Wasp nests can be a nuisance and even a danger if they are built in locations around your home While wasps play an important role in pest control and pollination, having a nest near your living space is not ideal The good news is that there are many effective methods to deter wasps from building nests on and around your property.
Why Do Wasps Build Nests Near Homes?
There are a few main reasons why wasps tend to build nests on homes and in yards
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Food Sources – Wasps need sugars and carbohydrates, which they obtain from things like flower nectar fruit, and human food and drinks. Yards with many flowers trees, compost piles, and outdoor dining areas can attract foraging wasps.
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Shelter – Wasps build nests in protected areas out of the elements. Under eaves, porch roofs, sheds, and cavities in walls provide shelter. Holes in the ground, abandoned rodent burrows, and gaps in siding are also appealing.
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Ready Building Materials – Wasps chew and gather fiber from weathered wood, cardboard, and other debris to construct nests. Yards and homes with these materials available allow for easy nest building.
4 Types of Wasps That Commonly Nest Near Homes
There are thousands of wasp species, but a few regularly interact with homeowners:
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Yellowjackets – Ground nesters that are very defensive of nests. Nests contain up to 5,000 wasps.
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Paper Wasps – Build open-comb nests under eaves and ledges. Docile unless nest is disturbed.
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Mud Daubers – Construct mud nest tubes, usually in sheltered areas. Rarely sting humans.
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Hornets – Large, aggressive wasps that build football-sized nests in trees and shrubs.
Effective Ways to Deter Wasp Nests
Here are 14 tips and methods to prevent wasps from building nests around your home:
Remove Food Sources
- Pick ripe fruit/vegetables, clean fallen ones from ground
- Move compost piles and trash bins away from house
- Clean up after outdoor meals immediately
- Use lidded containers for sugary drinks
Seal Possible Entry Points
- Caulk and seal cracks in siding and openings
- Repair damaged window screens
- Cover vents with fine mesh
- Check for gaps around pipes and wires
Make Your Yard Less Hospitable
- Trim back bushes and dense vegetation
- Clear clutter and debris that provide shelter
- Fill in holes and low spots in the ground with dirt
Use Repellents
- Hang fake nests to deter territorial wasps
- Spray essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus
- Plant mint, thyme, citronella, and other repellent plants
Set Out Traps
- Use purchased wasp traps or make your own sugar-water bottle trap
- Locate traps away from areas you want to protect
Knock Down Existing Nests
- Carefully apply insecticide spray at night when wasps are less active
- Hire a professional exterminator for large/difficult nests
Limit Lighting and Activity Near Nests
- Avoid excess lighting which attracts some species
- Limit activity near nests to reduce defensive behavior
Maintain a Tidy Landscape
- Keep the yard free of debris and piled materials
- Prune back branches that grow near buildings
- Eliminate sources of moisture leaks and standing water
When to Call a Professional
It is best to have extermination professionals handle large nests and infestations, especially those with aggressive species like yellowjackets and hornets. Professionals have the proper protective gear and experience to avoid getting stung. They also have access to the most potent pesticides that typical consumers can’t purchase.
Signs that you should call a pro include:
- Multiple nests on the property
- Nests that exceed the size of a basketball
- Presence of hornets or very defensive wasps
- Failed DIY removal attempts
- Nest is in a difficult to reach location
- Someone at the home has wasp allergies
Prevent Wasps Safely and Humanely
The key is to be proactive and take steps to deter nest building early in spring before large colonies form. Focus on modifying your property to be less appealing by minimizing food, water sources, entry points, and nesting sites.
When nest removal is necessary, apply non-chemical methods first whenever possible, avoiding unnecessary pesticide use. With some diligence, you can successfully prevent wasps from colonizing areas around your home.
Keep Wasps Away With These 3 Easy Tips! [Wasp Prevention]
FAQ
What is the best deterrent for wasp nests?
Citrus Peels. Wasps have an aversion to citrus scents, making citrus peels an effective natural repellent. Place orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels near potential nesting areas or hang them around your outdoor space.
What scent will keep wasps away?
How do I permanently get rid of a wasp nest?
- Approach the nest slowly and quietly at night time;
- Take a garbage bag and slowly cover the wasp nest;
- Detach the wasp nest from the tree or wall it is attached to and seal the bag;
- Place the garbage bag in an outside garbage can that has a tightly fitted lid, preferable away from the house.
How do you discouraging wasps from building nests?
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Seal trash cans:Ensure tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans to prevent wasps from accessing food waste.
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Pick up fallen fruit:Remove any fallen fruit from trees or plants, as wasps may be attracted to it.
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Clean up spills:Immediately clean up any spills of sugary drinks or other food that might attract wasps.
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Minimize food sources:Keep food covered when outdoors, and avoid leaving out food scraps or sweet drinks.
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Seal entry points:Patch up cracks, holes, or gaps on the exterior of your home, as these can be entry points for wasps.
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Remove debris:Clear away any debris or clutter, as this can provide shelter for wasps.
How can you prevent wasps from building a nest?
Use fake nests to deter wasps from building nests around your home. Wasps are incredibly territorial and refuse to build a new wasp nest within 20 feet of an existing nest. Place a fake wasp nest decoy in key locations around your home.
How do you keep wasps away from Your House?
You can also hang up a faux wasp nest to prevent wasps from setting up shop nearby. Wasps tend not to build nests next to each other. You can buy a fake wasp hive online or make your own with a paper grocery bag and some twine. To hang a fake wasp hive, crumble up the bag and hang it with the twine near the existing nest.
How do I remove a wasp nest?
A professional pest controller is recommended when removing wasp nests. However, if you want to remove the nest on your own, follow these steps: Spray a store-bought wasp killer, like Hot Spot, onto the nest at least 24 hours before removal. Wear gloves and white attire, as black and other dark tones are perceived as threats.
Do wasps build nests?
Wasps have a propensity to build their nests in places where we humans wish they did not. Wasps are usually attracted to homes for various reasons, and when they find a place they like, they will almost immediately begin building a nest. So, how do you stop wasps from building nests?
Can You Spray a wasp nest?
Do not attempt to spray an already irritated nest. The wasps may not all be in the nest at the time you attempt to spray it. Give the nest a few hours to calm down. If you’re not sure whether you have an allergy to wasp stings, set up an allergy test with your doctor before you attempt to tackle the nest.
How do I protect my apiary from a wasp nest?
Wear a few layers of clothing and an apiary hat to protect yourself. It sounds like this is NOT a cavity nest, meaning it’s not inside of a wall/soil and you can see all sides of the nest. That will make this an easier job. Purchase an aerosol can with a good spray distance – I would recommend EcoVia Wasp Spray since it’s FIFRA exempt.