Warm weather brings more time outdoors—but it also brings out unwanted guests like wasps. These stinging insects can quickly ruin backyard barbecues, garden time, and even peaceful afternoons on the porch. Whether you’ve dealt with them before or want to avoid a problem altogether, knowing how to keep wasps away is key to maintaining a safe, comfortable space around your home.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why wasps are attracted to certain environments, how to deter them using proven strategies, and what to do if they become a recurring issue. From natural deterrents to smart property management, here’s everything you need to know to keep wasps at bay.

Why Wasps Hang Around Your Property

Understanding why wasps show up is the first step in preventing them from making your home theirs. Wasps are on a constant search for food, water, and shelter—especially during spring and summer.

Here are some common things that attract them:

• Sugary drinks and food scraps
  
• Protein sources like meats and pet food
  
• Sheltered nesting sites (attics, gutters, tree branches, soffits)
  
• Bright flowers and garden plants
  
• Standing water

If your property offers any of these, it could become a wasp hotspot.

Simple Tips to Keep Wasps Away

Wasps can be persistent, but with the right preventive steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of attracting them in the first place.

Keep Food and Drinks Covered

Outdoor meals are a magnet for wasps. Keep food in sealed containers and cover drinks when dining outside. Be sure to clean up spills, crumbs, and empty trash bins regularly. Even small sugary residues on soda cans or fruit scraps can draw them in.

Seal Trash and Compost Bins

Garbage and compost provide ideal feeding grounds for wasps. Use tightly sealed lids and rinse recyclables before disposal. Keep bins clean and stored away from high-traffic areas like decks or patios.

Maintain Landscaping

Wasps love overgrown areas where they can nest or hunt for food. Regularly trim hedges, mow your lawn, and remove dead branches. Prune plants that are heavily flowering to reduce nectar access near your home.

Patch Entry Points

Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, holes, and gaps—especially near eaves, windows, vents, and siding. Seal these spaces to prevent wasps from nesting in your walls or attic.

Eliminate Standing Water

Bird baths, clogged gutters, and pet bowls can serve as hydration stations for wasps. Clean out any sources of standing water and refresh pet water bowls frequently to avoid insect build-up.

Natural Deterrents That Repel Wasps

Not everyone wants to rely on sprays or chemicals to prevent pests. The good news? There are effective, natural ways to keep wasps from coming too close.

Peppermint Oil

Studies have shown that peppermint oil is an effective wasp repellent. Mix a few drops with water and a small amount of dish soap in a spray bottle. Apply this around windows, doors, and known entry points to create a scent barrier.

Vinegar and Clove Mix

Clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils—especially when combined with vinegar—can deter wasps. Spraying this mixture around areas they frequent may help keep them away.

Cucumber Slices

Believe it or not, cucumbers give off a chemical that naturally repels wasps. Placing fresh cucumber slices in problem areas is a low-cost deterrent.

Wasp Decoy Nests

Wasps are territorial. Hanging decoy nests—available at many hardware stores—can discourage new colonies from building nearby. Make sure to place these in early spring before nests are active.

What to Avoid When Dealing With Wasps

While trying to keep wasps away, certain mistakes can accidentally make the situation worse:

• Don’t swat or hit them: Aggressive behavior can cause them to release alarm pheromones that alert others nearby.
  
• Avoid sugary perfumes or lotions when spending time outside.
  
• Don’t knock down an active nest unless you’re trained and properly equipped.
  

If you’ve tried prevention and wasps continue to linger, it may be time to explore professional options, especially if a nest is already established.

When to Call a Wasp Exterminator

DIY prevention is a great start, but sometimes professional help is the safest and most effective route—especially for large or hard-to-reach nests.

Consider contacting a wasp exterminator if:

• You spot wasps entering and exiting a wall void or attic
  
• You or someone in your household is allergic to stings
  
• You find multiple nests on your property
  
• DIY methods haven’t worked
  

Professionals have the tools, protective gear, and experience to safely remove wasp nests and apply targeted treatments that prevent future issues.

If you’re in the Bolivar area, pest control Bolivar MO services are available to assist with wasps and other seasonal pests.

Long-Term Wasp Prevention Strategies

Once wasps are gone, the goal is to keep them from coming back. Here’s how to stay protected year-round:

• Schedule seasonal inspections to identify new nests early
  
• Use residual sprays around the exterior during peak seasons (spring and late summer)
  
• Install screens on vents and chimneys
  
• Replace damaged wood that may attract carpenter wasps or wood-boring species
  
• Maintain regular trash and yard cleanup routines
  

Combining these strategies gives you the best chance at keeping your outdoor spaces enjoyable—and sting-free.

Final Thoughts

Wasps can be intimidating, especially when they settle too close for comfort. Fortunately, a combination of awareness, preventive care, and timely intervention can keep them away from your home and garden. From sealing up entry points to using natural deterrents, you have several effective ways to control the situation.

Whether you’re enjoying time with your family on the patio or managing a garden full of blooms, understanding how to keep wasps away is essential to maintaining peace and safety around your home.

About Nature Shield Pest Solutions

Nature Shield Pest Solutions offers reliable and eco-conscious pest control services Bolivar to residents and businesses and surrounding Missouri communities. Our expert technicians are trained to identify and treat a wide range of pests, including wasps and hornets, with customized solutions tailored to each property. We prioritize safety and long-term prevention over harsh chemicals, using environmentally responsible methods to protect your space.