Creating More Living Space Outdoors

Wasps And The Homeowner: Key Tips

by Emily Flores

No homeowner wants to deal with a wasp problem, but sometimes it can't be helped. When these pesky insects get into your house or onto your property, the situation can quickly become dangerous as their stings are quite painful. The following article offers several tips for homeowners involving both the prevention of wasp invasions and the eradication of wasps that have already gained a foothold in your home or landscape.

Prevention

Naturally, the best way to deal with a wasp invasion is to prevent one from happening in the first place. One method that can stop wasps from getting into your house is to seal up any tiny gaps or cracks that allow wasps to enter the house. Use a foam sealant or caulk to seal these gaps and also make certain that all holes in any of your window screens are repaired.

Another good idea is to keep all of your trash bins as tightly sealed as possible, as open bins or trash cans will attract wasps and other insects. Do not leave any food or drinks on the ground. Throw all discarded food and drink containers in the trash. Planting certain species of plants that repel wasps, such as wormwood, basil, and mint, near your house, is also a strong preventative measure.

An interesting technique for preventing wasps from setting up shop around your home is to use a mixture of geranium, clove, and lemongrass essential oils. Place several drops of each of these oils into a spray bottle that contains water and some dish soap. Spray the liquid on various locations around your house where wasps typically build nests, such as under the eaves or on a porch roof.

Elimination

If wasps are already present on your property and the nest is small, you can combine two tablespoons of dish soap with some water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture on the nest. The soap in the mixture will cause the wasps to die quickly, according to one expert. 

If wasps have made a nest inside a wall in your home, do not seal up the gap in the wall they are using to enter and leave the nest area. Wasps have the ability to chew their way through drywall and sealing up the hole could potentially lead to a dangerous situation.

The best way to deal with wasps behind a wall or any type of serious waps invasion is to let a professional wasp control expert take care of the problem. Contact a wasp control company in your area to learn more.

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