When pests invade your home or yard, it can be annoying, unsettling, or even hazardous to your health. Wasps can fit into all of these categories. When large swarms of these insects hover around your property, you have reason to be nervous. The sting from a wasp can be painful and, in some, cases dangerous. You don’t want to let this pest problem go unchecked.
Like any other pest, wasps can take over and make themselves at home. But you can also effectively kill them and prevent others from taking their place. You do not have to contend with these pesky insects all summer long, nor do you have to let them spoil your outdoor activities.
Besides calling a professional wasp exterminator for cost and treatment options, here are some effective methods that can help you steer clear of them.
First … What Not to Do
When some people first encounter infestations of wasps, they panic. And when people panic, they act foolishly. Killing wasps can start by destroying their nests. If you take this approach, be cautious. Do not try knocking it down with a stick or rock. Also, do not spray it with water. This can only disturb the hive, sending swarms at you.
Also, do not go after a hive or large swarms without the right clothing. Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. If possible, wear gloves and cover up as much as you can.
Keep Them Away
If you don’t see wasps in your yard or home, you won’t have to worry about killing them. Your first step should be to create an environment that will not attract these insects. Cleaning your yard and securing your garbage are essential. You should also eliminate water sources by fixing leaks and not leaving stagnant water around. Placing plants and flowers such as marigolds, catnip, spearmint, and thyme can repel wasps as well.
Use Soap and Water
There are a few ways to kill wasps that don’t take any fancy equipment or complex chemicals. Natural solutions can be effective at eliminating these pests. You probably have some things on hand that will work. To begin with, place two tablespoons of soap in a cup of water. Mix it up and place it in a spray bottle. You have yourself a wasp-killing spray.
The soap will clog the wasps’ breathing pores, killing them quickly. You can spray wasps as you see them indoors and outside. Make sure you are close enough to get a direct hit.
Use Vinegar and Water
A similar tactic is to use another household product: vinegar. Normally, you would use this for cooking, and maybe for cleaning. In the case of getting rid of wasps, it can be potent and efficient.
If you mix equal parts of water and vinegar, you can have an easy-to-create and replenish supply of wasp killer. The vinegar will burn the wasps, causing them to die almost immediately.
Insecticides Around Your Property
Spraying insecticides around your home can take care of wasp infestations. Spray the product in areas where you have seen wasps flying around. Also, spray under porches and decks, on and inside sheds, and under the eaves of your house. Be careful not to spray plants, however, as this can harm them.
Store-bought Sprays
If you’d rather go a different route and spray the wasps directly with a non-natural product, there are multiple options at a local home improvement store. Make sure you follow the directions on the product. You can spray the wasps directly, but another good approach is to hit the hives directly. Spray a liberal amount of product on the hive. But be cautious not to do this when the wasps are most active. It’s to do so in the evening when they are more lethargic.
Get the Pros on the Case
Dealing with a few wasps here and there might not be a big concern. But if you discover a large infestation, it may be overwhelming. Even using some of these methods might not be enough to keep up. This is when professional help can come to the rescue.
Pest control companies specialize in eliminating unwanted creatures of all shapes and sizes. Technicians have the skills and experience to know where wasps build their nests. They also have the right equipment to take out large colonies of these pests. An exterminator will also come prepared with safety gear and tools to stay out of harm’s way.
There are many pest control options, so make sure you research carefully and choose the one you feel comfortable with. Reading online reviews and getting referrals from people you know and trust will help you make the right decision.
If you have concerns about wasps taking over your property, help is available. Follow these tips, so you can chase these insects away this summer. You’ll be able to eat outdoors and spend time in your yard without worrying about getting stung.
