Lexi Webster
Wasps are a common problem in Australia, especially during the warmer months. While encountering one or two wasps outdoors during summer is normal, a large number of wasps or regular sightings may indicate a nearby nest. Wasps can build nests in a variety of places, including underground, in trees, shrubs, overhangs, utility poles, tires, houses, sheds, and compost heaps. They are attracted to food and beverages left out, as well as bright colours and sweet scents. To prevent wasps from returning, it is important to remove their nests, seal entry points, and eliminate food sources. This can be done by using natural sprays made from essential oils and water, keeping food and drinks covered, and sealing rubbish bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Keep food and drinks inside, avoid eating outdoors |
| Seal compost bins, trash cans, and dog food bowls | |
| Cover allotment plants and compost areas with impenetrable sheets | |
| Clean up crumbs and spills | |
| Keep garbage and recycling bins securely closed | |
| Patch up holes and fill in cracks with expandable sealant | |
| Trim back bushes and overhanging branches from the perimeter of your home | |
| Wasp repellent | Vinegar |
| Peppermint oil | |
| Lemongrass, clove, rosemary, and geranium essential oils | |
| Soapy water | |
| Wasp nest removal | Use a large plastic container with a lid to remove the nest at night |
| Wasp nest prevention | Make a spray with essential oils and water and spray areas where wasps have previously been seen |
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What You'll Learn
Seal food and drink containers
Wasps are attracted to food and drinks that are left out in the open. They can get the carbohydrates they need from fruits, sugary drinks, and other sweets, which is why they are often seen foraging for food around picnic tables, garbage cans, and inside homes. Therefore, it is important to seal food and drink containers to prevent wasps from invading your space.
To keep wasps away, it is recommended to make a spray with essential oils and a little water. Spray the areas where you have previously seen wasps to keep them from building nests. Spraying these natural sprays on doorways or near roof cavities will also prevent them from entering your home.
In addition to spraying essential oils, it is crucial to take preventive measures to seal food and drink containers. This includes keeping garbage and recycling bins securely closed and weighted down if necessary. Compost bins, trash cans, and dog food bowls are all attractive to wasps, so ensure that these containers are tightly sealed.
Another way to seal food and drink containers is to avoid eating outdoors when there are signs of wasps, especially European wasps, in your area. Do not leave food or drinks, especially soft drink cans, unattended or uncovered. Wasps have been known to enter open drink cans and may pose a risk of being swallowed accidentally.
Lastly, it is important to note that wasps may also be attracted to pet food left outdoors. If possible, feed your pets indoors to avoid attracting wasps to your outdoor space. By following these preventive measures and sealing food and drink containers, you can effectively deter wasps from invading your space.
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Use vinegar traps
Vinegar is an effective, natural wasp repellent. The acetic acid in vinegar will kill wasps. It is also more selective than other homemade pest killers as the sour scent of vinegar attracts wasps, but not bees.
To make a vinegar trap, you will need a narrow-necked 2-litre plastic soda bottle. First, use a utility knife to cut off the top of the soda bottle just below where it begins to taper. Then, invert the top half of the bottle and place it inside the bottom half. Seal the two pieces together using shipping tape or duct tape.
To make the vinegar solution, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Add a few drops of dish soap and a little sugar. The sweetness of the apple cider and sugar will attract the wasps, and the viscous dish soap will trap them once they come into contact with the liquid. The soap will also dissolve the wasps' exoskeletons and kill them. Using the inverted lid on the trap as a funnel, fill the lower half of the trap with the solution, leaving a 1-inch gap between the opening and the liquid.
Place the traps in locations that are 30 feet or more from outdoor living areas to avoid drawing the flying insects towards people. Set the traps on a level surface or hang them from a tree by punching two small holes at the top of the trap and threading string or wire through them.
Check the trap every few days to refill it with fresh solution and remove dead insects.
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Essential oil repellents
Essential oils are an effective way to repel wasps. Their strong scents naturally repel wasps, as they have a strong sense of smell. However, essential oils evaporate after a few days, so you will need to reapply them.
Citrus oils, such as lemon balm, lemongrass, citronella, lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruit peels, are effective at disrupting a wasp's scent receptors. Similarly, clove oil has a spicy odour that is avoided by wasps, as they perceive the fragrance as unpleasant. Geranium, thyme, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender oils are also effective at repelling wasps.
To use essential oils as a repellent, mix a few drops of the oil with water and wipe the solution over high-risk areas of your home, such as cracks, door frames, and locations of previous nests. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of essential oil with a few tablespoons of dish soap and fill a spray bottle with water to spray onto wasp nests and areas where wasps are frequently seen.
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Seal entry points
Wasps can sneak into your home through the tiniest of gaps. They can enter through spaces between wall sidings, decayed double glazing, or small holes at the corners of windows. To prevent this, patch up the holes and fill in the cracks with expandable sealant. If there are more than a few holes, consider calling a decorator for a thorough service. Sealant can be applied during autumn and winter, before the worker wasps become active again.
If you have a wasp nest in your garden or near a doorway, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. The first step in any wasp removal process is locating the nest. Wasps often form small groups and fly together in a straight line, so you can usually follow them to their nest after they have fed. Nests can be found in a variety of places, including underground, in trees, shrubs, overhangs, utility poles, tires, houses, sheds, and other structures. European wasp nests are often located underground or in man-made structures such as wall cavities and roof voids. Paper wasps build nests from the eaves, the underside of branches, and leaves.
If you are going to remove the nest yourself, it is best to do so at night when all the wasps have returned and are less active. Use a large plastic container with a lid. Slide the container over the nest and gently knock it from the surface, keeping it as close to the surface as possible to avoid any wasps escaping. Once you have the nest in the container, close the lid and relocate the wasps to a park or wilderness area away from people and pets.
To prevent wasps from entering your home, you can make a natural spray with essential oils and water. Spray the areas where you have previously seen wasps, as well as doorways and roof cavities, to deter them from building nests.
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Remove nests at night
If you've located a wasp nest in your garden or near your home, it's important to act quickly to prevent the wasps from invading your space. The first step in any wasp removal process is locating the nest. Wasps often form small groups and fly together in a straight line, making it easy to identify them.
It is recommended to remove wasp nests at night, as this is when they are all likely to be in the nest, making it easier to remove them. Removing the nest during the daytime may not be effective, as the wasps will simply create a new one.
- Use a large plastic container with a lid.
- Slide the container over the nest, gently knocking it from the surface it is attached to. Keep the container as close to the surface as possible to prevent any wasps from escaping.
- Once the nest is securely inside the container, close the lid.
- Relocate the nest to a park or wilderness area that people and pets do not frequent. Keep in mind that relocating the nest too close to its original location may cause the wasps to return.
If the nest is large or you are allergic to wasp stings, it may be safer to call a pest control professional for assistance. They have the necessary experience, tools, and safety gear to remove the nest effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
While it's normal to see one or two wasps outdoors during summer, seeing large numbers at once or on a regular basis is a clear sign of a nest nearby. If you're hearing buzzing noises indoors or finding dead wasps, this could indicate a potential wasp nest inside your home, usually in wall voids or attics. Another sign of an infestation is damaged wood, as wasps chew on and use the pulp from wood to build their nests.
Wasps are often drawn to areas with food and drinks that have been left out. They can get carbohydrates from fruits, sugary drinks, and other sweets, so they're commonly found around picnic tables, garbage cans, and inside homes. Wasps are also naturally attracted to flowers, so they're likely to be drawn to bright colours and sweet scents.
Seal all food and drinks containers, and keep garbage and recycling bins securely closed. Avoid eating outdoors when there are signs of wasps. You can also make a natural spray with essential oils and water, and apply this to doorways or near roof cavities to prevent wasps from building nests.
First, locate the nest and opt to remove it at night when all the wasps are likely to be inside. Use a large plastic container with a lid, sliding it over the nest and gently knocking it from the surface. Keep the container close to the surface to avoid any wasps escaping. Once you have the nest in the container, close the lid and relocate the wasps to a park or wilderness area away from people and pets.
