.
James Higgins, garden pest expert at Grass247 adds: “Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible.”
“It’s also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don’t come into your home through an open window,” says James.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. Select your plants specifically
“Planting strong-scented plants is a great method when it comes to getting rid of wasps naturally. Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden,” advises James Higgins
Other plant suggestions include strong-scented herbs such as rosemary, sage, and mint. “You can also pop these in garden planters near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home,” says James Higgins.
Adam Juson adds citronella, eucalyptus and wormwood to the list of wasp repellent plants. “Plant these near patios, doorways and outdoor eating areas for best results. But remember, this is not likely to eliminate them completely,” says Adam.
Try mimicking the strong scent without the smell with these SCENTORINI Citronella Coils at Amazon. We used to use these on camping trips as a family, and they are more pungent than scented candles.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
4. Try a homemade wasp trap
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Creating a decoy area to lure wasps away while you’re trying to enjoy your garden is another method. Though do bear in mind this method is not humane, as it’s essentially a trap for wasps.
“You can make your own trap by cutting a plastic bottle in half and putting the top into the base to create a funnel. Fill the bottom with a sweet liquid like sugary water, and the wasps then crawl into it and struggle to get out,” says Adam Juson.
If you’ve noticed a disproportionate number of wasps coming and going, it may be that there’s a nearby wasp nest.
“Check eaves, roof voids, sheds and decking regularly for any signs of wasp nests. Increased wasp activity in a concentrated area is a big sign, so watch where they fly. If they’re repeatedly entering a hole in the wall, roof or tree, it’s likely there is a nest inside,” says Adam Juson.
“Nests typically start small but grow quickly. Small and accessible nests can sometimes be removed by yourself with protective gear and a wasp spray, but take care with large nests or those that cannot be reached easily, as these should be handled by a professional,” says Adam.
In order to prevent wasp nests Adam suggests you seal gaps and fill holes in walls, soffits and window frames to block access. “Varnishing and painting wood can also make it less appealing for wasps to chew when building their nests. Keep garden lights off at night to reduce attraction too,” Adam adds.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
FAQs
How do you get rid of wasps without killing them?
“Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible. Therefore, it’s important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space,” says James Higgins at Grass247
“There are certain traps that are designed to lure wasps inside without killing them, meaning you can then release them. These are called ‘catch and release’ traps. They don’t use poison and can be emptied safely away from your property,” adds Adam Juson, co-founder of commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental
What keeps wasps away?
“Removing food sources, sealing entry points, hanging decoy nests and using deterrent scents are the best ways to keep wasps at bay. It’s also important to maintain a clear and clutter-free outside space to reduce the opportunity for wasps to nest,” says Adam Juson, co-founder of commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental.
“A strong peppermint-based spray designed for outdoor use is one of the most effective repellents. Products with natural essential oils are safer for gardens and pets compared to chemical sprays, meaning you can apply them around seating areas, doorways and eaves without worrying,” he adds.
Adam Juson
Adam has over a decade of experience in the pest control business and is the Co-Founder of commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental, who offer nationwide pest control services and treatments.
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