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Like many members of the animal kingdom, wasps hibernate during the winter. They create their nests in places that provide shelter from the elements, and this safe haven is sometimes your porch or the surrounding yard. During the warmer months, we practically live on our porches and in our backyards. Having a present danger invade our summer oasis can really put a damper on things. To best protect your family and friends, prevent the formation of a nest in the first place by making your home unattractive to wasps.
If you have already discovered a wasp nest inside or on your property, it’s time to reach out to the wasp control professionals at Western. We are here to calm your fears. Call us now at 800-937-8398.
Why do wasps like to build nests on your porch?
A porch is an ideal place for wasps to build their nests because it offers protection. The roof or cover of a porch shields the nest from strong winds and heavy rain, which could otherwise damage or destroy the nest. Without this cover, the nest could easily fall apart and the wasps would have to start over.
Another reason wasps like porches is that they are often close to a yard or garden. Yards provide a good source of food for wasps, such as insects, fruits, and even scraps from garbage. These food sources help the wasp colony grow. Since the porch is a safe, protected area near a food supply, it’s a perfect spot for them to build their nest and raise their young.
How to prevent wasps from building nests
How to prevent wasp nests
There are several ways to prevent wasps from building nests around your yard, and particularly around your porch. By taking the right steps, you can help make your property less appealing to wasps and keep them from setting up nests near your home. You'll also likely notice fewer wasps buzzing around your yard. This can help create a safer, more comfortable outdoor space for you and your family.
Remove sources of food from around your porch
This means removing ripe or rotten fruits and berries from your property. Move hummingbird feeders away from your home to the trees in your yard as well. Lastly, make sure no pet food is left outside.
Keep doors and windows shut
Use caulk to seal any crevices and cracks around your porch to prevent wasps from entering your home. Remember, wasps can sneak through even the tiniest of holes.
Place wasp-repelling plants around your home and porch
Instead of planting flowers around the areas in which you enjoy relaxing, consider placing wasp deterring plants to add a natural border of protection. Such plants can include wormwood, marigold, mint, basil, pennyroyal, and geranium.
Check for nests
It is important to locate nests before they develop and grow into larger ones. Check sheds, garages, and wall cavities in early spring while they are still golf ball size or smaller and can be treated quickly. Don’t get too close to the nest or try to take it down yourself because some wasp species can be aggressive and may attack if they feel threatened. This could lead to painful stings or allergic reactions.
If you do spot a nest, it’s best to call in the experts to safely remove it and avoid any risk to you or your family.
Seal garbage cans and cover compost piles
Wasps aren’t picky and love old rotting food just as much as freshly cooked meals. In the spring and summer wasps crave protein-rich foods, which means they will be drawn to any kind of meat you have on the grill this summer. In the colder months, wasps become sweets junkies, attracted to every sugary substance.
Pick up trash
To add to the last tip, it is very important to make sure no trash from food or drinks is left lying around your property for wasps to gravitate to.
Cover any holes on the ground
Fill in any holes, big or small, that you find in cement or grass. Solitary wasps search for cavities in which to make their home.
Common wasps that nest in U.S. homes
Even with all the preventative measures in place, there is still a small chance that wasps may make their way into your living space, especially if there are nearby food sources or sheltered areas that attract them. Wasps can be persistent, and even the best efforts may not completely keep them out. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and monitor areas like your porch, attic, and other sheltered spots around your home.
Identifying what kind of wasp you’re dealing with is critical in determining what kind of treatment is best. The following wasps are common culprits that may build nests on your porch or property. Take a look at the images of their nests to help you identify which type of wasp you might be dealing with.
Yellow jackets
Known for their striking black and yellow colored bodies, yellow jackets have a reputation for being one of the most aggressive wasp species, with the ability to sting their enemy multiple times if threatened.
These are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies with workers, males, and queens. Yellow jackets build their nests both under and above ground.
Paper wasps
Like yellow jackets, paper wasps are social wasps. However, they build their nests above ground only. Paper wasp nests can be found in porch ceilings and on top of door/window frames. Their flipped umbrella-shaped nest that is made from paper-like materials is what gives paper wasps their name. Just like other species, these wasps will sting repeatedly if they feel their home in threatened.
Hornets
Often confused with the yellow jacket, hornets tend to be larger in size and have bigger nests than other wasp species. The most common of the 20 different hornet species in the U.S. are the European hornet and the Bald-faced hornet. Hornets will remain unbothered unless of course, you disturb their nest, then they will defend their nest by stinging their perceived enemy.
Professional wasp prevention with Western Exterminator
Wasps are beneficial insects that pollinate plants and get rid of garden pests. That being said, they attack when provoked, which means removing a nest is not a DIY job. Attempting to try and knock down the nest yourself can backfire and you may end up under attack. At Western Exterminator, our pest experts know exactly how to find nests and use the correct safety equipment and treatments. We will also seal up any entryways that have allowed wasps into your property and help you prevent their return.
All Western specialists are licensed to perform wasp removal services and are knowledgeable about the most common wasp species in your local area. Contact us today!
Frequently asked questions
Why do wasps choose to nest in porches?
Porches provide shelter from wind and rain, protecting wasp nests. They are also close to food sources like gardens or trash, making them an ideal location for wasps to build their nests and feed their colony.
What is the best outdoor wasp deterrent?
Deterrents like removing food sources, sealing cracks, and using wasp repellent sprays or decoys may help keep wasps away. However, for a more effective and lasting solution, professional wasp control is the best option, especially for large infestations, because experts ensure wasps are fully removed.
Does hanging a brown paper bag deter wasps?
This method has been known to deter some wasps because brown paper bags can mimic a nest. Wasps are territorial and may avoid areas where they think other colonies are present. However, this method isn't foolproof and might not work in every situation.