As temperatures climb, we’re all spending more time outdoors with our families. Las Vegas is the perfect place for walking, hiking, laying out by the pool or enjoying a bbq. Unfortunately, there’s also the risk of wasps and other outdoor pests during these activities. To help, our Las Vegas wasp removal specialists are sharing tips on how to keep wasps away.
1. Remove Any Sources of Food
Without even realizing it, you may have sources of food for wasps around your property that are attracting them to your home. If your pet food bowls are outside, you have hummingbird feeders hung by windows or have trees that produce fruit, these are all things that could potentially draw the wasps. To avoid attracting wasps, make sure you clean your dog’s food and water bowls regularly. Move hummingbird feeders further away from your home or take them down if you suspect a wasp problem. If the fruit on your trees has ripened and fallen to the ground, pick them up and dispose of them in a covered bin. Rotting fruit is a favorite for wasps!
2. Always Seal Your Garbage Cans
Something like an empty can of soda or last night’s leftovers could attract wasps to your outside garbage cans if they can get access to it. Wasps are attracted to sugary sweets, meat, fruit, protein-rich foods and more. This is why it’s so important to cover your garbage cans and make sure the lid is sealed to avoid tempting the wasps to hang around.
3. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
The last thing you want is for wasps to get inside, much less set up a nest in your home. You can avoid this by simply keeping your doors and windows closed as much as possible. In the Las Vegas heat, you’ll most likely be running the air conditioner anyway. If you do need to open your windows or doors, make sure your screens have no tears or cracks where wasps can gain access.
4. Get Plants That Naturally Repel Wasps
There are some plants and flowers that can deter wasps and other insects naturally. Some of these include:
- Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella
- Wormwood
- Basil
- Geraniums
- Marigolds
- Cucumber
You can either grow these in your garden or gather some of the leaves and spread them around the area you want to keep the wasps away. Cutting up some basil, mint or eucalyptus leaves will release the oils, which wasps can smell. You can also do the same with cucumbers because wasps do not like the bitter smell and taste of their skin.
5. Use Essential Oils
If you’re going to be outside for a while and want to make sure the wasps steer clear of you, consider applying some essential oil to your clothing, backpack or anywhere else you think would be helpful. You can also mix the essential oils with soapy water in a spray bottle and spray down porches, garage walls, outdoor ledges and other areas where wasps might build a nest. Just be sure to use the right oils and dilute them enough so they don’t damage your skin or belongings. Some favorites of hikers and campers to repel wasps are lemongrass oil, clove oil and geranium oil.
6. Avoid Wearing Bright Colors or Floral Prints
A wasp’s vision is designed to recognize bright colors and identify flowers. If you happen to be wearing something like this, it could attract a wasp’s attention. Try to wear muted colors and nothing with a floral print if you want to keep the wasps at bay while enjoying the outdoors.
7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular household item that can help keep wasps away. It has a strong, pungent smell that repels the wasps and other common pests. Just mix the apple cider vinegar with water and spray it around the house or in areas you want the wasps to avoid.
8. Make Repairs to Your Home
Wasps may find parts of your home attractive for nesting if you have cracks or holes in the walls that allow them to enter. Do a full inspection of your home to see where you can make repairs. Seal up cracks or other openings, focusing on windows and doorways. Also, don’t forget about garages, sheds or storage areas when making repairs. Wasps could easily gain access to these structures to nest without you ever knowing until you accidentally disturb the colony.
9. Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If it’s clear that you have a wasp problem that’s not getting better with these tactics, it’s time to call a professional. Experienced pest control technicians know how to safely get rid of wasps and keep them away. They have knowledge of wasp behavior and the right equipment to get the job done. The team at Fischer’s Pest Control can help remove wasps, bees and other pests that pose a threat to you and your family. We offer free inspections and estimates, so you know exactly what to expect. Call us today to learn more about our wasp removal services!