If you have ever spent time in your shed, chances are you’ve come across more than a few wasps seeking refuge from the heat of the day. It can be quite a hassle to manage these uninvited guests, and even worse when they decide to stay through the season. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that wasps never make themselves too comfortable around your shed. Learn how to keep them out and protect yourself this summer with our easy strategies! In this blog post we’ll discuss what kind of deterrents work best for dealing with pesky wasps, as well as preventive measures to limit their access in the future. Read on for tips on how to rid your area of these bothersome critters once and for all!
Common Types of Wasps
Hornets
Hornets are a type of wasp that build large, paper nests in trees and shrubs. If you disturb them, they can act aggressively and may sting you multiple times to defend themselves.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps build open umbrella-shaped nests of paper that hang from ceilings and eaves. They may also be found in garages, sheds, or other places where they can find shelter. Paper wasps are less aggressive than hornets but will still sting if disturbed.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers create small mud nests in sheltered areas such as attics, eaves and hollow tree stumps. They tend to be solitary creatures and rarely sting unless threatened or provoked.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are large, social wasps that build paper nests in protected areas. They can become very aggressive if their nest is disturbed and will sting multiple times in defense. [1]
Effective Ways How to Keep Wasps out of Shed
1. Perform Regular Shed Maintenance
Make sure all your windows and doors are in good condition and shut tightly to prevent wasps from entering. Check for any holes or cracks as well as warping at the roofline which could provide access points for wasps.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
To prevent wasps from getting into your shed, make sure to keep all food sources away from it as wasps are attracted to food. Make sure there is no trash or open containers of food that wasps could be attracted to.
3. Clear Away Vacant Nests
If wasps have already built nests around the shed, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Wasps will be more likely to find a home in an area where they have been previously. Wear protective gear and use a vacuum cleaner or spray insecticide to clear away any existing nests. Make sure to keep all stored items away from the nest and dispose of it carefully. This step should help prevent wasps from returning in the future. Additionally, keep an eye out for new nests that may form throughout the summer season and take steps to remove them right away if needed.
4. Scrub Away The Pheromone Trail
Certain areas attract wasps because they detect the scent of pheromones that other wasps have left behind. It is important to scrub away the pheromone trail that may be attracting pests to your shed in order to prevent them from entering. Use a mixture of soap and water or an insecticide cleaner to scrub down any surfaces around the entryway and other places where wasps have been sighted. This will help deter future wasp activity in the area. Additionally, you can use pheromone traps near potential entrances to confuse and distract wasps from entering your property. [2]
5. Remove Piles Of Brush
Wasps love to hide in piles of brush, leaves, and wood. If there are any areas close to your shed that have large amounts of debris lying around, it is important to clear them away. This will reduce the chances of wasps being drawn to the area and nesting nearby. Additionally, trimming back trees and bushes near the shed can help make the area less inviting for wasps and other pests.
6. Hang Wasp Traps
Hanging wasp traps near potential entrances can help catch and kill any wasps that enter the area. You can purchase pre-made traps or make your own by filling a jar with water and sugar, adding a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension, and then hanging it from a string near the entrance. Be sure to replace these traps regularly as they become full. Additionally, you can use yellow sticky traps which are designed specifically for capturing wasps to help reduce their population in your shed.
7. Install A Fake Nest
Wasps are territorial creatures and will avoid areas where they sense competition from another nest. Installing a fake wasp nest near your shed can help deter them from entering the area. You can purchase these online or make your own using paper, cardboard, or other materials. Be sure to place it as close as possible to the entrance of your shed in order to maximize its effectiveness.
8. Wasp-Repellent Plants
Certain plants are known to repel wasps, such as spearmint, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Planting these around the perimeter of your shed can help deter them from entering the area. Additionally, you can also hang branches of these plants near potential entrances or mix essential oils with water and spray it around the entrance to keep wasps away.
9. Use Natural Wasp Repellent
If you are looking for a more natural approach, there are several ways to keep wasps away without using harmful chemicals. Garlic, lemon juice, or vinegar-based sprays can be used to help repel wasps from your shed and surrounding areas. Additionally, you can use cotton balls soaked in essential oils such as lavender or citronella around potential entrance points to help keep them away. [3]
10. Mothballs
Mothballs are an effective, low-cost way to keep wasps out of your shed. Place several mothballs near potential entrances and they will help deter them from entering the area. However, it is important to note that these should be used with caution as they can be toxic if mishandled or ingested.
11. Wasp Decoys
Placing fake wasps around the entrance of your shed can help ward off real wasps from entering the area. You can purchase plastic wasp decoys online or make your own using paper, cardboard, and paint. Be sure to place them near potential entrances in order to maximize their effectiveness.
12. Strategically Placed Trash Cans
Wasps are drawn to areas with food and garbage. Keeping your trash cans away from the shed can help keep wasps from entering the area. Additionally, you can place a lid on your trash cans in order to reduce any odors that may be attracting them.
13. Build A “Wasp Home”
If you are looking for a more humane way to keep wasps away, building them a “wasp home” may be the answer. Provide an area away from your (but still close enough) where they can build their nest without disturbing you. This should be an enclosed area with plenty of sun and shade that has easy access to food sources such as flowers or fruit trees. This will help discourage them from entering your shed while providing them with a safe place to live.
14. Use An Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
If you are looking for a more electronic solution, an ultrasonic pest repeller may be the answer. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that can help deter wasps from entering your shed. Be sure to place them near potential entrances in order to maximize their effectiveness.
15. Call An Exterminator
If all else fails, you may need to call an exterminator. A professional can assess the situation and advise you on the best way to rid your shed of wasps. They will have access to a variety of treatments that are specifically designed for wasp infestations and can help get the problem under control quickly and safely.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep wasps out of your shed with minimal effort. However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible in order to ensure your safety. With the right approach and a little patience, you can successfully keep wasps away from your shed! [4]
How To Get Rid of a Wasp Nest Naturally?
If you have identified a wasp nest in or around your shed, it is important to take action as soon as possible. One option is to get rid of the wasps naturally, without chemicals. Some tips for doing this include:
– Use an insecticidal soap solution. Make a mixture of water and insecticidal soap, and spray it directly onto the nest. This will kill off any wasps on contact without posing any danger to humans or other animals.
– Smoke them out! Another way of getting rid of a wasp nest naturally is by using smoke. Light up some kindling beneath the nest (making sure there is no risk of fire) and let the smoke rise up into the air near the nest entrance. This will force the wasps out of the nest and you can then safely dispose of it.
– Drown them out! If possible, fill a bucket or container with soapy water and lower it over the nest entrance. The soap in the water will help to drown any wasps that are still inside.
– Use traps. You can buy or make your own traps for catching wasps and relocating them away from your shed. This is a great way to ensure that there aren’t any lingering wasps around your shed once you have removed their nest.
By following these natural methods, you should be able to get rid of wasp nests without having to resort to chemical treatments. Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when dealing with a wasp infestation and wear protective clothing and equipment. [5]
Things to Avoid
It is important to remember that certain activities may attract wasps and should be avoided if you want to keep them out of your shed. Make sure you don’t leave sweet foods or drinks lying around the area, as these are popular food sources for wasps. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes when working near the shed, because this can also attract the attention of wasps.
Finally, make sure there are no holes or cracks in the structure of your shed that could provide easy entry points for wasps.
By following these steps and avoiding activities that might draw in wasps, you can successfully keep them out of your shed and enjoy a peaceful outdoor environment.
What Smell Do Wasps Hate?
Wasps are attracted to sweet-smelling food and drinks, so it’s important to make sure the shed is not a source of any odors that may attract them. Strong scents such as peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, cloves, and vinegar can help repel wasps. Spraying these smells around the entrance of the shed or on any objects inside the shed can be an effective deterrent. If you’re particularly concerned about wasps entering your shed, you could also hang pungent sachets or bundles of herbs near entrances to keep them out.
Additionally, using a fan directed at the entrance of your shed can also help blow away some of their favorite smells.
Finally, if you have any standing water or damp areas near your shed, make sure to keep it clean and dry. Over time, these areas can become breeding grounds for wasps and other pests so it’s important to keep them tidy.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep wasps out of your shed and enjoy a pest-free summer! [6]
Does WD 40 Repel Wasps?
WD 40 is not a reliable means for repelling wasps and should not be used as such. While WD 40 does contain chemicals that contain some insecticidal properties, research has shown that the product is not effective in warding off wasps from your shed or other areas of your home. Additionally, since WD 40 is an oil spray, it can attract more pests than it repels. Therefore, using this product to keep wasps away from your shed is discouraged by most pest control experts.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more natural solution, consider using essential oils like lemongrass or peppermint oil around the perimeter of your shed. These oils have been shown to have insecticidal properties and may help ward off wasps in a safe and non-toxic way. Additionally, most of these essential oils also contain pleasant scents which will make your shed even more enjoyable to be in.
In conclusion, while WD 40 may not effectively repel wasps from your shed, there are still many other ways that you can protect your property from unwanted pests. Sealing openings and removing potential food sources are two of the most effective methods for keeping wasps away. Additionally, using essential oils as a natural insecticide is also an option worth considering. By following these steps, you should be able to keep wasps out of your shed with ease! [7]
Will Wasps Return to a Sprayed Nest?
Once a wasp nest has been sprayed, the wasps will not return to it. The chemicals in the pesticide will kill or drive away the existing wasps, and any new ones that try to enter the area will be quickly repelled by the smell of the spray. However, this does not mean that you won’t see any more wasps hovering around your shed. Wasps often build multiple nests at once so they may attempt to relocate to another nearby area if their first nest is destroyed.
Therefore, it is important that you take preventative measures such as sealing off potential entry points into your shed and keeping sweet-smelling food items stored properly away from open doors and windows. Additionally, you can purchase traps specifically designed to capture wasps and hang them around the area of your shed. These traps usually contain a sweet substance that attracts the wasps and leads them into a container where they become trapped.
For any remaining wasps, you can spray natural deterrents like white vinegar or lemon juice in areas around your shed to keep them away for good. With these simple steps, you can easily get rid of pesky wasps without causing harm to yourself or the environment. [8]
FAQ
What smells will keep wasps away?
Certain smells are known to keep wasps away. Strong smells like citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils can be used as natural deterrents. Wasp sprays with pyrethrins are also effective at fending off the insects. Additionally, vinegar or garlic-infused water sprayed around the perimeter of a shed can help repel wasps.
Are paper wasps dangerous?
Paper wasps can sting if they feel threatened or disturbed. However, some species will only sting if provoked multiple times. Paper wasps build their nests out of tiny pieces of wood linked together by saliva and create umbrella-shaped hives that hang from eaves and other structures. If you notice a hive near your shed, it’s best to call a professional pest control company for help.
What is the best way to prevent wasps from entering my shed?
The best way to keep wasps from entering your shed is by making sure that all access points are securely sealed. This includes windows, doors, vents, and any other cracks or crevices in the walls. Once these openings have been properly blocked, use some of the smells listed above to discourage wasps from coming near your property. Additionally, keeping food and sugary drinks away from the area can also help reduce the chances of attracting the insects.
How do I remove a wasp nest from my shed?
Removing a wasp nest from your shed can be a daunting and dangerous task, especially if the nest is large. If you are able to identify the area where the wasps are entering your shed, start by blocking off any entrance points with physical barriers such as screens or mesh. This will prevent more wasps from entering your shed. Next, use a chemical insecticide spray designed specifically for killing wasps on the nest itself. Spray liberally in and around the nest, being careful to avoid contact with yourself or other people in your home. Allow the insecticide to take effect and wait at least 24 hours before attempting to remove the nest. If possible, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, gloves, a hat and safety glasses during removal of the nest. Use a vacuum cleaner or broom to carefully remove the dead wasps and nest debris. Be sure to dispose of all materials safely away from your home.
Do wasps hate vinegar?
Yes, wasps do not like the strong smell of vinegar and will avoid areas where it is present. To keep wasps away from a shed, try spraying white vinegar around the perimeter. If you would like to make sure that the wasps are kept at bay for an extended period, then combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use this mixture regularly. Additionally, you can bring some pungent-smelling plants such as mint or lavender near the entrance of your shed and keep them well-tended. Wasps have a highly sensitive sense of smell so they will stay away from these odorous plants. Finally, keeping food items out of your shed that may attract wasps will help deter them from entering.
Does lemon spray keep wasps away?
Lemon spray can be used as a natural repellent to keep wasps away from your shed. To make lemon spray, mix together one part of freshly squeezed lemon juice with four parts water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the solution around windows or other entry points in your shed to keep wasps away. You may also add some crushed cloves or cayenne pepper to enhance its potency and repel wasps more effectively. Lemon smell is disliked by wasps, so it will help deter them from entering your shed. However, it’s important to note that while this method works in certain cases, it isn’t always reliable and might not work over long periods of time.
Useful Video: Permanently Remove Wasps From a Shed
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several effective methods for keeping wasps out of a shed. The most important step is to make the environment as unattractive and inaccessible as possible. This can be done by sealing up cracks and crevices, removing food sources, and eliminating nesting sites. Additionally, it may be necessary to use insecticides in extreme cases or when other measures have failed. With a combination of preventative maintenance and pest control techniques, homeowners should be able to keep their sheds free from pesky wasps! Using these techniques will help ensure that your shed stays safe and secure from unwelcome guests. With proper effort, you should be able to keep wasps away from your shed with ease!
Thank you for reading this article on how to keep wasps out of a shed. We hope you found the information useful and that it helps you maintain a pest-free environment for your shed. If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control company in your area. Good luck and happy shed keeping!
References:
- https://plasticinehouse.com/how-to-keep-wasps-out-of-shed/
- https://www.gfloutdoors.com/how-to-keep-wasps-out-of-shed-get-rid-of-these-pesky-insects/
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/keep-hornets-bees-out-shed-48955.html
- https://shedhelp.com/keep-wasps-away-from-shed/
- https://www.theexterminators.ca/blog/get-rid-of-a-wasp-nest-in-shed/
- https://homeandgardenexpert.com/how-to-keep-wasps-out-of-garden-shed/
- https://www.advancepestcontrolbristol.com/5-ways-to-keep-wasps-away-from-your-property/
- https://www.advancepestcontrolbristol.com/5-ways-to-keep-wasps-away-from-your-property/
