Wasps are a common sight in the autumn season. Though they can be mildly bothersome, they usually don’t cause much damage. However, if you live in an area where wasps are particularly active this season, there are some effective methods you can use to deal with them. In this blog post, we will outline some of the best ways to deal with wasps this autumn. From using natural remedies to using insecticides, read on to learn what works best for you and your home.
Identifying the Type of Wasp
There are many different types of wasps, and knowing which one you're dealing with can help you take the appropriate steps to get rid of it. Here are some quick tips to help identify the type of wasp you have:
- Hornet: The hornet is typically the most aggressive wasp in a colony, and will attack if provoked. Hornets are black and yellow, and their wingspan can be up to 2 inches.
- Yellowjacket: The yellowjacket is typically less aggressive than the hornet, but still poses a threat if disturbed. They are white with black markings, and their wingspan is about 1 inch.
- Paper Wasp: The paper wasp is one of the smallest wasps in North America, with a wingspan of about ¾ inch. They are brown with a dark stripe down their back and build paper nests located inside tall trees or buildings.
Keeping Food and Trash Covered
If you are dealing with wasps this autumn, there are several effective ways to keep your food and trash covered so that the wasps cannot build nests. You can use a garbage bag, a large piece of cardboard, or a sturdy plastic container. Make sure the cover is tight and fits well so that the wasps cannot get in or access the food or trash. You can also use mesh screens on windows and doors to keep out wasps.
Sealing Cracks and Crevices
To help you deal with wasps this autumn, sealing cracks and crevices in your home is a good idea. This will help to keep the insects out, as well as prevent them from nesting inside. There are a number of effective methods that you can use to seal cracks and crevices in your home:
- Use a caulking gun. This is an easy way to seal small cracks and crevices in your walls, floors, and ceilings. Simply aim the gun at the crack or hole, hold down the trigger, and wait until the caulking has been applied.
- Use a foam-core board. Cut a piece of foam-core board to fit the area that you want to seal, then trace around it with a pencil. Cut out the Board using a utility knife or scissors, then stick it into the crack or hole using either hot glue or construction adhesive. Make sure that the Board is positioned so that it covers both sides of the crack or hole. Once the Board has been glued or taped in place, use a drill or screwdriver to make small holes in it where necessary. Finally, cover these holes with silicone caulk (or similar) to ensure that they remain open.
- Use bird netting. Bird netting can be used to create barriers around birds' nests and bird feeders in order to stop wasps from attacking these areas. Simply hang the netting around the area that you want to protect, then tie it in place using wire clips or strong string.
- Use a vacuum cleaner. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, you can use it to help seal cracks and crevices in your home. Simply attach the hose to the vacuum cleaner's wand, and position it so that the nozzle is pointing into the crack or hole. Then turn on the vacuum cleaner and wait until the crack or hole has been sealed.
- Use a mothball jar. You can also use a mothball jar to seal cracks and crevices in your home. Simply fill the jar with mothballs, then position it over the crack or hole. Once the jar has been secured in place, turn on the stovetop heat until the mothballs start to melt. This will help to seal up the crack or hole.
Using Traps
There are many effective methods to deal with wasps this autumn, and fortunately, most wasps will avoid being trapped if they are disturbed in the process. One popular technique is to set a circular trap made from a piece of paper with a small hole in it. Wasp larvae will crawl into the hole and get stuck, and once the trap is full you can dispose of it safely. Another option is to use a foam block covered in cloth or paper that has been placed near potential entry points. When a wasp enters the trap, it will fall on the surface of the foam and be killed.
Using Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can help you deal with wasps this autumn. There are many different types of natural repellents, so find one that works well for you. Some common ingredients used in natural repellents include essential oils, citronella oil, cedar oil, peppermint oil, and lemon verbena oil.
Essential oils are a good choice if you want to use a natural repellent because they are safe to use around children and pets. You can also put these oils directly on your skin or use them in diffusers or sprays. Citronella oil is another popular ingredient used in natural repellents because it smells like lemons and is often effective against mosquitoes and other insects. Cedar oil has been traditionally used to repel bugs and is also antibacterial, so it can help fight off bacteria and fungi. Peppermint oil is made from peppermint leaves and helps to repel mosquitoes as well as other insects. Lemon verbena oil is a refreshing scent that can be helpful against mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and lice.
There are many different types of natural repellents available on the market today, so choose the one that will work best for you. Choose a repellent that contains ingredients that are known to be effective against wasps such as essential oils or citronella oil.
Calling a Professional
There are many effective methods to deal with wasps this autumn. One method is to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. This can be effective if you can get close to the wasps and sweep them up into the vacuum cleaner bag. Another option is to use an insecticide aerosol sprayer. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and stay away from the face, eyes, and mouth. If you have an outdoor grill, you can use propane or charcoal grills as an alternative to using insecticides. When BBQing, make sure that there are no pieces of food left outside that could attract wasps. Finally, make sure that you seal all windows and doors when you aren't home so that they cannot get in. You may call professional Wasp Control Hobart.
Prevention Is the Key
There are several effective methods that you can use to help you deal with wasps this autumn. One way is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will make it harder for the wasps to build their nests. Another method is to seal any cracks or openings in your home that could let in insects. Finally, make sure you have an effective pesticide if needed.
