When you first encounter wasps, you want to get rid of them as soon as possible with a suitable insecticide. But it is not necessary to kill all the wasp hive inhabitants. You can follow the Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture entomologists’ recommendation:: “A dilute solution of ammonia and water (approximately 6 oz of ammonia per gallon of water) sprayed in and around trash cans and sponged onto outdoor tables and food preparation surfaces may help to repel yellow jackets from these areas. Use household ammonia, not Clorox (bleach)”.
Mint is yet another natural method. It’s believed that mint oil repels yellow jackets and people still use this plant or mint-based products to keep wasps away. But there is no research data available to support this idea. So, you may try to use this plant but don’t be disappointed if there are no results.
The scientists claim that there is no 100% protection against wasps, so be careful. Oklahoma State University scientists explain that social wasps (paper wasps and yellow jackets) and their nests should be avoided and not disturbed. Wasps and bees often visit garbage cans in picnic areas and other recreation sites, so it is best to avoid sitting or standing next to such sites. They also don’t advise using sweet-smelling colognes, perfumes and wearing orange, yellow, and blue clothes, as they will attract flying wasps. Don’t forget to always put away food and drinks!
However, an encouraging study proved the high potential for efficient wasp repelling. Of the 21 essential oils tested, 17 showed significant repellency on yellow jackets and paper wasps: clove, pennyroyal, lemongrass, ylang ylang, spearmint, wintergreen, sage, rosemary, lavender, geranium, patchouli, citronella, Roman chamomile, thyme, fennel seed, anise and peppermint.
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find any scientific evidence supporting the existence of ready-to-use wasp repellents and that they can be bought. But the manufacturers of wasp control products don’t give up and keep on experimenting and inventing new products. So far, their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven so if you don’t want to deal with artificial chemical wasp killers and wasp removal products, give it a try but we can’t guarantee you any results.
Being Humane: How to Repel Wasps?
When talking about poison and wasp killers, we shouldn’t overlook repellents either. After all, not everyone has to exterminate a whole hive of wasps: some simply want to protect their apartment or car from them. Here’s a typical insect repellent.
Hot Shot 5580 No Pest Strip Unscented Hanging Vapor Insect Repellent
Hot Shot 5580 No Pest Strip promises to rid you of any crawling or flying insects in non-residential premises, such as a garage, shed, attic, basement, or even your yacht, holiday home and other premises for at least 4 hours a day. After you hang the strips, they will constantly produce insecticidal vapor for 4 months that is aimed at killing insects. One strip is designed for indoor use in a 10-by-13-foot enclosed room with an 8-foot ceiling.
Is the Hot Shot Strip truly effective against wasps? The manufacturer doesn’t directly list wasps on the label, but judging by the reviews, it is indeed effective, although it does not kill immediately.
Price: Check the current price
Fake Hive as a Natural Wasp Repellent
Remember the traps which resemble the shape of a wasp nest? There’s a similar device without any glue or sweet mixture. It’s not even technically a trap; it is more of a yellow jacket repellent. We’ve got a 100% fake cellulose hive.
Get Lost Wasp Bee Free Natural & Non-Toxic Wasp Deterrent
Its low price and environmentally-friendly approach to the problem make this product popular. According to the manufacturer’s information, the wasps don’t settle closer than 200 meters to an existing hive. They propose to deter these social insects with fake nests of other wasps. The manufacturers assure you that if you hang a Non-Toxic Wasp Deterrent in Spring near your house, the queen wasp will never build a nest there.
In fact, there is no scientific evidence that this is true. Despite this, this fake hive sells well and has gathered plenty of positive feedback.
TIP: The customers also state that the Bee Free Deterrent is not rain-proof, but some of them found a lifehack and treat the product with a clear acrylic spray on the outside to resist the bad weather better.
Price: (pack of 3) Check the current price
