What do wasps hate the most?

Wasps are incredibly diverse insects with over 30,000 identified species worldwide. While they may seem like irritating pests to us humans, they play an important role in balancing ecosystems by preying on other insects and pollinating plants.

But what things do wasps themselves hate or avoid? Understanding wasp deterrents can help us live more harmoniously with these amazing creatures in our gardens and homes.

Light

Wasps avoid bright lights. Their compound eyes are particularly sensitive, allowing them to see in low light. Bright light overwhelms their vision, making it harder for them to navigate back to the nest.

This photosensitivity means that wasps will steer clear of lamps, fairy lights, and other bright bulbs. Keeping outdoor lighting to a minimum can help deter wasps.

Smoke

Smoke is an effective wasp repellent. It blocks their sense of smell and vision, making it hard for them to find food sources or the entrance to their nest. Prolonged smoke exposure is likely to drive wasps away for good.

Smoking out a wasp nest is an old-fashioned way of getting rid of wasps. Modern deterrents like smoke bombs or ignition coils can be placed near problem areas to keep wasps away.

White vinegar

Wasps have a very keen sense of smell, which they rely on to detect food. Strong odors like white vinegar are abhorrent to wasps.

You can make a natural wasp repellent spray by mixing a 50:50 solution of white vinegar and water. The acidic vinegar smell overwhelms wasp olfactory receptors, essentially blinding their ability to smell.

Spray vinegar solution around entry points like doors and windows to deter wasps from coming near your house.

Citrus fruits

Like vinegar, the strong citrusy smell of fruits like lemons is repulsive to wasps. Citrus oils present in the peels contain limonene, a natural insect repellent.

You can hang cut lemons or limes around your patio or balcony to keep wasps away. Alternatively, sprinkle some lemon peels near potential nesting sites like roof eaves.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is a natural repellent for wasps. The main active ingredient, cineole, has insecticidal properties that deter wasps from settling around treated areas.

Mix a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Mist around door and window frames as well as other openings to prevent wasps from entering.

Peppermint oil

Like other strong-smelling botanical extracts, peppermint oil drives wasps away. The active ingredient menthol triggers a avoidance response in wasps.

Make your own wasp-repelling spray by mixing 15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water. You can also grow mint plants, since wasps dislike the smell of the leaves.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains a compound called eugenol which acts as an insect repellent. Studies have found that this essential oil effectively deters wasps and other stinging insects.

Add a few drops of clove oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Mist around doorways, window sills and other potential wasp entry points to discourage them from coming near.

Wasp traps

Wasp traps lure in wasps with a tempting bait like sugary fluid or meat. Once inside, the wasps become trapped and eventually die.

Traps eliminate individual foraging wasps, but do not get rid of the nest. They are useful as a temporary measure to reduce wasp numbers around your home.

Some common DIY wasp trap baits are:

• Fruit juice
• Beer or wine
• Sugar water
• Jam
• Ground meat

Fake nests

Solitary wasps are territorial and avoid areas near existing wasp nests. Mimicry is a clever deterrent that takes advantage of this behavior.

Fake wasp nests made of papier mache or grey paper bags appear like the real thing from a distance. Hang these around your porch, garden, or other areas to fool wasps into thinking the territory is already occupied.

Nest removal

To get rid of wasps for good, you need to destroy their nest. Attempting nest removal yourself is risky due to potential stings.

It’s best to call a professional pest control service in spring or summer to find and eliminate all accessible nests around your property. This prevents nests from reestablishing the next year.

Insecticides

Insecticide sprays and dusts containing permethrin, tetramethrin, or carbaryl are toxic to wasps. They damage the insect nervous system on contact.

Insecticides are most effective on nests, killing off developing larvae so the colony dies out. Spraying nest entrances or surfaces where wasps land can also eliminate foraging individuals.

Exercise caution with any insecticide use and always follow label directions carefully.

Attract natural predators

Encouraging natural wasp predators like birds, spiders, and dragonflies can help reduce wasp numbers in your yard.

Try these tips to draw helpful predators:

• Install bird houses and bird baths
• Plant insectary plants that attract beneficial insects
• Avoid pesticides so predator populations thrive
• Provide sources of water for increased predator presence

Netting

Installing fine netting or screen mesh over windows, doors, and patio areas is an effective physical barrier against wasps. The small openings prevent wasps from entering while allowing air circulation.

Netting can be applied as removable covers or permanent fixtures. Make sure to seal any gaps thoroughly so wasps can’t find another way in.

Seal openings

Wasps enter homes and buildings through cracks, crevices, holes, and other openings. Sealing up all potential entry points denies wasps access and deters nest building.

Target areas like:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Holes in siding or roof eaves
• Openings around pipes, wires, vents, etc.
• Cracks in walls
• Spaces between deck boards

Use caulk, expanding foam sealant, wood putty, or other materials to close gaps. Trim back trees and bushes touching the structure. Install screens over vents, chimneys, and stucco weep holes.

Avoid flowering plants

Many species of wasps feed on flower nectar as their primary food source. Avoid planting flowering shrubs, trees, or plants around areas you want to keep wasp-free.

If you already have flowering landscaping, trim back blooms as they emerge through spring and summer. This denies wasps their main food supply.

Get rid of rotting wood

Wood-boring insects like carpenter bees and beetle larvae thrive in old, rotting wood. Their presence attracts predatory wasps seeking an easy protein meal.

Remove any dead trees, wooden debris, stumps, and old logs from your property. Replace rotting fence posts, decking, or landscaping timbers. Keeping your yard free of rotting wood helps eliminate wasp food sources.

Avoid barefoot areas

Foraging wasps scavenge in lawns for insect prey. Stepping on or accidentally disturbing a ground nest often provokes aggressive stings in defense.

Have children wear shoes while playing outside to avoid potential wasp stings. And supervise pets who may disturb hidden nests buried in soil or mulch.

Keep food indoors

Sugary drinks, ripe fruit, meat platters, and other outdoor eats attract foraging wasps. Never leave food unattended.

Dining outdoors? Cover food between bites and promptly clean up leftovers. Removing food sources denies wasps a reason to linger around your patio or deck.

Avoid sudden movements

Fast motions and swatting can trigger aggressive stinging when wasps are investigating an area. Move slowly and calmly back away if you encounter wasps.

Avoid rapid arm waving or attempts to shoo wasps away. Remain composed and unthreatening until they have left the area. This reaction is less likely to provoke defensive stinging behavior.

Wear light colors

Wasps are more attracted to dark colors which appear threatening. Opt for white, tan, or other pale clothing to seem less intrusive.

Bright patterns and floral prints can also draw unwanted wasp interest. Stick with solid light colors for best results.

Avoid perfumes and scented products

Heavy perfumes, fragranced soaps and detergents, scented sunscreens, and similar products contain chemicals that interest and excite wasps.

Switch to unscented versions of toiletries and cosmetics. Launder clothing in fragrance-free detergent. This makes you less enticing to curious wasps.

Install fans

Wasps dislike constant air movement and struggle to fly against gusts or currents. Strategically placed fans make covered eating areas and patios less hospitable.

Oscillating stand fans work well for keeping wasps at bay. Box fans directed at entry points also deter wasps from accessing buildings.

Conclusion

Wasps play an important ecological role, but can become a nuisance around homes. Many effective DIY remedies and exclusion techniques are available for deterring wasps.

By understanding what wasps avoid, you can make your property unwelcoming and discourage nest building. Target food sources, entry points, and nesting sites to keep wasps away without harming important pollinator populations.