Michigan summers are meant for grilling, gardening, and spending time outdoors, not swatting away wasps every time you step onto the patio.
If wasps have turned your yard into a no-fly zone, you’re not alone. Learning how to keep wasps out of your yard can make your outdoor space comfortable and safe again. From yellow jackets to paper wasps and mud daubers, these stinging insects can build nests in eaves, trees, sheds, and grills, especially when food sources like sugary drinks and trash cans are nearby.
Here’s how to take your yard back, safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Seal crevices around your home and yard where wasps might build nests.
- Remove food sources, such as open trash cans, uncovered pet food, and fallen fruit.
- Use wasp traps and natural wasp repellents, such as peppermint oil or geraniums.
- Contact a pest control professional if nests continue to reappear or you notice a wasp infestation.
Why Wasps Love Yards in Summer
Wasps are most active from late spring through early fall. They’re drawn to areas with good shelter and access to food, especially sugary liquids and proteins.
Yellow jackets, in particular, are known for hovering around grills and trash cans, while paper wasps often build nests under eaves and porch ceilings. Mud daubers prefer quiet, undisturbed areas, such as sheds or attics.
If you’ve got fruit trees, compost bins, or regularly host barbecues, you’re likely to attract wasps without realizing it. The key is reducing the things that make your yard appealing to them.
Step One: Stop the Nest Before It Starts
Wasps are incredibly persistent when it comes to nesting. You’ll often find wasp nests in corners of structures, under eaves, porch overhangs, or even inside grills that haven’t been used yet this year.
To keep wasps away from these areas, inspect your property early in the season and block off common nesting spots.
Use caulk or sealant to close off cracks, crevices, and holes in siding or under decks. Check window screens and replace any with tears or gaps.
Also, look out for early signs of new nests: small paper-like starter nests no bigger than a golf ball. These are easier to remove when they’re small and uninhabited.
Keep Your Yard Free of Food and Trash
Wasps are attracted to the same foods you enjoy: sweet drinks, meat from the grill, and even bits of food left behind by pets. Leaving those items out is an open invitation for wasp activity.
Here’s what to do:
- Clean up after outdoor meals. Don’t let food or drinks sit out, even for a few minutes.
- Seal trash cans tightly. Use lids that snap shut and rinse cans regularly to reduce residue.
- Avoid feeding pets outdoors, or bring dishes in right after they eat.
- Remove fallen fruit from trees as it starts to ferment and attract wasps.
Being consistent about cleanup keeps wasps from returning and signaling others to follow.
DIY Wasp Repellents That Work
There are natural ways to repel wasps using smells they dislike. While results vary, some homeowners find success with essential oils or plants that repel wasps. Here are a few options:
- Peppermint oil: Mix one tablespoon with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray around eaves, door frames, or patio furniture.
- Lemongrass, eucalyptus, and citronella: These oils are common in natural wasp repellents.
- Geraniums and marigolds: These colorful flowers can help keep wasps and other insects at bay.
- Clove and cinnamon: Some commercial sprays include these ingredients to naturally repel wasps.
Apply any DIY wasp repellent regularly, especially after rain or yard work.
Are Wasp Traps Worth It?
Wasp traps can be helpful, especially during the early part of the season. These traps work by luring wasps in with sugar water, fruit juice, or meat. Once inside, the wasps can’t escape.
You can buy pre-made wasp traps or make your own using a cut-up plastic bottle and bait, such as sugar water or a small piece of raw meat.
Just remember: traps attract wasps, so place them far away from high-traffic areas, such as patios or decks.
What About Wasp Nests Already on Your Property?
If you already have a wasp nest, especially one with visible activity, don’t try to handle it on your own unless you’re experienced and confident. Getting rid of wasps without getting stung takes the right timing, tools, and protective clothing.
Wasps become more aggressive when defending their nests. This is especially true for yellow jackets and hornets. Using a wasp spray or contacting a professional exterminator is usually the safer choice.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we’ve handled wasp problems all across Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Feel free to reach out to us if you’ve got a nest in a hard-to-reach spot or aren’t sure what kind of wasps you’re dealing with. We can inspect the area and recommend the proper pest control treatment for your yard.
Prevent Future Wasp Infestations
To keep wasps from coming back, you’ve got to make your yard less attractive long term.
- Install decoy nests: Wasps are territorial and may avoid areas that look already claimed.
- Add wasp-repelling plants around the yard and garden.
- Close off entry points to sheds, attics, and under decks.
- Schedule seasonal inspections with a pest control company, especially if you’ve had nests before.
Sometimes the best wasp deterrent is consistency, regular cleanups, routine inspections, and early action when you see signs of wasp activity.
FAQs
What’s the difference between yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets?
Yellow jackets are small, aggressive wasps that often nest underground or in walls. Paper wasps are slimmer and build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves. Hornets are larger and more aggressive, with nests that are usually round and located in trees or high places.
Do natural repellents keep wasps away?
Some essential oils and plants may help repel wasps, but they’re not foolproof. Use them in conjunction with other prevention strategies, such as sealing entry points and removing food sources.
When should I call a professional?
If you spot multiple nests, can’t identify the wasps, or have allergic reactions to stings, don’t risk it. Call a pest control company for safe removal.
Do wasps return to old nests?
No, most wasps don’t reuse old nests, but they may build new ones nearby. Removing nests and cleaning the area helps prevent future problems.
