Wasps and hornets can turn a relaxing backyard into a stressful space fast. Beyond painful stings, these aggressive pests may nest near entryways, decks, eaves, and sheds—putting families and pets at risk. The good news: with smart prevention, you can greatly reduce the chances of a wasp or hornet infestation. Here’s how to keep them away, plus when to call Thrive Pest Control for safe, professional help.
Why wasps and hornets come near your home
Wasps and hornets are attracted to three main things:
- Food sources (trash, sugary drinks, fruit, outdoor dining)
- Water and moisture (pet bowls, bird baths, leaky spigots)
- Shelter/nesting sites (eaves, soffits, attic vents, wall voids, dense shrubs)
Understanding what draws them in is the first step to effective wasp and hornet control.
1) Remove what attracts them: food and garbage control
These simple habits make a big difference:
- Keep outdoor trash cans sealed tightly and rinse sticky containers before tossing them.
- Clean outdoor eating areas: wipe tables, grills, and spills promptly.
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees and keep compost covered.
- Avoid leaving open soda cans, juice boxes, or sweet snacks outside.
Quick win: Use lidded cups outdoors—sweet drinks attract foraging wasps quickly.
2) Eliminate standing water and moisture
Wasps and hornets need water, especially in warm months.
- Fix dripping hose bibs and leaky outdoor faucets.
- Change bird bath water regularly.
- Don’t leave pet water outside overnight if possible.
3) Block nesting opportunities (exclusion and maintenance)
Many nests start in protected, out-of-the-way areas around the home. Reduce nesting spots by:
- Sealing cracks and gaps around siding, soffits, vents, and utility lines
- Repairing torn screens and adding proper vent covers
- Keeping attic and crawl space openings secured
- Trimming shrubs and tree branches away from the house and roofline
This kind of prevention supports long-term hornet and wasp prevention, not just short-term relief.
4) Keep yards and storage areas tidy
Clutter gives pests shelter and reduces visibility—making nests harder to spot early.
- Store outdoor items neatly and off the ground when possible
- Keep firewood stacks away from the home
- Clear debris piles, old lumber, and unused planters
5) Be strategic with outdoor lighting
Night lighting can attract insects, which in turn can attract predatory wasps.
- Switch exterior bulbs to warm-colored, yellow “bug” lights
- Place bright lights away from doors when possible
6) Spot early warning signs of a developing nest
Catching activity early helps prevent bigger issues. Watch for:
- Multiple wasps repeatedly flying to the same small gap or corner
- Buzzing sounds in walls or soffits
- A visible paper-like nest under eaves, decks, or in sheds
If you see steady traffic to one spot, there’s a strong chance a nest is forming nearby.
Don’t DIY large nests—call Thrive Pest Control
Sprays and home remedies can backfire, especially with hornets or larger colonies. Disturbing a nest can trigger defensive swarming, increasing sting risk—particularly dangerous for anyone with allergies.
Thrive Pest Control can identify the species, locate nests (including hidden ones), remove them safely, and help reduce the chances of a return with targeted prevention steps.