Getting Rid of Wasps Naturally
By now you have probably searched how to get rid of wasps naturally many times this summer. Is there anything more annoying in the summer months than wasps? There’s a point in August where every time I set foot in my outdoor office (i.e.. my deck in the backyard) I am practically swarmed by wasps. That makes me nuts. But at the same time I don’t want to spray harsh chemicals around the yard. I mean we play there all the time and I work there too.
So how do you get rid of wasps naturally? Is it even possible, or are they resistant to anything but a heavy handed approach? Well, I am here to tell you it is possible sometimes to banish these annoying flying insects from your outdoor playground.
Getting rid of wasps naturally is the best way to remove wasps from areas of your home where they might present a danger. Because wasps are an integral part of our ecosystem, getting rid of wasps, even naturally, should only be a last resort.
5 Simple Ways of Getting Rid of Wasps Naturally
It’s important to use natural ways to get rid of wasps for a couple of reasons. First, some bug sprays used to kill wasps can also be lethal to animals that might ingest the dead bugs. Second, some of these chemicals can be harmful, and since wasp killer comes in a spray form, it’s quite easy to accidentally inhale it.
Soapy Water
This is an easy, all-natural, and effective method of getting rid of wasps. Simply put about 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid in a hose end sprayer, run the water until you get suds, and blast the nest with the soapy water from as far away as possible while still maintaining a strong water stream. The soap allows the water to penetrate the exoskeleton of the wasps, drowning them from the outside. Do this at or after dusk when all the wasps are in the nest. Might be gross, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to get rid of wasps.
False Nests
False nests work, because wasps are territorial. They won’t build a nest in the vicinity of another nest. You can find a variety of false nests out there from realistic to decorative. I believe the more realistic the better. Every little bit helps!
Wasp Traps
Another natural way of getting rid of wasps is the use of traps. Wasps like fresh bait, so change it often. Also the use of a savoury bait such as tuna or another meat will attract wasps, but not bees. Never use a sweet bait, as you will catch bees, and the bee population is already declining at an alarming rate. So leave them alone please.
Homemade Wasp Spray
You can also make your own homemade wasp spray. The recipe is extremely easy to prepare, and it does a wonderful job. This spray does double duty as a killer and a repellent. In a heat safe container, combine ginger, cayenne pepper, and horseradish with boiling water and let it steep overnight. After that combine 2 tbsp liquid soap with your root concoction. The soap kills the wasps, and the pepper/root tea repels them. OH By the way if you have other rodents in the garden this Critter Ridder organic pest repellant works brilliantly.
[tweetthis]Homemade wasp spray is useful this time of year.[/tweetthis]
Block Off Nests
If you have an underground wasp problem, one of the easiest ways to get rid of them is simply blocking off the entrance and exit. You’ll need a good flashlight, because this is best done at night when the wasps are sleeping. After you find the holes, press a bowl or other barrier firmly over the holes and into the ground. You’ll trap all of the wasps, and they’ll eventually starve. You can also pour your soapy water mixture into the holes to further increase your odds of success. Just be quick about it!
All-Natural Can be Effective
These all natural methods of getting rid of wasps actually work, and they are completely harmless to you, your animals, and the environment. If you have nuisance wasps, I highly recommend any of these methods over using a harsh chemical spray. With these methods of getting rid of wasps, there’s no need to!
FYI here’s my post on getting rid of ants naturally.
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22 Comments
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
We have lots of wasps, bees and hornets. This is some seriously awesome info!
Paula
Glad you can use it. I know we always have some serious wasps in August. They are so busy at this time of year.
Lorinda
Don’t make the mistake of spraying at night using a flashlight. They will come flying out of the nest straight at the light beam – and the person holding it. At least the “paper wasps” do.
mburbage
I use the soap method, as I use soap within the garden to keep bad bugs out ( good bugs in) it’s natural, it’s not harmful to anything and I won’t have to worry about killing any really good bugs and or even my plants!
Paula
Smart Move!
Pam
I had no idea that wasps were that territorial. I need to look into buying false nests.
aimee fauci
We live in the country and we are waspified! It’s ridiculous. These tips are great. This scaredy cat will show this to my husband.
Liz Mays
We do have wasps hang around a lot so this is helpful. I have to have a second look at the ant post too.
Diana Villa
Those looks so scary 🙁 Thanks for the great tips, I’m going to share this ^_^
Amanda Ripsam
Our apartment complex just had the exterminator come to our apartment to spray some stuff outside. I would have perfered these methods much safer around kids and pets
Maureen@ADebtFreeStressFreeLife
Very interesting ways to naturally get rid of wasps. I’m going to have to try some of these.
Paula
Maureen: Come back and let me know if they worked well for you!
Amber NElson
Wasps are sure annoying! My kids are terrified of them!
Veronica
They always seem to make nests by my studio. I let the pest guys take care of it
Toughcookiemommy
My husband has worked as an exterminator so I know how dangerous those chemicals can be. I love that this is a natural alternative.
Pam
These are great suggestions. We always have used soapy water to get rid of our wasp problem and it works really well.
Ourfamilyworld
These are good to know. I am afraid of wasps.
Annemarie LeBlanc
Thanks for sharing this. If I found out I had a nest of wasps in the house, my first resort would be the bug spray. Thanks for letting me know about the soapy water. That is definitely a more environment-friendly and natural way to get rid of them.
Ann Bacciaglia
These are all great tips for getting rid of wasps. I will have to try a few of these. We have a huge nest on out shed right now.
Lesley
We get wasps pretty bad out here in Arizona. I’ve never thought of using a dummy ‘false’ nest, I’ll have to get one of those. You should link to Amazon so people can check them out 🙂 I try to go the natural route whenever possible.
Melissa Vera
We have wasp really bad around our outdoor shed. Thanks for these tips.
Lisa Rios
I have always been so fishy on how you could get rid of them as there are few around my mom’s home. It is great that we have some natural & simple ideas to get it done. I am definitely going to try these.