Sharing your house with wasps isn’t an ideal situation. Unfortunately, several things can make your home attractive to these stinging insects. If you want to control a wasp problem, it’s important to understand why these pests are hanging around your house. Check out a few reasons why wasps have invaded your home.
1. Food Sources
If wasps can find a good food source near your home, they’ll be more than happy to stick around. These pests prefer to eat proteins and sweets. They’re attracted to crumbs, spills, and trash. Your pet’s food could also become a meal for these stinging insects. Wasp larvae feed on other pests like ants, spiders, and flies. If you’re dealing with other bugs, they could be attracting wasps.
2. Moisture
Wasps gravitate to areas where they have access to water. If your yard has standing water, then it will attract these pests. Moisture build-up in your home can also lead to a wasp problem. You’ll want to quickly repair any leaking pipes or appliances. If areas in your home are damp, consider using a dehumidifier or fan to keep things dry.
3. Shelter
Wasps need a safe place to live, and they build their nests in protected areas. Nests can be found in wall voids, attics, eaves, and on door frames and window sills. If you’re seeing several wasps, there’s a good chance there’s a nest close by. Wasps also build nests on vegetation and the exterior of your home. When this happens, they can easily find their way inside through cracks and gaps. Wasps will also overwinter in homes until temperatures rise in spring.
4. Flowers & Floral Fragrances
Wasps are attracted to floral fragrances because they feed on the nectar from flowers. Having flowers in your yard and home can be inviting to stinging insects. Incorporating wasp-repelling plants into your floral arrangements and gardens can help deter these pests. Artificial fragrances that smell like flowers can also be problematic. Wasps may think they have found a food source and head in your direction.
How to Get Rid of Wasps
Even if wasps like your house, you don’t have to let them move in. Check out a few tips to help get rid of these pests.
- Remove Potential Attractants: The best way to avoid a wasp infestation is to make your home uninviting to these pests. Take the time to remove potential attractants, including food and water, from your home and yard.
- Seal Entry Points: Don’t let wasps have easy access to your home. Seal any cracks and gaps around your house. Make sure window and door screens aren’t damaged.
- Create a Protective Barrier: Spraying your yard with our plant-based Yard Bug Spray can help prevent and control wasps. It kills pests on contact and has repellent properties. The residual repellency acts as a barrier helping to keep wasps away.
- Treat the Nest: You can also treat nests with our Wasp & Hornet Killer. This can be applied outdoors or in unfinished indoor areas like attics, garages, and basements. The foaming jet spray reaches up to 18 feet. You can carefully coat the nest and spray nearby wasps.
Knowing why wasps are hanging out in your space can make it easier to eliminate an infestation. If you’re dealing with a wasp problem, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly option, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.