Wasps can suddenly turn a lovely afternoon into a stressful encounter. With their buzzing presence, these insects often strike fear in those who prefer a peaceful garden or picnic. It’s essential to find ways to keep wasps at bay without causing them harm.
After all, wasps play a vital role in our ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean we have to share our space with them. Here’s how you can deter wasps effectively and humanely.
Waspinator is a best-selling wasp deterrent, which naturally prevents wasps from setting up a nest in your home or garden, but does not harm them either. Despite not being as popular bees, wasps are important pollinators and (like ladybirds) eat aphids.
This is effective and simple to use. Just hang it up to prevent wasp nests, then easily transport it to ‘puff up’ when having a picnic or camping.
Wasps are highly territorial, so this paper brown bag basically looks like a wasps’ nest. So when new wasps see it, they won’t move in – a bit like a ‘wasp version of a fierce guard dog or scarecrow!)
No mess and chemicals and no dead wasps. And it’s safer for all the family and does not mess up natural ecosystems. Scientifically proved to work, it simply mimics an enemy wasp nest.
You can use this under table umbrellas or trees, or even around house eaves and in your loft or garage. Note it’s important to use before the Queen sets up shop, and then wasps will bring fruit and your leftover sticky drinks and cakes to her, prevention is better than cure!
Made from recycled polypropylene, the reviews are fantastic, with many saying it works within 10 minutes.
In North America, some people buy more than one to create ‘wasp fences (it will not work for all species, and although it may work for some hornets, the latter is nosier and may fly closer to realise it’s not a wasp nest, but it may be worth a try).
This invention also saves NHS funds, as it reduces the amount of stings that need treatment (some people have serious allergic reactions, requirement hospital care).
England has up to one million wasps per square mile, and traditional wasp sprays and traps are cruel and contain chemicals that harm other wildlife and are dangerous near children and pets. And they don’t work, because a wasp that dies from poison sends out panic signals (the company states that ‘kill a wasp and five more will come to its funeral’).
We don’t want to eliminate wasps as they play a part in ecosystems, this invention simply sends them elsewhere to nest in the wild. When wasps see another nest, they simply view it as another nest and immediately fly away.
How to Prevent and Treat Wasp Stings
- To prevent stings, use a Waspinator! Other tips are to not walk barefoot and wear long trousers and sleeves, and don’t wear bright colours or have strong smells (deodorants, perfumes etc).
- Wasps even like wet towels to drink water from. If you have an allergy, wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an Epi-Pen so someone can jab it into your thigh, if you have a reaction.
- If you are stung, scrape (don’t pull) the stinger immediately with a fingernail, credit card or dull knife, wash with soap and water, then apply ice (10 minutes on/off) for an hour, keeping limbs raised if stung on arms or legs.
- Apply a paste of baking soda & water and leave for 20 minutes (or use a wet tea bag). Monitor for an hour and call 999 for serious reactions.
- Advice for pets with wasp stings is similar – scrape the sting away, apply a cooled towel and baking soda/water paste, and contact your vet for allergic reactions or serious stings (including in mouths).
Understanding Wasp Behaviour
To tackle the issue of wasps, it’s crucial to understand their nature. Wasps are social creatures that tend to build nests in sheltered spots. They pollinate plants, help control pests, and contribute to the overall ecosystem.
However, during late summer and early autumn, these insects become more aggressive in their search for food, leading them to invade human spaces.
Not all wasps are the same. The most common types include yellow jackets and paper wasps. Yellow jackets are usually more aggressive and are often drawn to sugary foods.
Paper wasps, on the other hand, are less likely to attack unless threatened. Knowing the differences in behaviour can help you tailor your deterrence strategies effectively.
So, what makes humans and their environments so appealing to wasps? Food is a significant draw; sugary drinks, uneaten food, and trash can quickly attract them. Additionally, they seek sheltered areas to build nests, such as under eaves or in attics. Understanding these triggers helps us take the necessary steps to keep them away.
Natural Deterrents for Wasps
Proper food storage goes a long way in deterring wasps. Ensure that all sugary foods and drinks are sealed tightly. When enjoying outdoor meals, cover food items and clean up spills promptly. Garbage bins should have tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting wasps. By managing waste effectively, you’ll make your space less inviting.
It’s important to be proactive in sealing gaps and holes around your home. Wasps can slip through surprisingly small spaces. Check around windows, doors, and vents, and seal any openings with caulk or weather stripping. A well-sealed home not only keeps wasps out but also aids in energy efficiency.
Deterring wasps doesn’t have to involve harmful methods or complicated solutions. By understanding their behaviour, creating an unwelcoming environment, and employing natural deterrents, you can keep these buzzing insects at bay.
So, embrace the power of nature and design your outdoor space with these strategies. With a bit of effort and creativity, your garden can remain a peaceful retreat without the unwelcome buzz of wasps intruding. Give these methods a try, and enjoy your summer without the hassle.
