Indoor wasp encounters mishandled: Advice from industry pest professionals for dealing with wasps inside homes
Wasps, unwelcome guests during the summer months, can find their way into homes through various entry points. Aptive Pest Control's lead entomologist, Trent Frazer, explains that wasps may enter through open doors or windows, holes in window screens, cracks or holes in caulking around doors or windows, worn weather seals under the door, or entry through the attic.
To effectively and safely remove wasps from indoors without causing aggression or releasing alarm pheromones, the best approach is to use a mild soap and water spray. Mixing a few drops of dish soap with water creates a gentle spray that interferes with wasp flight without immediately killing or alarming them, helping facilitate capture or escorting them out.
Key steps include staying calm and moving slowly to avoid startling the wasp, using the soap-water spray lightly on the wasp, and avoiding crushing or swatting wasps indoors, as this releases alarm pheromones that alert other wasps to danger, increasing aggression risk. After spraying, use a vessel or container with a stiff paper to trap and release the wasp outdoors rather than killing it indoors.
Identifying and sealing entry points, such as cracks, screen holes, vents, is crucial to prevent future indoor intrusions. Keeping food, sweet drinks, and garbage sealed and minimising lighting can also reduce attraction.
For indoor nests or multiple wasps, professional removal is safer, as disturbing a nest can cause aggressive defensive behavior. Protective gear and timing treatments for dawn or dusk when wasps are slowest reduce risk.
Using natural repellents like essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender) around entry points can also discourage wasps without chemicals.
The VisiLure TrapStik is a device designed to lure wasps, bees, and mud daubers without using harmful chemicals or odors. Wasps are also drawn to accessible food sources, so ensuring all food is properly stored can help prevent infestations. Wasps prey on insects like spiders and even small caterpillars, so regularly checking for small openings or cracks where other insects may enter can help deter wasps.
When a wasp is injured or killed, it releases an alarm pheromone that attracts other wasps to the area. Instead of swatting wasps, a strategic and calm approach should be taken to remove them. Flick Pest Control recommends covering a settled wasp with a glass or jar, sliding a stiff piece of paper or cardboard underneath, and releasing it outdoors at a safe distance from the home.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove wasps from your indoor space, ensuring a peaceful summer for you and your family.
- To maintain a peaceful home-and-garden environment during summer, it's essential to seal potential entry points for wasps, such as cracks, holes in screens, and worn weather seals, to prevent indoor infestations.
- Combining preventive measures like keeping food and sweet drinks sealed with natural repellents like essential oils around entry points will help create a lifestyle that discourages wasps from entering and nesting on your property.
