You might be enjoying a nice summer barbecue on your wooden deck when you suddenly realize that wasps are attracted to the sweet smell of the food. And if there are too many of them, they can become a real nuisance. You may be wondering how to keep wasps away from a wood deck.
They can damage the wood with their nests and their stings can be quite painful. It’s true that wasps aren’t necessarily welcome in your wood deck, but this doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of them completely.
There are some effective solutions that can be used to keep wasps away from wood decks without harming them.
Why are There Wasps in Your Wood Deck?
You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon on your wood deck when you notice a wasp crawling up the railing. Soon there are dozens of them, scurrying around and making a high-pitched buzzing noise. What are they doing here? And why are they so interested in your deck?
As it turns out, wasps are attracted to wood decks for a variety of reasons. For one thing, wood provides an ideal material for building nests. Wasps also like the fact that decks are typically located in sunny, open areas – perfect for basking in the warm rays of the sun.
Additionally, decks provide an ideal lunch pad for wasps seeking prey – such as flies, spiders, and other small insects.
While wasps can be frustrating pests, it’s important to remember that they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Wasps are predators that help to control populations of harmful insects.
They also pollinate plants and help spread seeds. In other words, wasps are an important part of the natural world – even if they’re not always welcome in our backyards.
Tried and Tested Solutions to Keep Bees and Wasps Away from Your Wooden Deck
So, what can you do to keep wasps away from your wood deck? Read on for some effective solutions.
1) Use Essential Oils to Deter Wasps
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep them away from your wood deck, essential oils may be the answer. Certain essential oils such as peppermint, clove, lemongrass, and citronella have strong smells that wasps hate.
You can make your own wasp deterrent by mixing together a drop or two of essential oil and water. Mix in your spray bottle of choice, then, simply spritz the solution around the perimeter of your deck.
Another option is to get a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oils of your choice. Place this near wasp nests. The strong smell will discourage them from returning to their nest.
2) Get Rid of Sources of Water
Wasps need water to survive, and water is an important aspect of their nest-building process. Therefore, getting rid of sources of water around your deck can help deter wasps.
Start by checking for any leaks or drips around your deck, and repair them as soon as possible. Additionally, empty any standing water that has been collected in buckets, flower pots, or other containers. Wasps are attracted to even small amounts of water, so it’s important to be vigilant.
By removing sources of water, you’ll make your deck much less attractive to wasps – and other pests as well.
Alternatively, you can use water as a tool to drive wasps away. Simply set up a small water bowl away from your deck. The wasps will be attracted to the water and will stay away from your deck as a result.
3) Wasp Traps
Many consider wasp traps to be an effective and easy method to get rid of wasps around their deck. There are a variety of different types of traps available, but one of the most effective is the ” bait and trap” method.
To use this method, mix together some sugar water or honey, and vinegar in a bowl. Then, pour the mixture into a jar or bottle with a small opening. The wasps will be drawn to the sweet smell of the mixture, but they won’t be able to get out once they’re inside.
From there, you can trap wasps and relocate them far away from your deck. Don’t forget to check the traps once in a while and empty them out whenever needed.
4) Consider Using Outdoor Fans
Outdoor fans can be an effective way to deter wasps from your deck. The movement of the fan blades will deter wasps, and the cool breeze will make your deck more comfortable to enjoy.
For best results, place a fan or two near the perimeter of your deck. You can also point the fans towards any areas where wasps tend to congregate.
Keep in mind that wasps are more active during the daytime, so you’ll need to run the fans during the day for best results.
5) Cover Food / Keep Them Indoors
Wasps are attracted to sweet smells, which means they’re often drawn to food. If you’re planning on eating outdoors, remember to keep food covered. This will prevent wasps from being attracted to your deck in the first place.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep any sweet drinks or dishes indoors. If you’re serving them outside, don’t forget to cover them as well.
How to Keep Wasps Away from wood Deck: Final Thoughts
Keeping wasps away from your deck can be a challenge, but using the tips we’ve provided should help. Essential oils, water bowls, and wasp traps are all effective solutions. Additionally, fans and covering food can also help deter wasps.
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