Wasps can be a real pain, especially if they start building nests or make their way into your house.
To avoid the unpleasantness of stings and general discomfort, it’s smart to take some pre-emptive steps.
Here are some foolproof ways to keep these wasps out of your home:
1. Seal Entry Points
Give your place a once-over for any cracks, gaps or holes that could invite wasps in like an open-door invitation.
Use caulk or weatherstripping around windows, doors, vents and utility lines to shut off any possible entry points – basically making your home resistant to wasp invasions.
2. Install Screens
Install fine mesh screens on any openings you have, like windows, doors, and vents. This keeps wasps from buzzing in but lets the fresh air flow freely. Just double-check that your screens are up to scratch with no tears or gaps for wasps to wiggle through.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
Your home turf and its surroundings should always be neat as wasps love messes, especially food waste and garbage spills lying around.
Make sure you’re regularly cleaning up any spills or crumbs both inside and outside the house; don’t give them an invite they can’t resist. It’s also a good idea to seal trash bins and compost containers.
4. Limit Sweet Smells
If you’re planning to chill out in your backyard, remember wasps are suckers for sweet smells. They can’t resist anything that reminds them of a flower garden or fruit orchard, that includes your favourite perfumes and fruits.
So it’s best to go scent-free when you step outside, especially if you know there are wasp hot-spots around. Also, don’t forget to lid up those garbage cans and fruit baskets tightly.
5. Use Wasp Deterrents
Certain natural scents like peppermint, eucalyptus or lemongrass actually keep these tiny wasps at bay.
Planting these herbs near entryways is an effective way of saying ‘no vacancy’ for wasps looking for nesting spots around your home.
You could also try using essential oils as a substitute but be careful with this – especially indoors where pets or kids might be at risk from overexposure.
6. Keep Food Covered
Out in the open for a picnic or BBQ? Make sure you’ve got food covers or mesh tents handy to keep wasps at bay. It’s not just about avoiding their stings; it also stops them from messing around with your delicious dishes.
7. Trim Landscaping
If you’re keen on keeping wasps away, make regular garden maintenance part of your routine. Trim any unruly bushes, shrubs and tree branches that are getting too close for comfort – these could be prime real estate for unwanted nest builders.
8. Set Up Wasp Traps
Set up wasp traps all around your place to snatch wasps before they get a chance to sneak into your home. You can grab some from the store or make one yourself using an enticing mix of sugar water and vinegar.
9. Avoid Swatting
Steer clear of swatting or any abrupt movements – this will only tick them off and increase the chances that they’ll sting you back in response.
Instead, gently steer the intruder towards an open window or door with something like a fly swatter or even just a soft piece of cloth.
10. Seek Professional Help
When wasp troubles reach a level that’s too much to handle, it’s time to call in professional wasp control services.
Professionals know their stuff and have the right gear to safely knock out those wasp nests and put some solid prevention methods into play.
By following these precautionary steps, you’re drastically cutting down on any chances of having unwanted buzzing guests invade your home.
Remember – nipping this problem in the bud is key so things don’t spiral out of control.