Wasps are a common nuisance that emerges as the spring temperatures rise. The wasp sting is painful, and for someone who is allergic, life-threatening.

These stinging insects are not safe to have close to your home, especially near entryways and other areas where you and your family spend time outdoors. So, what attracts wasps to your home? And how can you keep them from building nests close to where you live and play?

What Attracts Wasps to My Home?

Wasps build nests in hidden, sheltered locations around the outside of your home.

• Dead trees
• Under Eaves
• Attics
• Dense shrubs or bushes
• Wall voids

When wasps build nests near door openings or windows, they are a threat outside as you come and go. However, nests built near your door or other openings mean wasps could also find their way inside.

Your house is attractive to wasps if you have cracks, cavities, or crevices on the outside of your house. Wasps are also attracted to flowering, fragrant plants.

Some wasps, like yellowjackets, invade when people are cooking and dining outdoors. They are attracted to sweet-smelling foods and drinks as well as fruits and meats.

How Can I Keep Wasps Away?

Once you know what makes your home attractive to wasps, you can take steps to make it less attractive. The first step is to seal any holes or crevices around your home that wasps could use to make nests.

Secondly, don't use plants that attract them close to your home. Instead, choose plants that repel wasps, like aromatic herbal plants.

• Thyme
• Eucalyptus
• Spearmint
• Citronella

Placing these plants near your patio, doors, windows, and sitting areas outside can keep wasps away. The next step is closing up all trash bins, compost piles, and trash that may attract pests to your home.

Can I Remove Wasp Nests Myself?

While it's possible to remove a wasp nest yourself, it's not recommended. There is a risk of getting stung, and wasps can sting multiple times.

If you do take on the risk of removal, make sure the nest is empty before you attempt to remove it. If you are unsure if it's an active nest, don't attempt removal.

For nest removal, it's best to call a professional in wasp control to get rid of the nest for you.

Wasps don't make good neighbors, so follow some of these tips to keep them from building a nest near your home.

Contact an exterminator for more information about wasp control.