Wasps can become uninvited guests in your home or garden, especially during the warmer months. Understanding what attracts wasps to these areas is the first step to keeping them away. Wasps are naturally drawn to environments that provide them with food, water, and shelter.
Food Sources That Attract Wasps
Wasps are attracted to homes and gardens due to availability of food. Wasps are especially drawn to sweet foods and drinks. In late summer and early fall, when their natural food sources are less abundant, wasps turn to human environments for sustenance. Sugary foods like fruits, soft drinks, and desserts are irresistible to wasps. If you leave these items out in the open, you’re essentially inviting wasps into your space. In addition to sweets, wasps are also attracted to protein-rich foods, which they use to feed their larvae. Outdoor barbecues, exposed meat, or food scraps left on plates can draw wasps to your garden or outdoor dining area. It’s essential to clean up food scraps and keep garbage cans tightly sealed to reduce the chances of attracting wasps.
Water Sources That Attract Wasps
Like all living creatures, wasps need water to survive. Standing water in your garden or around your home can serve as a magnet for thirsty wasps. Birdbaths, puddles, and even plant saucers filled with water provide a perfect drinking spot for these insects. Leaky faucets or poorly drained areas around your home can also create ideal watering holes for wasps. To prevent wasps from frequenting your garden, ensure there are no stagnant water sources. Regularly empty birdbaths, fix any leaky hoses or faucets, and make sure that your garden has proper drainage.Shelter and Nesting Opportunities
Wasps are always on the lookout for secure locations to build their nests. Eaves, attics, sheds, and dense vegetation provide the shelter they need. Yellowjackets, for instance, prefer to build their nests underground, while paper wasps create their homes in more elevated locations, such as under eaves or porch ceilings. If your home or garden provides plenty of shelter, wasps may view it as an ideal nesting spot. To reduce the likelihood of wasps nesting near your home, regularly check for and seal any cracks or crevices in walls, fences, or roofs where wasps could build nests. Removing dense bushes or overgrown areas in your garden can also make it less attractive to nesting wasps.Bright Colors and Sweet Scents
Wasps like bright colors and strong scents, as they associate these with food sources. Brightly colored flowers, clothing, and outdoor decorations can catch a wasp’s attention, drawing them closer to your home or garden. Additionally, sweet-smelling perfumes, lotions, or scented candles can lure wasps in, as they mistake these scents for nectar. If you plan on spending time outdoors, consider wearing neutral-colored clothing and using unscented lotions to minimize the chances of attracting wasps.
How to Prevent Wasps From Entering Your Home or Garden?
Preventing wasps from entering your home or garden requires a few proactive steps. One of the most effective ways to deter wasps is to eliminate food sources. Always clean up food and drink spills quickly, especially during outdoor gatherings. Keep trash cans tightly sealed, and regularly empty them to avoid attracting wasps. If you have fruit trees, make sure to pick up any fallen fruit, as the sweet juices can attract wasps. Another key prevention method is to remove water sources. Make sure that birdbaths, plant saucers, and other standing water sources are emptied regularly. Fix any leaky faucets or hoses that may be creating puddles around your yard. Lastly, reduce nesting opportunities by regularly inspecting your property for potential nesting sites. Seal cracks and openings in walls, roofs, and sheds to prevent wasps from gaining access to areas where they might build nests. If you do spot a small nest early in the season, it’s best to remove it before it grows. Myths and Facts About Wasps| Myth | Fact |
| Wasps are only attracted to food. | Wasps are also attracted to water, shelter, and bright colors. |
| Destroying a nest will get rid of wasps for good. | Wasps can build new nests in the same area if it remains attractive. |
| Wasps only come around in summer. | Wasps are most active in late summer and fall, but they can be present year-round. |
| All wasps are aggressive and dangerous. | Many wasps are beneficial to gardens and will only sting if provoked. |
| You can use water to destroy wasp nests safely. | Water won’t remove nests effectively and can make wasps more aggressive. |
