Wasps can really be a thorn in the flesh if they happen to have a nest or in your home. Outdoor activities can be really difficult if wasps decide to invade your home.
There are different types of wasps that inflict different amounts of pain when they sting but the fact is, all of them are stinging insects.
Wasps don’t attack unless they feel threatened so make sure you don’t rub them off on the wrong side. There are many things that attract wasps into your home and below are some of them and how to keep wasps away from your home.
Wasps are always on the lookout for safe refuge. They like to build their nests in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed so constantly check your crevices, insulated walls and hidden cracks to see if there are any wasp nests and repair cracks to ward off wasps from your home.
Wasps also feed on insects so if you have things that attract wasps in your home then you might as well be inviting wasps. Digger wasps usually prey on insects on the soil like larvae and grubs while cicada killer wasps hunt for cicada eggs.
Wasps can be good as they control pests in your garden, flower beds or your home but the problem starts when they build a nest in your home.
Leftover meat can also attract wasps in your home or yard. Make sure you clean your place very well after having an outdoor braai and even indoors don’t leave leftover meat scattered around on the floor as you will be directly calling wasps into your home.
Wasps don’t eat meat only but they are also fans of sweet foods. When the fall or winter seasons come, wasps will favour sweet foods more than protein-based foods. If there are any fruit trees in your yard then wasps are likely to pay you regular visits or even settle down in your fruit trees so make sure you pick up overripe fruits and dispose of them far from your home.
Wasps are often mistaken for bees by some people because just like bees, they also like flowers. They like flowers for their nectar and aroma too. If you have lots of flowers in your yard then wasps are likely to visit you more often.
This also means they are also attracted to sweet-scented perfumes so if you wear one of those, you can also attract wasps to hover around you.
While you are doing your garden work lookout for wasp nests in your fruit trees because they might make their habitats there.
Also, make sure you wear protective clothing while working if you suspect your yard to be infested by wasps.
Another way that might help keep wasps away from your home is planting wasp repelling plants. These will keep the wasps away and you can also have them as healthy herbs. Wasps hate the smell of mint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, citronella and penny-royal. So not only are you going to have useful herbs in your yard but you will also have a good wasp repellent.
Wasps, like any other living thing, need water to survive so make sure you get rid of water sources like puddles in your yard. These can pose a perfect condition for wasps to come in so if you clear out all your open water sources, wasps won’t be attracted to your place.
Another funny but helpful idea that can keep wasps away from your home is by fooling them with wasp decoys. Wasps are highly territorial insects and hate sharing territories so if they see the wasp decoy, they might think the place is already occupied so they won’t build their nests there.
Habit of wasps
Wasps hibernate in winter and come out in summer to make their homes. The male wasp dies after impregnating the queen wasp so the queen builds a nest in preparation for her upcoming family.
When the queen starts out, the nest will be small and normally the size of a walnut but it increases in size as the family grows.
Wasps don’t go around stinging people unless they feel that they are in danger.
If you happen to disturb their nest by accident they will show you hell as they think you mean them harm.
Wasps can make their nests in any place that they feel is safe which includes indoors in your walls, ceiling or even under furniture.
Damages caused by wasps
Wasp stings can be really painful and even fatal for those with allergies.
It is important not to disturb wasps if you spot their nest because you might get stung.
Since wasps build their nests in hidden areas the chances of getting stung are very high as you might disturb them without even noticing.
Wasp stings can swell but the swelling and pain can go down with time. But if you have allergies the stings can cause anaphylactic shock which can be quite dangerous.
Wasps can also ruin outdoor activities or even garden work.
If they always fly around, it will be uncomfortable to have braais outdoors or hold any outdoor activities.
Detection of wasps
Wasps are big enough to notice so their presence is not that hard to detect.
If you see a wasp nest then know that you have wasps as pests in your home.
You can also see the wasps flying around in your garden, in the house or outside.
Mud dubbers, usually live indoors in mud-built nests which are really visible so if you see any of those in your home then know that you are sharing your home with wasps
How to Remove Wasps From Your Premises
If you spot a wasp nest don’t try to remove it; you will get stung.
Moving the nest is one way of getting rid of wasps but you need to do it carefully. Make sure you wear protective equipment like breath, long sleeves, coveralls, eyewear and gloves if you want to remove the nest.
The best way to get rid of wasps is to remove the nest at night when they are all gathered in one place. Be cautious not to point bright light directly at the wasps as you will be loudly announcing your presence and they will be ready to attack.
Spray the wasp nests with insecticides so as to kill them.
Don’t try to remove a nest that is beyond your reach, especially inside the house.
If all of those measures fail then contact your pest control services for help.
