- These household remedies against wasps fail in practice
- Distract the wasps with a food trap?
- Drive wasps away with the right household remedies
These household remedies for wasps fail in practice
Driving wasps away with household remedies is definitely the gentlest option. It is often said: "Just crumple up a paper bag". As this resembles a wasp nest, it should be hung up near the veranda or balcony to let the wasps know that another wasp colony is already at home in this area. The problem with this is that the wasp species that cause us problems in summer often do not build their nests hanging freely, but nest primarily in the ground: they are therefore not intimidated by supposed competition from other species, which is why the hanging paper ball does not drive the wasps away.
We have a similar experience with another well-known household remedy that does not inspire any particular respect from wasps: coffee powder. This should simply be set alight in a fireproof container, as the smoke irritates the wasps' fine sense of smell so much that they leave. However, the result is usually disappointing: it smells rather acridly of burnt coffee - but your human guests will usually notice this much more unpleasantly than the wasps.
The next home remedy to repel wasps is also based on the effect of intense scents. This includes the use of limes and lemons, which are cut open and studded with dried cloves. This household remedy, which is also used against mosquitoes, can be easily integrated into the table decorations thanks to its summery colors and exudes a pleasant smell. However, there is no clear evidence as to whether wasps are really deterred by this. It seems more likely that they will put up with the citrus and carnation scent if it smells strongly enough of other tempting things.
Also interesting: Plants against wasps: Which ones really help
Distract the wasps with a food trap?
Probably the best-known household remedy to drive wasps away is to use a diversionary maneuver: simply place a plate of overripe fruitor a slice of cooked ham at the other end of the garden - or preferably a trap filled with a sweet drink? This will definitely attract wasps to the "buffet" area. The only problem is that you may attract wasps to your garden in the first place. And once they are there, there is a good chance that they will also explore the coffee table: Wasps don't just limit themselves to one food source if they smell several. The use of a food trap is also not recommended for reasons of environmental and animal protection: Although comparatively few wasps die in them, as healthy and strong animals can certainly free themselves from them, for weak wasps this type of trap means a gruesome death by drowning.
Get rid of wasps with the right household remedies
In itself, the idea behind burning coffee powder to repel wasps is not a bad one: wasps do indeed have a very keen sense of smell. If this is overstimulated, they can certainly be deterred. However, the weak point of this household remedy is the scent used, as the smoke is simply too weak. However, if you use essential oils instead, your chances are much better. Scented lamps with lavender, lemon balm or peppermint oil are particularly suitable, as they give off a very strong scent. And unlike burnt coffee powder, they give off a pleasant smell that doesn't detract from the mood at a garden party or barbecue on the balcony at home.
Proper preparation is also a good home remedy to repel wasps. If you want to take a more long-term approach, you can incorporate the design of your garden or balcony into your wasp repellent: For example, you can rely on the natural source of essential oils and plant lavender, lemon balm and co. around the veranda or in pots on the balcony. Sweets, on the other hand, should be kept in these places for as short a time as possible. By serving everything sweet just before eating it outdoors or keeping it covered until then, you ensure that wasps in your area are not tempted by the fine scents to come and explore your surroundings.
However, one of the most reliable household remedies to repel wasps is a spray bottle full of water. However, it is important that a) the water is free of detergent residue and b) the spray bottle has a fine atomizer. If you spray a fine mist of water at approaching wasps, they will think that it is starting to rain - and this is a signal for wasps to retreat to their nest.