Wasps are winged insects that belong to the same order as bees and ants- Hymenoptera. They are found in every country except Antartica. There are more than 1,20,000 species of wasps all over the world.

The commonly found yellow jacket, hornet and paper wasp are some of them. Depending on the species wasps can be both predatory or parasitic in their feeding habits.

They eat fruits, plants and insects and play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance. Wasps are active during the daytime when they feed, build nests and breed.

Wasps are known for their sting, but contrary to popular belief, not all species sting and among them only the female’s sting. Their sting can be dangerous to people who are allergic to its venom.

This has given the wasp a fearsome reputation and has led them to be called pests. Because wasp infestation is a serious matter, we have listed several natural methods to control it.

12 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Wasp Naturally

1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized shells of algae or marine organisms called diatoms. Available in powder form it is very effective at killing wasps.

Diatomaceous earth particles are extremely sharp and sticks to the limbs and exoskeleton of the wasp before penetrating its body. Inside the body it absorbs all the moisture and fat thus dehydrating the wasp.

Required Material:

• Diatomaceous earth powder

Step by Step Process:

• Start by identifying the places where you have seen the wasps or their nests.
• Sprinkle the DE powder evenly in those areas and on top of the nests. Once the wasps make contact with the powder they will die.
• This is not a quick process, so you may have to wait for a few days to see the result

Precautions:

Make sure to use food grade DE which is not harmful to pets. Inhaling DE powder can be harmful, so wear a mask while using it. To avoid getting stung by the wasps, do it at night when the wasps are sleeping. Don’t do it if you are allergic to wasp stings.

2. Boric Acid Spray

Boric acid is another effective killer of wasps. It is easily available in pharmacies or your local Walmart or can be ordered online. Boric acid works the same way as Diatomaceous Earth. On contact it sticks to the wasp’s body.

It gradually destroys the exoskeleton of the wasp causing dehydration and finally death. Do not expect quick results as this method takes a few days to kill the wasps.

Required Material:

• Boric acid powder
• Water
• Spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the areas where you have seen the wasps or their nest.
• Mix Boric acid and water in the ratio 1:2
• Heat the mixture and stir till the Boric acid dissolves.
• Pour it into the spray bottle.
• Spray the areas where you have seen the wasps and on top of the nests.
• You can also sprinkle Boric acid powder in those areas instead of mixing with water.
• Wait for a few days to see the results.

Precautions:

Boric acid can be harmful to kids or pets. Keep them away from the areas while using it. Make sure to wear gloves while handling large quantities.

The wasps will attack you if they spot you, so the best time to do it is at night when they are sleeping. Avoid doing it if you are allergic to wasp stings.

3. Homemade Wasp Killer Spray using Soap and Water

Using a solution of soap and water is an excellent way of killing wasps. The soapy mixture kills them by entering their spiracles and preventing them from breathing. This leads to a quick death by suffocation. You can use this solution on a nest or on individual wasps.

Required Material:

• Dish soap
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Container to hold the solution

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the nest or the areas where the wasps have been spotted.
• Add a cup of water to the container.
• Mix a couple of tablespoons of soap into the water.
• Fill the spray bottle with the solution.
• Spray directly on any wasp you see or on the nest.
• You can also pour the solution directly on the nest instead of spraying.

Precautions:

Be very careful when spraying on the nest as the wasps are very likely to attack you. The best time to do it is at night when they are asleep. It is not recommended If you are allergic to wasp stings.

4. Homemade Essential Oils Spray

Essential oils like peppermint, clove and lemongrass are effective in repelling wasps. Spraying a mixture of such oils directly on them will kill them too when used in concentrated form. These essential oils are easily available in stores.

Required Material:

• Essential Oil (Peppermint, clove or lemongrass). You may even try mixing them together.
• Warm water.
• A spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

• Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
• Add about 20-25 drops of the essential oils.
• Spray it directly on the wasps, on their nests or in the areas where they are normally spotted.
• Spray on surfaces near windows and the strong smell will prevent wasps from entering.

Precautions:

Essential oils are not harmful to humans. However, you need to take precautions when spraying on nests as the wasps will attack you. Do it at night when they are sleeping. Get someone else to do it if you are allergic to wasp stings.

5. Homemade White Vinegar Wasps Killer Spray

White vinegar is a natural and effective way to get rid of wasps in your home. It can also be used as a repellent. White vinegar is available in stores or can be ordered online.

Required Material:

• White Vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

• Fill the spray bottle with equal measures of white vinegar and water.
• Spray directly on the wasp when you see one.
• Spray on the nest if you can spot one.
• Spray on surfaces near windows or other entry points. The strong smell will repel them. The smell won’t last forever so you will have to spray on a regular basis.

Precautions:

While spraying on the nest it is advisable to do it at night when wasps are asleep. You will get stung if you try it during daytime.

You also need to be prepared to run after spraying directly on a wasp as it may use its last strength to attack you. Do not try this if you are allergic to wasp stings.

6. Homemade Sticky Wasp Traps

Sticky traps or glue traps for wasps are easily available in stores. They are a good way of catching and getting rid of wasps, insects and other pests. Sticky traps consist of a hollow cylinder, the outside of which has been coated with a sticky layer of glue.

These traps are vibrantly colored to attract wasps, which get stuck on the glue layer preventing them from escaping. To prevent birds from getting stuck, such traps are often provided with bird guards.

Required Material:

• Sticky trap for wasps

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the areas where wasps were seen.
• Hang the sticky traps in those areas.
• Inspect the traps after a day and you will see the wasps trapped on the sticky layer.

Precautions:

Sticky traps for wasps are safe and do not contain pesticides, so precautions are not needed. Just make sure to put the bird guards on the traps to prevent birds coming into contact with it.

7. Get rid of Wasp Nest

When it comes to big wasp nests, spraying may not be enough to kill all its inhabitants. You are likely to get attacked if you do.

If you come across a big wasp nest inside your house or in the surrounding area you will need to remove it to another location. This is done by getting the nest inside a container and taking it to a distant place.

Required Material:

• Container
• Cardboard piece

Step by Step Process:

• Take the container and place it carefully over the wasp nest.
• Slide the cardboard under it so the nest gets removed from where it is mounted.
• Place the lid on the container so the nest gets trapped inside.
• Carry the container to a distant place. Once there open the container and get away as fast as possible.

Precautions:

Wear protective clothing including gloves while doing it. Make sure to do it at night when the wasps are asleep in the nest. Do not try this if you are allergic to wasp bites.

8. Pepper Spray

You can get rid of wasps by spraying them with a solution of hot pepper and water. Pepper spray is also an excellent wasp repellent. Pepper spray can be made at home using hot pepper and water. It is also easily available in stores or can be ordered online.

Required Material:

• 2-3 Hot peppers
• A cup of water
• Spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

• Boil the hot pepper in the water for about 5 minutes.
• Fill the spray bottle with it.
• Spray directly on the wasp.

Precautions:

Make sure to get away fast after spraying to avoid inhaling the fumes. Protect your eyes from the spray by wearing glasses. Wear a mask and gloves if possible as pepper can cause irritation to the skin. Don’t try this if you are allergic to wasp stings.

9. Bay leaves

Wasps hate the smell of bay leaves. If you are seeing frequent wasp activity in your premises this is a good method to try. Bay leaves have a strong smell especially when ground which act as a good repellent of wasps. Regular usage of this method will ensure a wasp-free home.

Required Material:

• Bay leaves

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the areas where wasps were seen.
• Grind dry bay leaves and sprinkle the powder in those areas.
• Sprinkle the powder on or near the nest if you have spotted one.
• Repeat the process on a weekly basis until you are rid of all the wasps.

Precautions:

Sprinkle the powder on the nest only at night when the wasps are sleeping as this reduces the chances of getting stung. Wear protective clothes and gloves while going near the nest. Get someone else to do it you if you are allergic to wasp venom.

10. Baby Powder/ Talcum Powder

Baby powder or talcum powder is a good wasp repellent and is easily available in stores. Wasps don’t like the smell of baby powder and will not come anywhere near it. Use this method to get rid of them.

Required Material:

• Baby powder or Talcum powder

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the areas where you have seen the wasps.
• Sprinkle the powder in those areas.
• Sprinkle the powder on or near the nest if you have spotted one.
• Repeat the process on a weekly basis until you are rid of all the wasps.

Precautions:

Take precautions while using the powder on the wasp nest. Do it only at night when the wasps are sleeping to reduce the chances of getting stung. Wear protective clothes and gloves while going near the nest. Get someone else to do it you if you are allergic to wasp venom.

11. Cinnamon Powder

Like bay leaves cinnamon powder is also an excellent repellent of wasps. It is easily available in stores or can be ordered online. Wasps hate the smell of cinnamon and although this method does not kill them it will certainly deter them from going anywhere near it.

Required Material:

• Cinnamon powder

Step by Step Process:

• Identify the areas where wasps were seen.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon powder in those areas.
• Sprinkle the powder on or near the nest if you have spotted one.
• Repeat the process on a weekly basis until you are rid of all the wasps.

Precautions:

Precautions are necessary while sprinkling the powder on the nest. Do it only at night when the wasps are sleeping as this reduces the chances of getting stung.

Wear protective clothes and gloves while going near the nest. Get someone else to do it you if you are allergic to wasp venom.

12. Homemade Wasp Trap

A wasp trap works by luring the wasps inside a container from where they find it impossible to get out. Sweet food is often used to lure them in since wasps are attracted to their smell.

There are a number of wasp traps available in stores. This kind of trap can also be created at home using common household items.

Required Material:

• Plastic bottle
• Scissors
• Bait food like fruit juice
• String to hang the trap

Step by Step Process:

• Identify areas where you have seen the wasps.
• Remove the cap from the plastic bottle.
• Using the scissors cut off the top of the bottle under the neck to where the curve stops.
• Invert the part you cut off and place it inside the bottle so it acts as a funnel. Make sure it fits snugly inside the bottle.
• Pour the fruit juice into the bottle. Make sure the level reaches to about an inch from the mouth of the funnel.
• Make a couple of holes on each side of the bottle and pass the string through them.
• Tie the bottle to any overhanging object using the string.
• Wait for a day. Wasps get attracted to the smell of the juice and fly inside the bottle through the funnel mouth. Once inside they find it impossible to return the same way and end up drowning.

Precautions:

The dead wasps inside the bottle can create a raft for the other wasps to clamber through the opening. To prevent it, remove the dead wasps from the bottle every day.

5 Natural Ways to Prevent Wasps

We have looked at some of the best natural methods of getting rid of wasps. Now let’s talk about natural ways of preventing them from visiting your home.

1. Eliminate the food source

Wasps love eating sweet food. Fruits, nectar from flowers, honey, and other such sugary food are their major source of nutrition.

Clear the area around the house of fallen fruits, discarded sweet packets, juice cans and other such stuff. Make sure the garbage can is always kept covered.

Clean up fallen food from the floor. Keep food containers covered as wasps can smell the food inside.

Avoid keeping food and drinks near windows as this will attract them. Removing their food source is a key part of preventing wasps from infesting your place.

2. Eliminate nesting places

Wasps like to build nests in cracks, holes and any cavities they find that suits them. Trees, shrubs, walls, machinery, stones and rocks are some of the places where they can be found nesting.

To prevent it keep the area around the house free from stones, rocks and other debris. Avoid keeping old machinery or other junk in your yard as they make fine nesting places. Seal up cracks and holes in walls both inside and outside the house.

Pay special attention to areas where wires enter the house and ensure there are no cracks. Fix broken panels and sidings. With no place to nest wasps are not likely to stay.

3. Take care of the garden

Yellowjackets and hornets are some of the wasps that you find in your garden looking for fruits and plants to feed on.

Make sure to remove any fallen fruit as wasps love to feed on them. Keep branches of trees and plants trimmed and tidy to prevent nesting. Cutaway dense shrubbery. Clear away fallen branches.

Inspect all the cracks and cavities in the trees as wasps like to build nests in them. Keep the garden free of junk and debris.

Fill any hole or burrow in the ground with soil or debris as some wasps make their nests in such places. Keeping the garden clean will prevent wasps from entering and nesting there. 

4. Grow wasp repellent plants

Wasps are repelled by strong smells like mint, clove and lemongrass. A good idea to deter them from entering the house is to grow mint, clove and lemongrass plants in pots or containers inside the house. Keep them near the windows.

Plants like cucumber, marigold, thyme, basil, and eucalyptus are also good at repelling wasps. Grow them in the garden and wasps will avoid the place. This method has the added advantage of making the house smell fresh. 

5. Decoy nest

This method involves placing fake wasp nests in and around your house. Wasps are territorial creatures and will be reluctant to nest where other wasps are nesting.

Decoy nests are available in stores, so you don’t have to build one yourself. This method has not been proved to work all the time, but there’s no harm in trying if you are worried about an infestation.

Top 5 Natural Wasps Repellents Available Online

If you are looking for readily availablenaturalrepellents to get rid of wasps, check below listed options:

Final Words:

Wasps are an essential part of the ecosystem. They help by feeding on insects and other pests. They are often labeled as pests because of the dangers they pose to people. Knowing how to control wasps, therefore, becomes essential. Hopefully, the methods we have listed here will come in handy for you.