How to get rid of wasps

When a wasp begins to hover, our natural instinct is often to bat, whack, or swat it away. However, this can inadvertently escalate the situation. When a social wasp feels threatened or is physically harmed, it releases a distress pheromone - a chemical alarm that alerts the rest of the colony to a potential threat.

In response, other worker wasps may emerge in large numbers to defend their nest. This defensive behaviour is often mistaken for a "swarm" (a term usually reserved for honey bees), but in reality, it is a coordinated protection effort. Because wasps become highly defensive and aggressive when their home is at risk, attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous and not recommended. especially if you have an allergy to stings.

The most effective way to manage wasps is to stay ahead of them. Preventing a wasp problem is always easier than dealing with an established infestation in your property or garden.

While wasps never tend to reuse an old nest, a Queen will often return to the same general area, if she finds it suitable. If you have dealt with nests in the past, your property likely has the ideal conditions for a colony. We would recommend a "check early, check often" approach to help prevent wasps becoming an issue:

• Audit your property: Inspect eaves, lofts, sheds, garages and decking, starting in the early spring.
• Spot the signs: Look for the Queen’s initial, golf-ball-sized construction.
• Act fast: Catching a nest in its infancy makes professional wasp nest treatment much simpler and significantly reduces the risk of stings to your family, pets or customers.

Stay safe and enjoy the summer by taking a proactive approach to wasp prevention. While early professional wasp treatment is the most effective way to protect your family, pets and customers from stings, subtle changes in your environment and habits can help significantly deter these pests. Here is how you can keep your property and garden a "wasp-free zone" this season:

Timing is everything. In early spring, scout your loft, garage, shed, eaves and garden for new nests. At this early stage, they are often no larger than a walnut or golf ball. These smaller nests house fewer wasps, making them much safer and quicker to treat than the larger colonies found in mid-summer.

Wasps are always opportunistic feeders with changing tastes:

• Secure Your Bins: Ensure outdoor bins have tight-fitting lids and are located well away from doors, windows and outside seating areas.
• Clear the Buffet: In early summer, wasps seek protein to feed larvae in the nest; remove any leftover pet food or outdoor snacks. By late summer, they crave sugar, so ensure food and drink are covered and spills are cleared up quickly.
• The "Imprint" Effect: Be aware that wasps "imprint" on food sources. Even after food is removed, they may continue to return to the same spot for several days, so consistency is key.

• Entry Points: Keep windows and doors closed when possible, also use fly screens to enjoy the breeze without the uninvited guests.
• Birdhouse Protection: To help prevent wasps from colonising birdhouses or nest boxes, line the underside of the roof with aluminium foil. One application should typically lasts the entire season.
• Aromatic Deterrents: Nature can often provide assistance with its own wasp repellents. Planting aromatic herbs like spearmint, thyme, and eucalyptus may naturally discourage wasps from settling in your garden.

• Dress for the Occasion: Avoid wearing very bright colours or floral patterns, which can cause wasps to mistake you for a nectar-rich flower.
• Scent Control: Strong, sweet and floral perfumes and colognes are highly attractive to wasps, particularly toward the end of summer. Opt for more neutral scents during outdoor gatherings.
• Safety First: If you discover an active nest, keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never attempt to disturb or "knock down" a nest yourself, as this triggers the colony’s defensive instincts, which will make them more aggresive. Contact a professional pest controller.

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