How to prevent wasp nests on your porch

Updated on: October 19, 2026

Quick facts about wasp nests

• Yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets can all sting repeatedly when threatened.
• Yellowjackets may build nests above ground or underground.
• Paper wasps create distinctive umbrella-shaped nests in sheltered areas around buildings.
• Hornets are generally larger than other common wasps and can build substantial nests.
• Professional removal is safest because disturbing a nest can trigger defensive attacks.

There are many thousands of solitary wasp species that quietly go about their business, without ever bothering humans. Some social species, like yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets, though, can nest near homes, and that’s a problem. Porches and eaves are particularly popular nesting sites. Here’s how to deter wasps from your porch.

Why do wasps build nests on your porch?

You’re likely to see wasp nests on porches because they offer ideal 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 near yards or gardens. Yards provide a good source of food for wasps, including insects, fruits, and even garbage scraps. 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

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.

Here’s how to keep wasps away from your porch:

1. 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.

2. Keep doors and windows closed

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.

3. Use wasp-repelling plants around your home

Consider placing wasp-deterring plants around your property to add a natural border of protection. Such plants can include wormwood, marigold, mint, basil, pennyroyal, and geranium.

4. 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-sized 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 wasp control experts to safely remove it and avoid any risk to you or your family.

5. 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 sugar junkies, attracted to every sugary substance. Find out more about what wasps like to eat and when.

6. Pick up trash

To add to the last tip, it is very important to make sure no food or drink waste is left lying around your property for wasps to gravitate toward.

7. Cover any holes in 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.

What to do if you find a wasp nest

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 technicians are qualified to perform wasp removal services and are knowledgeable about the most common wasp species in your local area. Contact us today.