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How to Prevent Wasps from Nesting Around Your Home Naturally

wasps
Wasps. Image by digicompphoto via Depositphotos

Dealing with wasps around your home can be a real hassle. Especially since they are super protective of their nests, and won’t hesitate to sting you repeatedly if you disturb their peace – ouch! Wasp stings typically cause some pain and swelling, but could be even more dangerous if you are allergic! Luckily, there are several natural methods you can use to keep them away without using any harsh chemicals. 

Seal Entry Points

Wasps can slip through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and rooflines, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping to prevent wasps from getting inside. This way you know that your home is wasp-free! 

Essential Oils

wasp building a nest
Wasp building a nest. Image via Depositphotos.

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove can act as natural wasp repellents. You can mix a few drops of these essential oils with water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture around your windows, door frames, and other areas where they might be looking to build nests. 

Wasp-Repelling Plants

Keep wasps at bay and your green thumb happy by adding wasp-repelling plants to your garden! Mint, citronella, and lemongrass naturally repel wasps and planting them near your home’s entry points could help keep these sneaky little insects at bay! 

Remove Food Sources

Wasps love sugar! Make sure that your outdoor eating areas are clean when you’re done, or cover your food and drinks when you’re outside. Also, remember to regularly empty your trash bins to reduce the possibility of wasps coming to look for something to eat in your yard. 

Fake Nests

A social wasp (Vespula germanica)
A social wasp (Vespula germanica). By Alvesgaspar – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2995290

Another sneaky but natural way to keep wasps away from your home is to hand decoy wasp nests. These insects are very territorial and avoid areas where other wasps have nested, meaning that these fake nests might discourage them from settling in too. 

Screens & Yellow Bug Lights

You can also install fine mesh screens on your home’s windows and doors to keep wasps out while still letting fresh air in! Yellow bug lights outside can also reduce wasp activity because they are less attracted to yellow light than regular white lights. 

Last Say

wasp
Paper wasp. Image by Sandy Millar via Unsplash

We hope these natural methods help you effectively keep wasps from nesting in and around your home, without causing harm to them or the environment!