Why wasps come to your garden
Wasps are attracted by sugary food and drink, protein such as meat, open bins, fallen fruit and sheltered spots for nests, such as sheds, lofts, eaves and cavity walls. In late summer, when the colony stops producing grubs, workers go looking for sugar, which is when they become most annoying.
How to keep wasps away outdoors
- Keep food and drink covered when eating outside, especially sweet drinks, fruit and meat
- Clear plates, cans and glasses promptly
- Use lidded bins and empty them regularly
- Pick up windfall fruit from the ground
- Avoid wearing strong perfume, which can attract them
- Stay calm and avoid swatting. Moving away slowly is better than provoking them
How to keep wasps out of the house
- Close windows or fit fly screens in summer
- Seal gaps in eaves, soffits and loft vents where queens may nest
- Check lofts and sheds in spring for early nests, which are small at first
Do wasp deterrents work?
Fake nests, peppermint oil, cloves and similar remedies are popular online, but the evidence is mixed. Some people find they help a little, but they should not be relied on to stop a nest. Traps can help reduce wasps in a small area, but they can also attract more, so place them away from where you sit.
What if there is a nest?
Wasp nests are small in spring and can grow to thousands of wasps by late summer. Do not try to spray or knock down a nest yourself. Wasps become aggressive when disturbed, and stings can be dangerous, especially for people who are allergic. See our guide on how to get rid of wasps for the safest options.
When to call a professional
Call an expert if you find a nest in or near your property, if wasps are entering your home, or if anyone in your household has a wasp or bee sting allergy. For businesses such as pubs, cafes and food premises, wasps near food areas are a hygiene risk. If you are wondering about price, see how much pest control costs in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What keeps wasps away naturally?
Covering food and drink, keeping bins closed and removing windfall fruit work best. Natural deterrents such as peppermint oil may help a little, but evidence is limited.
Do wasps come back to the same nest?
Wasps do not reuse old nests. New queens start fresh nests each spring, though they may choose a similar spot.
When are wasps most active?
From late spring to early autumn, with the peak of annoyance in late summer.
Got a wasp problem?
Visit anticimex.co.uk to speak to our team about safe wasp treatment.