If you’ve noticed more wasps buzzing around your home lately, you’re not alone. Many homeowners report seeing increased wasp activity during the late summer and early fall months. While wasps play an important role in nature, having too many around can be a nuisance and potential health hazard. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main reasons why wasps may be attracted to your house and what you can do to reduce their numbers in a safe, effective way.
Why Are There So Many Wasps Now?
Wasps are most active during the warmer months when they are building nests and searching for food. Some key reasons why you may see more wasps in late summer/early fall include:
- Nests are largest – By late summer, wasp nests have reached maximum size and contain the most wasps all season.
- Peak foraging time – Wasps work hard to find food like sweets, meats, and fruit to bring back to feed larva in their nests.
- Queens winding down – In fall, fertilized queen wasps emerge from nests to find overwintering sites, increasing wasp populations.
- Attracted to homes – Structures provide excellent nesting sites, warmth, and access to food waste that attracts foraging wasps.
So in essence, wasps are simply following their natural seasonal behaviors – it just happens to bring more of them around homes and humans during this time of year.
What Attracts Wasps to a House?
There are a few key factors that can make your home inviting to foraging wasps searching for food, water, and nesting sites:
Food Sources
Wasps are predatory insects and scavenge for different foods, especially sources of sugar and protein. Potential attractants around homes include:
- Fruit trees/bushes
- Compost piles
- Trash cans
- Dirty outdoor grills
- Pet food bowls
- Open drinks, particularly sugary juices and sodas
Water Sources
Like other insects, wasps need a steady supply of water which they collect with their mouthparts. Easy water access can encourage wasps, such as:
- Birdbaths
- Rain collectors
- Leaks
- Sprinklers
- Pet water bowls
Potential Nesting Sites
Wasps will also scout a home for suitable nesting locations, like:
- Eaves
- Attics
- Sheds
- Garages
- Enclosed patio covers
- Cracks and crevices in siding
- Spaces under window frames
- Crawl spaces
Providing dark, enclosed areas makes it easier for wasps to construct nests on or near a home.
Common Wasp Species Around Homes
There are several wasp species that often live around human dwellings:
Yellowjackets
Recognizable by black and bright yellow stripes, these wasps have nests in the ground or in wall voids. They scavenge sweets and proteins.
Paper Wasps
These slender wasps are brown/rust colored and build open comb nests under ledges. They mainly eat caterpillars and other garden pests.
Mud Daubers
Skinny black wasps that construct mud nest tubes; they eat spiders and other small insects.
Hornets
Large wasps that make football-sized gray paper nests in trees/shrubs. Bald-faced hornets have black and white markings.
Cicada Killers
Big black wasps that nest underground and paralyze cicadas to feed to their larvae.
| Wasp | Description | Nest | Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowjacket | Black and yellow stripes | Ground or wall voids | Sweets and proteins |
| Paper Wasp | Brown/rust color | Under eaves | Caterpillars/garden pests |
| Mud Dauber | Skinny black wasp | Mud nest tubes | Spiders and insects |
| Hornet | Black and white (bald-faced) | Trees/shrubs | Varied insects |
| Cicada Killer | Large black wasp | Underground | Cicadas |
Dangers of Wasps Around the Home
In addition to being a nuisance, wasps can also pose safety issues and even health risks in some cases:
Stings
While not aggressive unless provoked, wasps will sting to defend their nest. Stings are painful and can cause severe reactions in those allergic. Anaphylaxis is possible.
Property Damage
Tunneling and gnawing from nests can ruin wood siding and outdoor structures. Large nests also increase fire hazards.
Haunting Children’s Areas
Wasps around play equipment, eating areas, and schools can frighten children and threaten stings.
Ruining Outdoor Events
Weddings, barbecues, and yard recreation can quickly be disrupted by wasps when food, drinks, and many people are present.
How to Safely Reduce Wasps Around Your Home
Here are some effective tips for cutting down wasp populations on your property:
Remove Food Sources
- Pick ripe fruit/veggies promptly
- Empty trash and recycling bins frequently
- Clean outdoor dining spaces
- Rinse recyclables before binning
- Clean up pet food immediately
Fix Water Sources
- Drain birdbaths, plant trays, etc. every few days
- Change pet water daily
- Repair any leaks
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid puddles
Seal Potential Nest Sites
- Seal holes and cracks in siding
- Install screens on vents and overhangs
- Use expanding foam around window/door frames
Use Traps
- Hang bait traps with sugary lures away from homes
- Use pheromone traps to catch queens in spring before nest establishment
Apply Repellents
- Spray eaves, patios, and doorways with mint, clove, and garlic oils
Use cedar mulch/shavings around gardens and foundations
Call a Pest Professional If Needed
- They can safely remove problem nests
- Insecticide dusts can be sprayed into wall voids and nest entries
- Power washing siding removes nests and pheromones
Avoid DIY Nest Removal
Never disturb an active wasp nest yourself! Distressed wasps will viciously defend their nests. Attempting removal without proper gear risks dangerous stings.
Prevention Tips for Future Years
Making some simple changes can help deter wasps season after season:
- Install window/door screens
- Seal cracks early in spring
- Routinely check for nests under eaves
- Cover trash cans
- Clean up fallen fruit from trees
- Prune bushes so they don’t touch structures
- Keep garbage storage areas clean
Conclusion
A temporary influx of wasps on your property is normal in late summer and early fall. However, simple strategies like sanitation, nest removal, and exclusion can help reduce unwelcome large wasp populations. Minimizing attractants and denying access to your home will discourage wasps from lingering. If problems persist, never hesitate to call a professional for advice and assistance – getting stung is no fun!