Summer calls for backyard barbecues, gardening and lounging by the pool — all of which become unpleasant when wasps are around. Wasps tend to build nests in sheltered areas like inside trees, under decks and porches, within walls or under the ground. "A few wasps around the garden won't pose a threat — but if they have a nest to defend, paper wasps and hornets can be a dangerous presence on your property," says Jim McHale, entomologist and president of JP McHale Pest Management.
To help you stay safe this summer, we talked to three pest experts about how to get rid of wasps without getting stung — and prevent them from coming back.
Types of Wasps
There are thousands of different wasp species that inhabit the U.S. — upwards of 4,000, according to Dr. Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). There are four types you're most likely to spot inside your house and around the property.
Yellowjackets
Recognizable by their black and yellow stripes, yellowjackets are among the most common and aggressive wasps. They're incredibly territorial and have a habit of repeatedly stinging when threatened. "They often nest in hidden areas such as under eaves, inside grills and even underground," says McHale.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps, identifiable by their long legs and abdomen, are typically reddish-brown with yellow accents. They're known for their umbrella-shaped nests made of papery material, often found tucked within tree branches, porch ceilings, door frames and windows. "While less aggressive than yellowjackets, they will sting if their nest is disturbed," says McHale.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Similar in appearance to yellowjackets but larger in size, hornets are mostly black with distinctive white markings. "Hornets can be highly aggressive, particularly when guarding their nests," says McHale. Their round, papery nests are commonly found in trees and bushes, so be wary in your garden.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers, which have long, slender bodies and black wings, are less aggressive than other species. They're typically brown or black in color, though some may have yellow stripes. They usually build their nests on buildings, but they rarely sting.
Signs of a Wasp Infestation
- Buzzing sounds: Wasps buzz loudly while building their nests. Look out for noise coming from the walls, roof, attic or rafter spaces.
- Wasps are entering or exiting a hole. Whether in the ground, a hole in your house or hidden area in the background, you likely have a wasp nest if you notice a constant stream of wasps entering and exiting one place.
- Chewed or damaged wood: Wasps chew on wood fence posts, trees, furniture and other wood surfaces. "You may be able to spot some of the materials that wasps use to construct their nests such as a papery substance made from chewed wood fibers," says McHale.
- Wasps inside the home: Take note if wasps — dead or alive — are frequently found inside your house. The nest could have direct access to your home's interior if it's built in an attic, crawl space or wall.
- Skunks are hanging around. "Look out for skunks lurking nearby as they consider the underground nest a tasty food source," says McHale.
- Nests: The most obvious sign is spotting a wasp nest, but don't approach it without the help of a professional.
How to Get Rid of Wasps
Call a professional.
Most wasps deliver a painful sting and will act agressively if you approach their nest. "If you find a nest, do not try treating it on your own!" says McHale. "This requires the expertise of a pest management professional for safe and effective removal."
DIY a wasp spray.
You can tackle small hanging nests with a mixture of two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. "The soap clogs their breathing pores (called spiracles) and they die almost instantly," says Chris Walker, The Wasp Expert. Be careful: Since you'll need to get close to spray the nests, your risk of being stuck will be higher.
Certain scents — like peppermint, glove geranium and lemongrass — are proven to repel wasps. Mix several drops of each oil with water and dish soap in a spray bottle and coat areas on the outside of your home where wasps like to build nests: under eaves, porch roofs and other ledges and crevices. You can even spray the solution on plants, as the mixture isn't harmful to them.
Buy a wasp spray.
Rather than making your own solution, purchase a wasp spray (like Hot Shot) that's designed to kill on contact and has a jet spray that reaches up to 27 feet — making it less likely to get stung as you spray.
This is a great product for outdoors and tackling a nest directly, but it's not safe for indoor use and isn't ideal for targeting individual insects. It's always best to spray nests at sunset when wasps are less active, direct the spray toward the entrance first. The following day, check for activity in the nest. If you still see movement, spray again.
Build (or buy) a wasp trap.
Wasp traps lure the insects inside a container with a tempting treat like sugar water, then prevent their escape. You can make a DIY fly or wasp trap in about five minutes by sawing the top off a two-liter bottle and inverting it inside the bottom. Hang the trap on tree branches where the wasps like to congregate.
If the DIY route isn't for you, purchase a trap online, like a solar-paneled trap on Amazon. A trap likely won't completely solve a wasp problem because all of the insects may not enter it, according to Walker. When using a trap, your best bet is to locate it nearest to the wasp nest entrance.
Drown wasps with vinegar.
According to a study published in the Journal of Pest Management Science, acetic acid, the ingredient found in vinegar, mixed with water is an effective solution that lures wasps and other pests. Simply mix apple cider vinegar, sugar and water together in a bowl. Stir thoroughly and leave the solution near the nest so the wasps will drown.
How to Prevent Wasps
Patch up cracks.
If you want to keep wasps from invading your house, preventative measures are key, says McHale. "Seal up tiny cracks around the edges of siding and where power lines enter the house. Patch up holes in window screens to prevent wasps from getting into your home." The best time to do this is in late fall after most worker wasps have died off or in early spring before nests become active.
"Use a combination of caulk or expandable foam sealant, like Great Stuff, to plug cracks and holes," suggests Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. However, if you do discover wasps inside your house, don't try to seal the nest inside the wall, thinking they'll just die off. "They’ll find their way out through vents or even chew through drywall," says Walker.
Keep trash covered.
Wasp problems are usually worse in backyards that have lots of food sources in the form of exposed garbage, recycling bins and composting food matter. Make sure to tightly seal the lids to your garbage bins. "Bins with a secure locking lid are ideal, but a pair of bungee cords should also do the trick," says DiClerico. You might also consider composting indoors if you find your compost pile close to the garden is causing problems.
Grow wasp-repellant plants in your garden.
Certain aromatic plants will deter wasps from flying around your backyard. "Wasp-repellant plants like mint, citronella, thyme, eucalyptus and wormwood will help ward off any wasps from your property," says McHale.
Don't let food sit out.
"As invaders of backyard barbecues, stinging insects are attracted to sweets and proteins, and thus people," says Dr. Fredericks. He suggests "pouring canned drinks into cups when enjoying a cold beverage outdoors. Wasps are known to climb into cans and sting when an unsuspecting person takes a sip."
Clean up the garden and around fruit trees.
Wasps are attracted to the sweet juices found in different fruits, from apples and peaches to berries. If you're growing fruits and veggies in the backyard, make sure anything that falls from trees or bushes is promptly picked up.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
