Wasps can be a nuisance when they start building nests around homes. Their stings can be painful, and some people have allergic reactions. Many homeowners look for ways to deter wasps from nesting on their property. One common question is whether sealing or painting wood can prevent wasps from colonizing it.
Quick Answers
Sealing wood does not guarantee wasps will stay away, but it can make the wood less attractive for them to build nests. Painting or sealing eliminates the tiny cracks, crevices, and pores that wasps look for. Smooth, sealed surfaces are harder for wasps to grip onto and get started building nests. However, determined wasps may still chew through sealants or build nests nearby.
Why Do Wasps Nest on Wood?
Wasps, especially paper wasps, are naturally drawn to build their papery nests on wooden surfaces. The small gaps, cracks, and texture of wood provide anchor points for them to attach nests. Unpainted, untreated wood offers the ideal opportunity for wasps to chew and manipulate the fibers into paper nest material. Porous, weathered wood with split grain is especially enticing for wasps looking to establish new colonies.
In addition to wood’s physical properties, wasps may also be attracted to the chemicals that are naturally present. Wood contains cellulose, sugars, starches, and other compounds that wasps utilize for nourishment and nest building. Fresh cut wood and wood byproducts, like mulch and sawdust, contain extra amounts of these attractant chemicals.
Does Sealing Work to Deter Wasps?
Sealing wood does make it much less appealing to wasps for nesting. Covering the surface with a protective sealant fills in the gaps and crevices that wasps require to start new nests. Paint, stain, polyurethane, or other sealants form a smooth, hard barrier that makes it difficult for wasps to chew into and grip onto the wood.
However, sealing wood does not fully prevent wasps in all cases. If wasps are highly motivated, they may still chew through some types of sealants and coatings. Epoxy resins and marine varnishes form a harder barrier than typical paints and stains. Stinging insects also remain able to nest on surfaces near the sealed wood, such as under eaves and ledges.
Sealing Effectiveness by Type of Wasp
| Wasp Type | Sealing Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Paper wasps | Very effective deterrent due to smooth surface |
| Yellowjackets | Moderately effective as they can chew through some coatings |
| Hornets | Least effective as hornets easily chew through wood |
The table above shows that sealing wood is most effective against paper wasps, since they rely heavily on tiny cavities to build nests. For yellowjackets and hornets that can chew wood, sealing is somewhat less effective but still provides a barrier.
What Types of Sealants Work Best?
The most protective sealants against wasps are those that penetrate deeply and form a smooth, lasting barrier. Here are good options:
- Paint – Latex or oil-based paint seals surfaces and deters wasps. Glossy paint is smoothest.
- Stain – Semi-transparent stains protect wood while allowing the grain to show. Multiple coats are best.
- Polyurethane – Clear polyurethane forms a plastic-like shield, though multiple coats are needed.
- Epoxy – Two-part epoxies fully seal wood with a glassy coating that deters most pests.
- Varnish – Marine-grade spar varnish forms a durable, waterproof finish.
For best protection, use quality finishes like epoxy or marine varnish. Re-apply sealants regularly as needed, as weathering can allow wasps back in.
Pros of Sealing Wood
Sealing wood has several advantages when it comes to deterring wasps:
- Blocks access to cracks, pores, and holes wasps need
- Creates a smooth surface that wasps cannot grip
- Can deter wasps for multiple seasons when maintained
- Less risky than pesticide sprays
- Prevents weathering damage to wood
- Enhances appearance with stains and finishes
Applying sealants helps safeguard wood structures like homes, sheds, fences, and decks from wasp nests. Sealing has preventive benefits beyond deterring wasps, such as beautifying and protecting wood.
Cons of Sealing Wood
There are also some potential downsides with sealing wood:
- Surface preparations required
- Sealants can be expensive
- Multi-coat application is time consuming
- Does not stop wasps from nesting nearby
- Sealants need re-application every few years
Proper cleaning, sanding, and priming are needed for sealants to adhere well, adding time and effort. Despite these cons, sealing remains an effective approach to make wood less welcoming to wasp nests in most cases.
Other Ways to Prevent Wasps
In addition to sealing wood, there are other tactics that can deter wasps from colonizing around a property:
- Install screens on vents, overhangs, and crawl spaces
- Use caulk to fill cracks and openings
- Keep woodpiles and fallen trees away from structures
- Prune back nearby trees and bushes
- Remove existing abandoned nests
- Use traps baited with sweet liquids
- Apply natural repellents like mint oil
- Spray nest entrances with insecticides
Taking an integrated pest management (IPM) approach combining multiple tactics works best to dissuade wasps. Sealing wood helps limit nest sites, while screens, caulk, traps, and targeted insecticide use address other wasp issues.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
In some cases, wasp problems persist even after sealing and attempting DIY remedies. Getting professional assistance may be wise if:
- Large wasp nests reappear in the same locations
- Multiple nests form around the property
- Nests occur in hard to reach areas
- Family members have severe wasp allergies
- Wasps exhibit aggressive behavior
Licensed exterminators have specialized tools and insecticides to remove wasp nests. They can also provide advice to make your property as unattractive to wasps as possible.
Conclusion
Sealing up wood provides a major line of defense against wasps attempting to colonize around homes and gardens. While not foolproof, coatings like paint, stains, epoxy, and varnish form a smooth barrier that deters wasps. Sealed wood eliminates the tiny gaps, cracks, and pores wasps rely on when starting their papery nests. Maintaining sealants on wood structures reinforces the protection over time. Along with other IPM measures, sealing wood helps discourage unwelcome wasps.