Few things ruin a relaxing afternoon outdoors faster than a swarm of wasps buzzing around. While they play a role in natural pest control, wasps become a serious issue when they start nesting near your home. Understanding what draws them in—and how to make your property less appealing—is the key to avoiding a full-blown infestation.
Whether you’re noticing increased wasp activity or want to prevent a future problem, here’s what you should know.
Common Reasons Wasps Are Attracted to Your Home
- Accessible Food Sources
Wasps are highly motivated by food, especially sweet and protein-rich items. They’re drawn to:
- Trash cans with leftover food
- Pet food left outdoors
- Fruit trees with fallen, fermenting fruit
- Soda spills, sugary drinks, and barbecue scraps
The more food sources they find, the more likely they are to return and build nests nearby.
- Standing Water
Like most living creatures, wasps need water to survive. Birdbaths, clogged gutters, leaking hoses, or pet water bowls offer easy hydration. In hot weather, these sources become even more attractive to them. - Ideal Nesting Sites
Wasps love sheltered, undisturbed areas for building nests. Some common nesting spots include:
- Eaves, attics, and roof overhangs
- Wall voids and crawlspaces
- Decks, sheds, and outdoor furniture
- Tree branches and dense shrubs
Once a queen selects a site and begins building, a full colony can grow rapidly.
- Floral Scents and Bright Colors
Wasps are often confused with bees due to their attraction to flowers. They’re drawn to sweet smells and bright colors, especially in gardens and around patio decor. While this is unavoidable in many yards, it helps explain their presence near outdoor seating and landscaping.
How to Make Your Property Less Attractive to Wasps
Seal Up Entry Points
Check your home’s exterior for cracks, holes, or gaps in siding, vents, or around windows. Wasps only need a small opening to get inside walls and begin nesting. Caulk and repair any potential access points.
Cover and Clean Trash Areas
Use tightly sealed lids on outdoor trash and recycling bins. Regularly clean them to remove sticky residue that can attract foraging wasps.
Limit Open Food and Drinks Outdoors
Keep food and drinks covered during outdoor meals and gatherings. Promptly clean up spills, especially sugary beverages.
Fix Leaks and Drain Standing Water
Keep gutters clear, fix leaky faucets or spigots, and drain areas where water collects to eliminate watering holes for thirsty wasps.
Use Wasp-Repelling Plants and Scents
Consider planting mint, citronella, or eucalyptus near entryways. You can also place cotton balls soaked in clove, lemongrass, or peppermint oil in areas prone to wasp activity.
Hang Decoy Nests
Wasps are territorial and generally won’t build nests close to others. Hanging a decoy nest (especially early in the season) can discourage them from setting up shop.
When to Call for Professional Bee Removal
Even with prevention strategies, wasps can be persistent—especially in warm climates. If you notice:
- Increased wasp traffic around your home
- A visible nest forming in a high-traffic area
- Wasps entering small cracks or wall spaces
- Buzzing sounds from your ceiling, vents, or attic
…then it’s time to call in a professional bee removal service.
DIY wasp control can be dangerous. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and become aggressive when defending a nest. A trained technician can safely remove nests, treat the area, and implement preventative solutions to stop them from coming back.
