Not interested in sharing your home with wasps? There’s something you can do about that! Here are six easy ways to prevent wasp nests.
Six Easy Tips for Preventing Wasp Nests
Prevent Wasp Nests by Sealing Trash and Recycle Bins
Wasps are carnivorous. They love human and pet food. So, make sure always to seal your trash cans. Any pet food that is stored outside should also be secured tightly.
Also, keep excess cardboard and paper recycling storage to a minimum. Flying insects like wasps and hornets love to eat them. In fact, they sometimes use paper to build their nests.
Removing Wasp Attractors Can Prevent Nests
Nectar and bird food may also attract wasps. So, think carefully about where you hang bird feeders and store bird food.
Compost piles can also be a major attractor. You may want to consider indoor composting if your pile becomes an issue.
Check Your Home Fixtures and Structure to Prevent Wasp Nests
Winter storms can destroy the exterior of your home. Broken panels or siding, gaps in soffits, and other crevices are perfect homes for a potential wasp nest.
Make sure to check window, door, and screen integrity to keep flying insects out of your home as well.
Check Your Yard for Rodent Holes or Potential Burrows
Did you know many species of wasps build their nests underground? They do! So, if you find holes, fill them quickly.
Hang Decoys to Prevent Wasp Nests
Some wasp species are very territorial and will not build within a few hundred feet of another nest. That means placing a decoy wasp is a safe and natural deterrent! It is best to place decoys along the edge of your property line as far from your patio as possible.
Learn to make one yourself! You can use paper-maché, chicken wire, or a different medium of your choosing. If DIY projects aren’t your strong suit, try purchasing one online, like this one from eartheasy.com or from your local garden store.
Deploy Wasp Traps
You will want to add bait to the trap to help attract the wasps. Spring is prime breeding season, and wasps are attracted to protein, like sliced turkey or chicken. Then, during the summer, they are attracted to sugary foods like jam, soda, or fruit juice. Purchase a trap or create your own!
MAKE AN ACTION PLAN TODAY
Don’t make the mistake of forgetting these easy steps. Set a reminder! March is a great month to get started on putting these wasp nest prevention tips into practice. Then you’ll be safer all spring and summer long.
Find a Local Allergist
If you think you have a bee sting allergy, don’t wait for an emergency. Instead, talk to an allergist about testing and venom immunotherapy.
