Wasps can spoil many a summer’s enjoyment: they cause painful stings and can trigger life-threatening reactions in allergy sufferers. The mere sight of one of these black and yellow striped insects fills many people with fear. Furthermore, there are legal regulations that threaten killing wasps with hefty fines. Here you’ll learn how to effectively get rid of these pests without putting yourself in danger or breaking the law.
Therefore, you should not kill wasps.
Killing a wasp can result in a hefty fine. In most German states, this fine can reach up to €5,000; in North Rhine-Westphalia and Thuringia, it can even reach €50,000. For homeowners in Berlin, Lünen, and Solingen, this is especially important to understand before taking any action around a nest. The law provides wasps with special protection for good reason: these insects play a vital role in the ecosystem, naturally controlling pests by consuming or catching other insects like mosquitoes, flies, and aphids to feed to their larvae. These so-called pests thus maintain the balance of nature and protect crops from infestation. Furthermore, some wasp species are pollinators, contributing to plant reproduction much like bees.
When wasps feel threatened, they release pheromones that attract other wasps nearby. Therefore, anyone chasing one of these insects risks being attacked by several. It is thus advisable not to kill wasps, but to drive them away using gentle methods.
Wasp traps are strongly discouraged: Although they are available in retail stores, it is forbidden to place them in the garden. The relevant regulations are set out in Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
Why are wasps a nuisance?
Wasps are always a nuisance at the most inconvenient times – for example, during barbecues, while eating cake in the garden, or relaxing in a hammock. Some people seem to think the insects are deliberately trying to provoke them and spoil their summer mood. In reality, these striped insects are neither malicious nor intentionally provocative. Rather, their instincts drive them to search for food for themselves and their developing larvae.
Wasps often come into contact with humans because the diets of both species partially overlap. Especially towards the end of summer, the insects develop a heightened interest in sweet foods. This urge has a biological cause: sugary foods provide the insects with the necessary energy to remain active as ambient temperatures decrease.
Wasps are particularly interested in protein-rich meat. However, this serves them less as an energy source and primarily for raising their larvae. In late summer, the insects must meet their increased energy demands while also caring for their offspring, which is why they increasingly seek out areas near human settlements. Although wasps don’t have a specific interest in Homo sapiens, our eating habits offer them a rich selection of food sources.
How to effectively and safely get rid of wasps
Don’t give wasps any reason to seek your company.
The simplest way to keep wasps away is to avoid offering them food. Don’t leave sweet drinks and food on your patio or in your garden. In areas where wasps are common, it’s advisable to store and eat grilled meat indoors. This is especially important if any of your guests have allergies. Some guides recommend placing a piece of meat on a separate plate at a safe distance from the garden table. While this occasionally works, it often attracts hordes of the buzzing pests.
Also, avoid using fruit-scented deodorants or perfumes in late summer.
How to get rid of wasps with home remedies
Wasps avoid certain smells. Intense essential oils like clove, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender have proven effective and natural repellents. Place a few drops of the respective oil on a cloth or use an oil burner on your balcony or patio. The smell of burning coffee grounds also acts as a deterrent. Place the grounds in a fireproof dish and carefully light them with a lighter. The resulting smoke is harmless to humans.
You can also use a vinegar and water mixture to repel wasps. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray it briefly when the insects get too close.
A positive side effect: You can use the resulting mixture as a glass cleaner.
Furthermore, fewer insects will be in your garden if you grow tomatoes and/or basil there. These plants therefore protect you not only from wasps, but also from mosquitoes.
Furthermore, the animals detest the smell of garlic. Cut open a few cloves of the bulbous plant and place them on the garden table or another surface nearby.
How to get rid of wasps: What should be avoided?
Unlike most other insects, wasps will attack when they feel threatened. The myth persists that wasps can only use their stinger once and then die. However, this only applies to bees, not wasps.
Since wasps release pheromones to summon others when threatened, it is advisable to avoid any behavior that increases their aggression. This includes frantic defensive movements as well as panicked running around. Wasps cannot distinguish whether you are trying to flee or whether you are trying to kill them, which is why they will likely react aggressively.
Instead, remain as calm as possible, as the animals are after your food and drinks, not you personally.
If you feel threatened by particularly intrusive or numerous wasps, you should briefly go indoors.
Wasp nest in the garden or on the house: hire experts
If there is a wasp nest in your garden or directly on your house, the insects will frequently find their way indoors. The sheer number of them can make any outdoor activity a real ordeal.
If you discover a wasp nest in your neighborhood, please do not remove it yourself. Not only will you endanger your health, but you also risk fines if you remove the nests improperly.
If you have discovered a wasp nest near your house, do not hesitate to hire a professional wasp nest exterminator to relocate it.
