Wasps are one of the most common and annoying pests that can ruin your outdoor activities and cause painful stings. However, wasps are also beneficial insects that help control other pests and pollinate plants. In this article, you will learn how to identify, prevent, and get rid of wasps in a safe and effective way.

Key Takeaways

Why Control Wasps

Wasps are not only a nuisance, but also a potential threat to your health and safety. Here are some reasons why you should control wasps:

• Wasps can sting. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and do not die after stinging. Their stings are painful and can cause swelling, itching, redness, and infection. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to wasp stings, which can lead to anaphylaxis – a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Wasps can cause crop damage. Wasps are carnivorous insects that feed on other insects, such as caterpillars, aphids, flies, and spiders. While this can be beneficial for pest control, it can also be harmful for crops and gardens. Wasps can damage fruits, vegetables, flowers, and leaves by chewing or piercing them.
• Wasps can contaminate food. Wasps are attracted to sweet and sugary foods, such as fruits, jams, sodas, and cakes. They can land on your food and drink and transfer bacteria or parasites that can cause food poisoning or infection. They can also become aggressive and sting you if you try to swat them away.

How to Identify Wasps

Wasps belong to the order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, ants, and hornets. There are over 7,000 species of wasps in the UK, but the most common ones that you may encounter are the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica). These are social wasps that live in large colonies headed by a queen.

You can identify wasps by their distinctive features:

• Yellow and black stripes. Wasps have yellow and black stripes on their abdomen that serve as a warning signal to predators. Some wasps may also have red or orange markings.
• Narrow waist. Wasps have a narrow waist that separates their thorax (where the wings and legs are attached) from their abdomen (where the stinger is located).
• Pointed stinger. Wasps have a pointed stinger at the end of their abdomen that they use for defense and hunting. The stinger is attached to a venom sac that injects venom into the victim.
• Nests. Wasps build nests from chewed wood pulp that they mix with saliva. The nests have a paper-like appearance and consist of hexagonal cells where the eggs and larvae are stored. The nests can vary in size and shape depending on the species and location. Some nests may be found in trees, bushes, walls, roofs, attics, or underground.

How to Prevent Wasps

The best way to avoid wasp problems is to prevent them from building nests near your home or yard. Here are some tips on how to prevent wasps:

• Seal up cracks and holes. Wasps can enter your home through cracks and holes in walls, windowsills, vents, or screens. You should seal up any openings with caulk, mesh, or foam.
• Cover food and garbage. Wasps are attracted to food sources, especially sweet ones. You should cover any food or drink that you leave outside or store in your kitchen. You should also keep your garbage cans closed and clean.
• Avoid wearing bright colors and perfume. Wasps may mistake you for a flower or a fruit if you wear bright colors or perfume. You should wear light or neutral colors and avoid using scented products when you go outside.
• Plant mint and other aromatic herbs. Mint is a natural repellent for wasps, as they do not like its smell. You can plant mint and other aromatic herbs, such as lavender, basil, or rosemary, around your home or yard to deter wasps.

How to Get Rid of Wasps

If you already have a wasp nest near your home or yard, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. However, you should be careful and avoid disturbing the nest or provoking the wasps. Here are some methods on how to get rid of wasps:

• Use a DIY trap. You can make a simple trap with a glass jar, sugar water, and vinegar. Fill the jar with sugar water and add a few drops of vinegar. The sugar will attract the wasps, while the vinegar will prevent bees from entering the trap. Make some holes in the lid of the jar and hang it near the nest or where you see wasp activity. The wasps will enter the jar and drown in the liquid.
• Spray a commercial insecticide. You can buy a commercial insecticide spray that is designed for wasp control. You should follow the instructions on the label and wear protective clothing and goggles. You should spray the insecticide directly on the nest at night or early morning, when the wasps are less active. You may need to repeat the treatment for several days until all the wasps are dead.
• Dust the nest with boric acid or diatomaceous earth. Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are natural substances that can kill wasps by dehydrating them or damaging their exoskeleton. You can use a duster or a plastic bottle to apply the powder on the nest or around the entrance. You should do this at night or early morning, when the wasps are less active. You may need to repeat the treatment for several days until all the wasps are dead.
• Hire a professional pest controller. If you are not comfortable or confident with dealing with wasps yourself, you can hire a professional pest controller who has the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove the nest.