How To Prevent Wasps, Hornets & Bees – and Avoid Stings

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Living in Georgia, you quickly learn that the best way to deal with stinging insects is to prevent them from nesting on your property in the first place. 

This is because it’s almost always easier to do preventative maintenance beforehand than it is to knock down a nest, deal with the fallout, and make sure the stinging insects don’t come back. 

By taking proactive, preventative steps—like sealing entry points, removing attractants, and keeping your yard tidy—you can discourage stinging insects from nesting near your home. 

With that in mind, the experts at Active have put together this practical guide to preventing wasps, bees, and other stinging insects.

Preventing Wasps, Hornets & Bees in Your Yard

As with all types of pests, the key to prevention is making your property less attractive than others.

Wasps, hornets, and bees are naturally drawn to outdoor spaces that provide food, water, and shelter, making your yard an appealing spot for them to build nests. 

Understanding what attracts these pests and taking proactive steps to discourage them is essential to maintaining a safe and enjoyable outdoor area for your family and pets.

• Don’t Give Them Access to Food:
  This can be a problem because whether it’s barbecues, picnics, or kids with ice cream, eating food outside is a part of summer. Put away food and drinks promptly after eating a meal outside. Keep sugary drinks closed or covered to keep wasps out. When you put food or food-related trash in a trash can, close the lid securely. 
  Uncovered trash bins, sugary drinks, fallen fruit, standing water, and flowerbeds can all serve as magnets for these pests. Make sure food waste is securely bagged and trash bins have tight-fitting lids to keep pests out. Remove fallen fruit from trees, as the sugary juices are irresistible to stinging insects. 
  Even flowerbeds with fragrant blooms can attract these pests, so placing them further away from outdoor seating or play areas can help reduce the risk of encounters.
• Eliminate Standing Water:
  Eliminating excess moisture can help you avoid all kinds of pests, both indoors and out. All pests need to drink water, so if they can’t find it on your property, they’ll have to go somewhere else to find it.
  Birdbaths, clogged gutters, poorly draining flowerpots, and even pet water bowls left outside can serve as water sources for wasps, hornets, and bees. Regularly inspect your yard for areas where water collects, and take steps to eliminate these sources.
  Clean out gutters, empty or refresh outdoor water bowls frequently, and fill in low-lying areas in your yard where puddles might form. If you have water features like fountains or ponds, ensure they’re properly maintained with circulating water to make them less accessible to pests.
• Debris, Waste, and Vegetation:
  A tidy yard not only looks better but also discourages stinging insects from making your property their home. Wasps, hornets, and bees often seek shelter in debris-filled areas, overgrown vegetation, or cluttered corners. These spots provide the perfect environment for them to build nests undisturbed.
  To prevent this, regularly clean up yard waste such as fallen leaves, branches, and grass clippings. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed, and avoid letting vegetation grow too close to your home. Pay particular attention to eaves, sheds, and outdoor structures where nests are commonly found. Dispose of waste promptly, and store woodpiles or compost bins away from high-traffic areas.

How To Prevent Wasps, Hornets & Bees in Your House

What’s worse than wasps nesting in your yard? Wasps nesting in your house. 

It sounds like a nightmare scenario, yet it’s a lot more common than you would think. Here’s how you can protect against it and what you should do if it happens. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can minimize the chances of these pests invading your living space.

• Identify and Seal Entry Points

Cracks, gaps, and openings in walls, windows, or roofing are prime entry points for wasps, hornets, and bees. Inspect the exterior of your home thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where siding meets other materials, or where vents and utility lines enter the house. 

Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and install screens on vents or windows to keep stinging insects out.

• Manage Food Sources

Like outdoors, food sources inside your home can attract these pests. Store sugary foods, honey, and fruit in airtight containers, and wipe down counters and surfaces to remove food residue. Take out trash regularly and ensure bins have tight-fitting lids. 

Even small spills or crumbs can attract these insects, so maintaining a clean kitchen is essential.

• Remove Smells That Attract Them

Wasps, hornets, and bees are highly sensitive to smells and can be drawn to floral scents from candles, air fresheners, or perfumes. 

Consider using unscented products indoors if you’ve had problems with these pests in the past. Strong natural repellents like peppermint oil can also be used around doors and windows to deter them.

• Eliminate Access to Water

Standing water inside your home can be just as much of an attractant as it is outdoors. Check for leaks in sinks, pipes, or air conditioning units and fix them promptly. Dry damp areas, such as basements or laundry rooms, to avoid creating a water source for pests.

• Conduct Regular Inspections

Early detection can save you the hassle of dealing with a larger infestation. Regularly inspect areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of nesting activity. Be particularly vigilant in spring and summer, when wasps, hornets, and bees are most active.

• Call a Professional for Persistent Issues

If you notice frequent activity or suspect a nest inside your home, it’s best to contact a pest control professional. Active Pest Control’s experienced team can safely and effectively handle wasps, hornets, and bees, giving you peace of mind.