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Even though summer is coming to an end, it still feels just as hot as it was 3 weeks ago. Now just who is taking advantage of all of this heat? The wasps. No, it's not that one relative that refuses to move out of your guest bedroom because you have a pool, it's the wasps.
In this article, we're going to give you some tips to keep those wasps off of your Charlotte property! As much as we can give credit to these winged insects when they buzz around our gardens and pollinate the flowers, they can quickly become a nuisance when they decide to build a nest on your property.
Wasps not only sting but can cause allergic reactions in some people. Fear not, I’ve got seven quick tips to keep these pests at bay so you can enjoy your yard again!
Wasps are attracted to stray food and sweet drinks so keeping your yard tidy is essential. Don’t leave food and drinks out in the open and ensure that your trash cans are sealed tight. Clean up any spills as soon as they happen too. Wasps are also attracted to compost piles, so it's keep these away from any areas where you frequent outside such as patios, sitting areas, swimming pools, or driveway basketball courts.
Wasps love water and will happily build their nests near a reliable source of it. Check for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible. Consider installing a fountain or birdbath away from your house to keep wasps occupied.
If you are a pool owner, you are probably very well aware that stagnant water can be a magnet for wasps. Regular pool maintenance is crucial to keep wasps away. First, keep the pool area clean and free from food debris or sweet drink spills.
Second, use a pool cover when the pool is not in use, this reduces the wasps' access to water. Be sure to remove any puddles of water that may accumulate on top of the cover. Additionally, you could consider using a natural wasp deterrent near the pool area like peppermint oil, as wasps tend to dislike its strong scent.
Have you noticed wasps buzzing around the corners of your house? They could be trying to find a way in. Take a walk around your property and seal up any cracks or gaps you find. You can also cover up vents and install screens on windows and doors to prevent any nooks and crannies they might weasel their way in to.
Wasps are drawn to sweet smells, including the scent of candles. If you love lighting candles in the evening, opt for an unscented variety to keep wasps away. If you do use scented candles, keep them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Although many folks may opt to use things like citronella candles to deter insects, we actually suggest you focus elsewhere in your strategy. According to Science.org, citronella candles are not very effective and instead you should utilize things like DEET or lemon eucalyptus oils.
Certain plants are excellent natural insect deterrents, which includes our pesky wasps. Planting these in your garden can be an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution to keep wasps searching elsewhere for a new home.
Spearmint, for instance, is known to deter wasps. Its strong scent, which is pleasant to us, is overpowering to wasps and other insects. Similarly, thyme is another herb that wasps tend to avoid.
Eucalyptus and Citronella are two other plants known for their insect-repellent properties. Wormwood is another strong-smelling plant that repels a variety of insects, including wasps. It should be handled with care, however, as it can be toxic if consumed in large amounts so we don't really recommend this one if you have pets that go outdoors.
Additionally, consider incorporating plants like Marigolds and Lemongrass into your garden. These not only add beauty to your outdoor space but also release a scent that deters wasps and other insects.
Remember, the goal is to create an environment that is inhospitable to wasps but inviting for humans and pets. By incorporating these plants into your garden or outdoor space, you can create a natural barrier against wasps.
Deploying wasp traps can be another effective method to control the wasp population around your property.
There are several commercially available wasp traps, or you can make one yourself using easily available materials. Homemade traps often use a mixture of water and sugar or a piece of fruit as bait inside a container with a one-way entrance.
Once the wasps enter the trap attracted by the sweet smell, they are unable to escape. These traps should be placed at a distance from the areas where you spend time to avoid attracting more wasps towards your living spaces. Regularly empty and clean the traps to keep them effective.
Another fun trap is actually a common household fan with the guard taken off. Certain wasps like the Cicada Killer are drawn to the loud whir of fans as they perceive this to be their favorite source of food - Cicadas. The wasps will quite literally fly into the fan blades... and well, let's just say they won't be bothering you anymore. Just be careful not to be near the spinning fan blades while it is active!
If all else fails, call in the professionals. A pest control company can inspect your property and suggest a course of action. Avoid trying to remove the nest yourself, because you run the risk of getting stung (likely more than once). Here at Aruza, we know how to handle wasps safely and efficiently.
I hope these seven quick tips have been useful in keeping wasps off your Charlotte property! Always remember to approach wasps with caution and avoid provoking them. These insects may be small but they are far from harmless, they can become aggressive when they feel threatened.
Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your property, and call us for help if you’re unsure. A pest-free yard is a happy yard!
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