Why Are There Wasps in My Grass?

As a homeowner, finding wasps buzzing around your lawn can be alarming. While wasps play an important role in pest control and pollination, their stings can be quite painful If you’ve noticed more wasps than usual flying over your yard, there are a few likely reasons why. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of wasps in grass and provide tips on discouraging them humanely

What Attracts Wasps to Grass?

There are a few key factors that attract wasps to lawns and grassy areas

• Food sources – Wasps are attracted to sugary substances like rotting fruit, tree sap, and nectar. If you have fruit trees, berry bushes, or flowers in your yard, these can draw in hungry wasps. They also feed on insects like caterpillars and spiders, which may be found in your grass.

• Water – Wasps need water to survive, so moist areas of your lawn can act as a water source. Standing puddles, irrigation sprinklers, and damp spots from rain attract thirsty wasps.

• Places to build nests – Wasps build nests in sheltered areas like trees, shrubs, and man-made structures. Ornamental plants, wood piles, and the undersides of lawn furniture offer prime real estate. Underground nests are also common.

• Bare earth – Some species of wasps, like yellowjackets, prefer to build their nests in underground burrows. Areas of bare earth in your yard provide ideal dig sites.

• Warm weather – Wasps are most active in warm weather above 55°F. Their populations peak in late summer and fall. More wasps may emerge in your yard during these warmer seasons.

Common Culprits: Types of Wasps in Lawns

There are a few particular wasp species that tend to be the culprits behind lawn infestations:

• Yellowjackets – These wasps have distinct yellow and black markings. Yellowjackets make nests underground and are very aggressive when defending their colonies.

• Paper wasps – Skinny paper wasps build umbrella-shaped gray paper nests in trees, eaves, and shrubs. Their name comes from the papery material they use.

• Ground wasps – This group includes square-headed wasps, digger wasps, and sand wasps. As their name suggests, they nest in the ground.

• Mud daubers – Mud daubers are metallic blue or black and build mud nests on walls and rock faces. They are not very aggressive.

• Cicada killers – While intimidating, these large wasps mainly prey on cicadas and rarely sting humans unless provoked. The females nest in burrows.

Why Did More Wasps Suddenly Appear?

If you notice a sudden influx of wasps in your yard, there are a couple likely explanations:

• You may have inadvertently created an appealing nesting ground for wasps by adding new landscaping, removing old trees and stumps, or rearranging lawn decor.

• Nearby construction may have disturbed an underground nest, causing wasps to relocate to your property.

• Warm, dry weather is also a factor, as wasp populations thrive in summery conditions.

• Your wasp problem may also be linked to natural prey fluctuations. More cicadas or caterpillars means more food for wasps.

• A fertilizer application can attract wasps. The nitrogen in fertilizers produces lush plant growth that supports more insect prey. The fertilizer’s sugary scent may also draw in wasps.

Tips for Deterring Wasps

Here are some tips for making your yard less hospitable to wasps:

• Keep the lawn trimmed short to remove sheltering cover.

• Fill in bare earth areas where ground wasps could dig nests.

• Clean up fallen fruit around trees and bushes.

• Remove standing water and fix leaky sprinklers to eliminate drinking sources.

• Use screens on vents, chimneys, and other access points to block indoor nests.

• Apply insecticidal dusts in window wells, vents, and entry points.

• Set up traps with sugary bait away from your home to divert wasps.

• Call a pest control professional to treat nests on your property.

What to Do if You Get Stung

If stung by a wasp, here’s how to treat the sting:

• Wash the sting area with soap and water to remove any remaining venom.

• Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain.

• Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to reduce inflammation.

• Use hydrocortisone cream to ease itching.

• Monitor for signs of allergic reaction and seek emergency care if breathing difficulties or major swelling develops.

When to Call an Exterminator About Wasps

It’s safest to call a professional exterminator to handle large wasp infestations on your property. Licensed pros have the protective gear, powerful insecticides, and expertise to:

• Pinpoint and eliminate nests.

• Treat burrows and hives in hard-to-reach spots.

• Prevent wasps from rebuilding nests in the same areas.

• Apply residual insecticides for lasting control.

• Remove nests from indoor spaces like attics.

This comprehensive approach helps keep wasps away long-term. DIY methods are risky and less effective on substantial wasp populations.

Maintaining a Wasp-Free Yard

With some diligent prevention and fast treatment of nests, you can keep your lawn free of these unpleasant stingers. Avoid using harsh chemicals that kill beneficial insects like bees. Instead, make your yard less welcoming to wasps by identifying and removing attractants. Traps and targeted nest removal will also help reduce wasp problems over time. Pay attention to signs like overgrown areas, bare patches, and flowers that can signal ideal wasp habitat. With smart landscaping and pest control, you’ll be able to enjoy wasp-free backyard barbecues.