After a warm summer, the wasp population can explode. That creates a problem: wasp queens stop laying eggs, their nests reach the end of their life cycle, and worker wasps are left without food. As a result, they aggressively search for easily accessible, carbohydrate-rich foods people eat, which makes them more aggressive, the Daily Mail reports.
A Simple Trick: Fake Nest
Pest expert James Copley suggests the easiest way to deter wasps from your garden is to fool them. These insects can tell when territory is already occupied and will rarely build a nest near another one. Simply crumple a brown paper bag and hang it from a tree or near your patio. From a distance it looks like a wasp nest, and the insects will avoid the area.
Food Bait
Another trick is to create a tasty bait for the wasps. Place a dish of jam or overripe fruit at the far end of your garden. This draws the insects to the easy pickings instead of your dining table. This is especially useful during outdoor dinners.
Natural Repellents
Instead of using chemicals that harm people and the environment, use natural remedies:
- a spray made from water and white vinegar;
- fresh cucumber peels — wasps can’t stand the smell;
- small bowls of used coffee grounds, which mask the scent of food.
These methods are safe and effective.
Why You Shouldn’t Destroy Wasps
Despite their painful stings, wasps are an important part of the garden ecosystem: they help control the population of other insects, serve as a food source for many animals, and help pollinate plants. So avoid exterminating wasps with toxic substances; deter or distract them instead.
