Wasps may be one of the most fearful summer pests in the Pacific Northwest. These stinging insects will quickly ruin your BBQ and other outdoor festivities with their aggressive behavior. Not only are they potentially dangerous to people who are allergic to their venom, but some wasps can wreak havoc in your home if they nest inside wall voids. Keep reading to learn more about wasps and what you can do to help prevent an infestation.

What Attracts Wasps?

While they build their colonies in the spring and summer seasons, wasps are attracted to protein such as meat, pet food, and peanut butter. So keep your garbage in a tightly closed trash container and don’t leave food out.

In late summer and early fall when a wasps’ nest has already reached its maximum size and food is scarce, wasps tend to become more aggressive and will turn their attention to sugary sweets like fruit and soda. It’s also not uncommon for wasps, particularly yellowjackets to target honeybee hives for food.

How to Prevent Wasps

Wasps like to build their nests in areas where they’ll go undisturbed such as eaves and overhangs. Some will also nest underground. A pest control company can help you eliminate these stinging insects but you can also practice these wasp prevention tips.

Walk around the perimeter of your home and take note of any small cracks and crevices wasps may fit into, don’t forget under eaves and soffits
Use a silicone-based caulk to seal those openings
Ensure your window screens don’t have holes
Install mesh sheets on the vents outside of your home
Keep your trash cans tightly closed
Don’t leave pet food out
Pick up any fallen or ripe produce
Plant bright flowers far away from your home

How do you get rid of a Wasp Nest?

While there are sprays and other DIY methods to removing wasps nests, we don’t recommend ever approaching them. When a wasp is squashed or feels threatened it will emit pheromones that essentially tell its buddies to come and attack. wasp nests are a job best left to the professionals.