5 Tips for Getting Rid of Wasps

Finding an increase in wasps around your home or business can often be a scary experience. Not only do these pests have painful stings, but they are also often incredibly aggressive when they feel threatened. Fortunately, deterring wasps doesn’t have to be a complicated process, and, often, focusing on repellents can often keep them from setting up shop around your home during the spring or summer months. However, if wasps are already present, working with an experienced pest control provider is recommended to remain safe. 

1. Seal Your Trash Cans 

Trash cans often contain large amounts of old food and liquids. Since wasps are highly motivated to find new food sources, having a convenient option like an exposed trash can available to them will encourage them to build nests nearby. To eliminate this problem, trash cans should be carefully sealed to keep out wasps and other pests or wildlife, like flies or raccoons, from gaining access to them. In addition to this, compost bins can also attract wasps. So, great care should be taken to seal these areas as well if utilized. 

2. Seal Foundational Cracks 

Although most homeowners don’t realize it, some wasps species will actually build their nests close to the ground or underground in protected areas. Sealing up foundational cracks can help eliminate potential nesting spots for wasps and will further ensure that a nest isn’t built onto a home or business. In addition to foundational cracks, any edges in the siding or external wires entering the house should also be sealed. The best time to do this is during the fall or winter months – before wasps begin building their nests in the spring. 

3. Eliminate Food Sources 

While having a barbecue is a great way to spend time outdoors with friends and family, it is vital to ensure that any leftover spills or food scraps are cleaned up as soon as possible. Wasps are big fans of protein sources, making them a particularly pesky pest near grills, smokers, or outdoor kitchens. Unfortunately, the only way to keep these pests at bay is to maintain optimal cleanliness throughout peak seasons like spring and summer. Wasps are also attracted to sugary drinks, so any empty cans should be washed out with water and disposed of in a sealed container. 

4. Improve Your Landscaping 

Like other pests, wasps can be repelled through intuitive landscaping and plant choices. Some of the best plant varieties to ward off wasps include eucalyptus, citronella, spearmint, and thyme. Fortunately, many of these plants are inexpensive and can help eliminate many other pests that could be within the area. Some of the plants that should be removed or avoided because they attract wasps include yarrow, sweet fennel, and Queen’s Anne lace. 

5. Call a Wasp Control Expert 

One of the best ways to get rid of wasps and keep them away is by contacting a wasp control expert. Most people know us as “The Guys in the Red Shirts,” and we’ve been successfully handling pest control problems across Oklahoma since 1979. We have over 40 years of knowledge and experience managing the pests that pester you, and we’re dedicated to eliminating these pests for each one of our customers.