Wasps are territorial and more aggressive than bees. That means you need to be a little more cautious when dealing with them. The biggest threat is when they have built a nest near your home. If you suffer from allergies then you’ll want to contact your local pest control and get them eliminated as soon as possible.
This is also true if the wasp nest is in a location that you pass frequently. But, if the wasps are in a remote part of your garden and you are able to simply ignore that area, it can be advisable to leave them alone and focus on what attracts wasps to your home. Knowing this will help you make your home less attractive next year.
Spring Wasps
This is when you need to be most vigilant, as the nests are not yet established. Wasps you see in early spring are generally the queens. They have been in hibernation for the winter and are now ready to look for new nest sites.
It will look like the individual wasps are simply meandering around your property. But they are actually exploring every part of it, looking for a good spot to create their new nest.
The good news is that the majority of these wasps won’t find a suitable spot in or around your home. They will simply fly on, and they are no threat, provided you don’t antagonize them.
But this does remind you to check your outbuildings, eaves, and other places where they may nest. If you see any signs of a nest being built, you need to act quickly before it becomes larger and a major issue.
Tiny nests can be handled by yourself. Removing them and killing the queen stops you from getting lots of wasps later in the season.
Inviting Gaps
One of the top reasons you have so many wasps around your property is that there is a nest nearby. You may have allowed that nest to happen if you haven’t checked your home and filled any gaps and cracks.
Pay particular attention to windows, doors, and your crawl space. These offer great opportunities for wasps to settle.
Make sure you monitor your home throughout the spring; any new gap will be a target for wasps.
It’s also advisable to repair screens on doors and windows, preventing the wasps from getting into your home.
Sweet Things
Wasps are attracted to sweet things, and they will eat small insects that are also attracted to sweet items. This includes the specific aroma associated with rotting fruit and other foods.
In other words, if you leave garbage uncovered in your yard or home, you’re going to attract a variety of pests, and this will include wasps.
To help prevent the hoards of wasps descending on your property, wash all dishes after use, wipe down surfaces, and make sure all rubbish is sealed in bags and inside bins with lids. If the pests and wasps can’t get to the food, they won’t come to your property.
This will eliminate the possibility of there being lots of wasps around your home.
Remember, if you see a lot of wasps and it’s late spring or summer, they are likely to be coming from a nest. The best thing to do is watch where they fly. It will help you to track them back to their nest and decide if this is an issue or not.
Wasps can sting multiple times, and even if you’re not allergic, it can be very painful. That’s why it’s best to leave nest removal to the professionals.
