getting rid of wasps
Health,  homes

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.

get rid of wasps

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!

getting_rid_of_wasps_naturally

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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Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

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