Wasps -- What They Are & How to Get Them Out of Your Garden!

Managing Wasps in Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

Wasps are some of the most unwelcome guests in gardens and outdoor spaces, especially when you're trying to enjoy a meal al fresco. The "social wasps," including hornets, paper wasps, and yellowjackets, are notorious for their aggressive scavenging habits during late summer. While wasps can be helpful to gardeners early in the season by preying on pests, their presence becomes a challenge as they shift their focus to human food. Understanding their behavior and using effective, eco-friendly strategies can help you reclaim your outdoor space.

Understanding Social Wasps

Social wasps, like their name suggests, live in colonies that function much like a social structure. These insects have specific behaviors that influence their interactions with humans.

Life Cycle and Behavior

• Spring: Female wasps that survived the winter emerge to establish new nests. During this time, workers focus on gathering protein, often preying on garden pests like caterpillars and grubs, which can benefit organic gardens.
• Late Summer: As larvae mature, the colony’s needs shift, and adult wasps start scavenging for sugar. This change often brings them into conflict with humans, as they are drawn to sweet beverages, fruits, and picnic food.
• Winter: Most of the colony dies off, except for a few fertilized females who will overwinter and begin the cycle again in spring.

Types of Social Wasps

• Yellowjackets: Highly aggressive and often found around human food. Known in some areas as "meat bees," they are common in California and notorious for disrupting outdoor gatherings.
• Paper Wasps: Slightly less aggressive but still problematic, especially near their nests.
• Hornets: Larger and more intimidating, hornets can deliver painful stings when provoked.

How to Prevent Wasps from Nesting in Your Garden

The best way to deal with wasps is to prevent them from establishing nests in the first place. Here are some proactive measures:

1. Use Wasp Deterrents

Shop Get Lost Wasp Deterrent (Pack of 1)

• Wasps are territorial and avoid areas where they see other nests. Hang fake wasp nests in early spring to trick them into moving elsewhere.
• These deterrents are particularly effective for social wasps, but keep in mind that solitary species like mud daubers are less aggressive and don’t defend their nests.

2. Seal Potential Nesting Sites

• Regularly inspect your property for cracks, holes, or other spaces where wasps might build nests. Seal these openings to discourage nesting.
• Remove old nests during winter when they are inactive to prevent reoccupation.

3. Maintain a Clean Outdoor Space

• Wasps are attracted to food scraps, fallen fruit, and sugary spills. Keeping your garden and outdoor dining areas clean can reduce their attraction.
• Securely cover garbage bins and compost piles to eliminate potential food sources.

Safe and Eco-Friendly Wasp Nest Removal

If wasps have already established a nest, taking the right steps can ensure safe and effective removal.

1. Removing Small Nests in Spring

Shop EcoSmart Wasp & Hornet Killer (14 oz)

• Early spring is the best time to remove nests while they are still small.
• Use an organic spray, such as Ecosmart, which is made from plant-based ingredients like peppermint oil.
• Spray directly onto the nest during cooler times of the day when wasps are less active.

2. Dealing with Large Nests

• By late summer, nests can house hundreds or even thousands of wasps.
• Large underground nests, which can contain over 1,500 insects, are particularly dangerous to handle. For these, it’s best to call a professional exterminator.
• Never attempt to remove a large nest without proper equipment, as wasps will aggressively defend their colony.

Diverting Wasps with Traps

When wasps are already active in your garden, traps can help reduce their numbers and keep them away from high-traffic areas.

1. Use Effective Wasp Traps

Shop Reusable W-H-Y Trap with Attractant

• Hang traps like the W-H-Y Trap between the wasps’ nests and your outdoor spaces. These traps are designed to lure wasps and capture them effectively.
• Position traps away from where people gather to avoid attracting wasps closer.

2. Provide an Alternative Food Source

• Divert wasps by placing a small dish of sugary liquid or protein scraps far from your dining area. This can keep them occupied and away from your guests.

Why Wasps Are Beneficial

Despite their reputation as pests, wasps play an essential role in maintaining garden health, particularly during the spring and early summer.

1. Natural Pest Control

• Wasps feed on caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other harmful insects, making them valuable allies for organic gardeners.
• Encouraging beneficial insect populations early in the season can reduce the need for chemical pest control.

2. Pollination

• While not as effective as bees, wasps contribute to pollination by visiting flowers to feed on nectar.

By understanding their ecological role, gardeners can appreciate wasps' benefits while managing their less desirable behaviors.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Wasps

1. Avoid Attracting Wasps: Keep sugary drinks covered and clean up food spills promptly.
2. Wear Light-Colored Clothing: Wasps are less attracted to pale colors.
3. Stay Calm: If a wasp approaches, remain still or move away slowly. Swatting can provoke aggression.
4. Use Natural Repellents: Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint can deter wasps when applied to outdoor furniture or sprayed in problem areas.

Long-Term Wasp Management

To keep wasps at bay year after year, adopt these sustainable practices:

• Encourage Natural Predators: Birds and other wildlife can help control wasp populations.
• Plant Wasp-Repelling Herbs: Grow mint, citronella, or eucalyptus around your garden to deter wasps.
• Install Screens and Barriers: Use mesh screens on doors and windows to prevent wasps from entering your home.

Final Thoughts

Managing wasps in your garden doesn’t have to mean eliminating them completely. By understanding their behavior and using eco-friendly methods, you can reduce conflicts and enjoy a safer, more pleasant outdoor experience. From deterrents and traps to natural sprays and professional assistance for large nests, there’s a solution for every wasp problem.

By balancing proactive prevention with respect for their ecological role, you can maintain harmony in your garden while keeping wasps out of your picnics.