As the fall season goes into winter, we find ourselves outdoors enjoying the nice crisp weather. Unfortunately, among the cooler temperature, wasps become more active and may become a nuisance around your home and garden. To enjoy the beauty without the fear of wasp stings, it’s essential to take preventive measures and know how to remove them safely. In this blog post, A-Tex Pest Management will share some of their wisdom with tips on how to avoid and remove wasps this fall.

Is there a Preventative Measure for Wasps?

a. Seal Openings: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings that could serve as entry points for wasps. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent wasps from entering your living spaces.
b. Secure Food & Drinks: Keep all food and beverages, especially sugary ones, covered when enjoying outdoor activities. Wasps are attracted to sweet smells and are more likely to become a nuisance around uncovered food.
c. Maintain Garbage Bins: Ensure that your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly to avoid attracting wasps looking for food scraps.
d. Trim Foliage: Trim bushes, shrubs, and trees near your home to eliminate potential nesting sites. Wasps often build their nests in overgrown areas.

Are Homemade Wasp Traps Effective?

You can create simple and effective DIY wasp traps using household items.
a. Bottle Trap: Cut the top third of a plastic bottle, invert it, and place it back into the bottom part. Fill it with a sweet liquid like fruit juice or soda. Wasps will be attracted to the scent, enter the trap, and be unable to escape.
b. Fruit Trap: Place a piece of overripe fruit in a container and cover it with plastic wrap, poking small holes for wasps to enter. Once inside, they’ll have difficulty getting out.

Protective Clothing

When attempting to remove a wasp nest, wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a veil or hat. This will help minimize the risk of getting stung.