How To Keep Away Wasps: 5 Easy Steps

As the warm summer months roll in, Michigan homeowners can enjoy the beauty of the Great Lakes State, but this season also brings out an unwelcome visitor: wasps. These stinging insects can quickly turn a pleasant outdoor gathering into a painful experience, posing a risk to your family and pets. Fortunately, you can take several proactive steps to keep wasps at bay and enjoy a worry-free summer. This comprehensive guide will provide you with practical and easy-to-follow steps on how to keep away wasps.

Wasps in Michigan

Wasps, particularly yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets, are common in Michigan. They build nests in various locations, including eaves, attic spaces, and under decks, and are particularly active from late summer to early fall. Wasps are attracted to food sources and sugary drinks, so your outdoor dining and activities can inadvertently draw them in. 

How To Keep Wasps Out Of Your Backyard

There are several effective strategies you can implement to keep wasps at bay. Here are some things you can do to prevent wasps:

1. Inspect Your Home and Yard

The first step in controlling wasps is to identify potential nesting sites around your Michigan property. Regularly check areas around your home for signs of wasp activity. Common nesting sites include:

• Eaves and overhangs
• Gutter systems
• Under decks and porches
• Sheds and storage areas

Michigan’s cooler weather can sometimes encourage wasps to seek out sheltered areas, so be thorough in your inspections.  Early detection allows you to address potential infestations before they become a serious problem.

2. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve identified potential nesting sites, take steps to seal any cracks or gaps to prevent wasps from entering your home:

• Check for Cracks and Gaps: Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or gaps in siding, around windows, and near doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points. In Michigan, where winters can be harsh, sealing these gaps will also help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
• Repair Screens: Ensure that window and door screens are in good condition. Any holes or tears can provide wasps with an entry point into your home.

3. Maintain a Clean Outdoor Area

Keeping your outdoor space clean and well-maintained can help deter wasps from setting up camp near your Michigan home.

• Regular Lawn Care: Wasps are attracted to overripe fruit and fallen leaves. Keep your lawn well-mowed and regularly clean up any fallen fruit or debris.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and trees well-trimmed, especially those close to your home. Overgrown vegetation can provide ideal nesting sites for wasps.
• Secure Trash and Recycling Bins: Food waste can also attract wasps. Keep trash and recycling bins tightly sealed, and use bins with lids to prevent easy access. Place trash bins away from outdoor living areas and regularly clean them to remove any food residues that could attract wasps.
• Clean Up Spills and Food: After outdoor meals or gatherings, promptly clean up food spills and leftover beverages. Wasps are drawn to sugary drinks and food scraps, so keeping your outdoor area clean reduces their attraction.

4. Utilize Natural Deterrents

Several natural deterrents can help keep wasps away from your Michigan home.

• Hang Fake Nests: Wasps are territorial and tend to avoid areas where other wasps have established nests. Hanging a fake wasp nest in your yard can discourage new wasps from building their nests nearby.
• Mint Plants: Wasps are repelled by mint. Consider planting mint around your outdoor living areas. This is particularly useful in Michigan, where mint can thrive in the local climate.
• Cucumber Slices: Wasps dislike the scent of cucumber. Placing cucumber slices around your outdoor dining areas can help deter them.
• Citrus: Wasps are also repelled by citrus scents. Place cut citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, or oranges, around outdoor areas where you want to deter wasps.
• Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, are known to repel wasps. You can mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it around your outdoor spaces.
• Other Plant Wasps-Repelling Plants: In addition to mint, eucalyptus, citronella,  and wormwood act as natural deterrents and help keep wasps away from your outdoor spaces.

5. Use Wasp Traps

Commercial wasp traps can be an effective way to reduce the wasp population around your Michigan home.

• Use Commercial Wasp Traps: Set up wasp traps around your yard to capture and reduce the wasp population. Place traps away from outdoor living areas to avoid attracting wasps to the space where you spend the most time.
• DIY Wasp Traps: You can also create your own wasp traps using a mixture of sugar water or fruit juice in a bottle. The sweet liquid will attract wasps, and they’ll become trapped inside the bottle.
• Set Traps Early: Place traps in early spring, before wasps become highly active. This will help catch the queen wasps and reduce the number of nests being established.
• Position Traps Strategically: Place traps away from high-traffic areas, but close enough to attract wasps. Ensure they are positioned in shaded areas, as wasps are more attracted to sugary baits in these conditions.

Ask Professional Wasp Experts

If you find a wasp nest on your property or if you’re dealing with a significant wasp problem, it’s best to consult with a local pest control professional like All Seasons Pest Control. We have 38 years of experience dealing with wasps in Michigan and are familiar with the local species and the best methods for removal. Our wasp exterminators have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively remove wasp nests and prevent future infestations.

If you have any more questions about wasp control or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pest control experts at All Seasons Pest Control, as we understand the unique challenges of Michigan's environment!