Wasps will return to a place if they can find the things they are attracted to. These reasons include open food and water, pet or bird food, smells of sweet decaying food sources, individual plants, and pheromones (a chemical through which wasps can communicate with one another).
There are several essential oils you can use to safely and effectively repel wasps. Peppermint oil on its own has been shown to act as a natural repellent for wasps and bees, or you can use a combination of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils as a natural pest control method.
Take a few drops of peppermint oil along with a few tablespoons of dish soap, put them together in a spray bottle, and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake well, and then spray the mixture on any established nests or places where you've seen nests before.
Wasps also don't like vinegar. As a wasp deterrent, some people place an equal mix of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. They then spray the wasps to get them away. While this method may be somewhat effective, it's also dangerous.
Soap & Water
Some wasp removal experts say that you can handle small hanging nests with a bit of soapy water. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle and fill with water. The soap will clog their spiracles, the pores that they breathe through, and will kill them almost immediately.
They normally get angry when they feel threatened. It could be your constant waving of arms when you try to get rid of them. These actions make them feel threatened hence making them angry. Once wasps get angry, their defence mechanism releases pheromones that signal other wasps in the colony.
Use WD-40
WD-40 can be use to both kill wasps and stop them from nesting. Wasps are territorial, so will return to the same nesting spot every year. To keep wasps from returning, spray any former wasp next spots with WD-40. Apply it liberally underneath gutters, and anywhere you have spotted wasps congregating.
The best method of wasp control is to locate the nest, or nests, in the surrounding area and eradicate them using an insecticide registered for the purpose. It is recommended that treatment of the nest occurs early in the morning or at night when wasps are less active.
But are they really there to avenge their fallen comrade? Not exactly; it's more about self-defense, as you'll see in the new video above from the American Chemical Society. Wasps and bees are intensely social animals, which means communication is a top priority.
Peppermint oil: Wasps and hornets hate the smell of peppermint oil! So, take a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil and place it near areas where you've seen wasps and hornets. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to spray areas.
Use soap and water
Mix two tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle of water and spray it on the nests. The mixture will clog the wasps' breathing pores and kill them instantly.
Citrus - Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges can help deter wasps around your yard. Peppermint oil - Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for keeping wasps away. Citronella - Citronella oil is also effective, as it has a strong citrus smell that wasps do not like.
Once any nests are removed, planting mint, citronella, thyme and some eucalyptus can help to keep wasps away from the area, or spray diluted peppermint oil under eaves or other areas where wasps like to make nests. (Wasps are not big fans of mint.)
Use Repellent Spray
You can also make wasp repellent at home with a mix of water, dish soap, and white vinegar. Mix this together, then spray the areas around your deck area where you do not want wasps to land on.
Place wasp-repelling plants around your property - consider placing wasp deterrent plants such as mint, basil, wormwood, marigold, pennyroyal, and geranium for natural protection. Check for nests - it is important to locate nests before they develop and grow larger.
Other species of birds seem to enjoy eating wasps and purposely hunt them. These include blackbirds, starlings and magpies. Many species of bats are also insectivores and will create a colony on your property if there is a wasp nest present.
Will Wasps return to a sprayed nest? Any wasp that was not in the nest when the pesticide was applied wasps will likely return. Depending on the product used when they enter, the pesticide will eventually affect them. If they sense danger or see the damage, they may not enter and look for another hive to accept them.
Clove-Geranium-Lemongrass Oil Blend
Research published in the Journal of Pest Management Science found that a combination of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oil successfully repelled wasps.
Apple cider vinegar, mint, and witch hazel – Together, Apple Cider, mint, and Witch Hazel emit a strong odour that is very repulsive to pests like wasps. Mix them in a spray bottle and apply them to areas infested with wasps.
Lemon extract is an effective wasp killer and pesticide. For the best results, combine 3 tablespoons of lemon extract and 1 cup of water. Add this solution to a plastic spray bottle for a quick, easy, and lethal insecticide. If you want to create an effective repellent, reduce the amount of lemon extract by half.
Insects like dragonflies, beetles, and centipedes eat wasps. Many wasps fall into the hands of predators like dragonflies, centipedes, hoverflies, beetles, spiders, moths, praying mantis, and robber flies.
So, if you see a wasp, simply stand as still as possible. Wasps are known for going on their way without bothering humans if they don't bother them. If you are chased by a wasp or even a swarm of wasps, the best thing to do is to run in a straight line about 50 to 100 feet.
Killing a wasp also releases pheromones that will attract other wasps nearby. Instead, calmly trap the wasp under a glass, so it can't return to the nest and tell the others where to find your food.