What Are Wasps Attracted To? Tips for Keeping Wasps Away from Your Home

Posted by Matthew Rathbone on March 02, 2023 · 4 mins read

As a homeowner, you want to be able to enjoy your backyard without worrying about pesky insects like wasps. These stinging insects can be a nuisance and even dangerous if you’re allergic to their venom. In this article, we’ll explore what wasps are attracted to and provide some tips on how to keep them away from your home.

DIY Wasp removal recommendations

For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.

What Are Wasps Attracted To?

Wasps are attracted to a variety of things, including sweet smells and bright colors. They also tend to be attracted to areas with a lot of activity, such as picnics or outdoor gatherings. If you’re wondering what specifically might be attracting wasps to your backyard, here are some common culprits:

Food

Like many insects, wasps are attracted to food. Sweet foods, in particular, are especially attractive to them. If you’ve ever had a wasp buzzing around your soda can or fruit salad, you know what we mean! To keep wasps away from your outdoor meals, make sure to cover any sugary treats and keep your trash cans securely closed.

Flowers

Wasps are pollinators, which means they play an important role in our ecosystem by spreading pollen from flower to flower. However, some species of wasps can also be attracted to flowers for food. Be aware of any flowers in your garden that may be attracting wasps, and try to plant varieties that are less attractive to them.

Nests

If you have a wasp nest on your property, you can bet that more wasps will be attracted to the area. Wasps are social insects and live in large groups, so if you see one, there are likely more nearby. If you find a wasp nest on your property, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to remove it safely.

How to Keep Wasps Away

Now that you know what wasps are attracted to, let’s talk about how to keep them away from your home. Here are some tips to try:

Keep your outdoor space clean

Wasps are attracted to garbage and other debris, so it’s important to keep your outdoor space clean and tidy. Make sure to dispose of any trash properly, and clean up spills or messes right away.

Avoid wearing bright colors and scents

Remember that wasps are attracted to bright colors and sweet smells, so it’s a good idea to avoid wearing perfumes or brightly colored clothing when you’re spending time outside.

Set up traps

You can purchase wasp traps at most hardware stores or online. These traps use sticky substances or attractants to lure wasps in and trap them. Just be sure to place them away from where you’ll be spending time outdoors.

Call a professional pest control service

If you have a serious wasp problem, it’s best to call in the professionals. A pest control service can safely remove any nests and help prevent future infestations.

By following these tips, you can keep wasps away from your outdoor space and enjoy your backyard with peace of mind. Remember to stay calm if you do encounter a wasp - swatting at them can make them more aggressive. With a little bit of prevention and caution, you can coexist peacefully with these important pollinators.