How to Prevent Wasps in St. Louis
These DIY methods can help discourage wasp activity around your home, but remember to always err on the side of caution when it comes to dealing with stinging insects. A quick phone call to a pest control professional can save you from getting stung if you suspect you have a problem on your hands.
Keep a Lid on Garbage Cans
Wasps are attracted to food waste, making open garbage cans an enticing place for these pests to congregate. To keep these stinging insects at bay, keep the lids on your trash bins closed tightly and empty the trash regularly.
Seal Cracks and Crevices in Your House
While wasps can fly inside when a door or window is left open, the smaller openings in your home’s exterior can be just as appealing to these flying insects. Look for possible openings around:
Windows and window screens
Plumbing voids
Power line entries
Doors and door sweeps
Regularly inspect your home for these openings and seal them up using caulk, foam, or other barriers. Be mindful not to trap wasps when sealing these entry points; they can become angry and be more likely to sting, and they can even chew through drywall to escape, causing damage to your home.
The best time of year for this project is either at the start of spring (before wasp nests become active) or in late fall (after most wasps have died off).
Use Essential Oils As a Repellent
A mixture of lemongrass, clove, and geranium essential oils can repel wasps around your home. Combine these three essential oils along with a bit of dish soap into a spray bottle. Then spray the areas outside where wasps commonly build their nests, such as porch roofs, under eaves, and on ledges. Since wasps are likely to rebuild where previous nests have been, be sure to target those areas in particular when spraying this solution.
Peppermint oil has also been shown to be an effective wasp repellent.
Get Professional Wasp Control
If you live in a place prone to wasp infestations, the best prevention method is expert help. We can help you schedule an inspection and outline the best prevention measures for you and your unique property.
For St. Louis residents faced with high wasp activity, this is often the best course of action. A professional, effective approach prevents the stress of an invasion that could strike when you’re ill-prepared to manage a swarm of unwelcome wasps.
