Summer is right around the corner, which means that yellow jackets will quickly be out and about too. If you’ve ever had these pesky creatures around your house, you know how annoying they can be and how irritating it is to get stung by them. So to help you avoid this, this blog post will discuss some of the best ways to protect your home from yellow jackets. It will cover everything from DIY methods to hiring a professional exterminator. So whether you’re looking to take care of the problem yourself or leave it to the professionals, this post will have a method for you!
Contents
Plant Some Spearmint
One of the best ways to keep yellow jackets away from your home is by planting some spearmint. These insects are not fans of minty smells, so having this plant around will help to keep them at bay. You can either grow it in a pot or your garden, and it’s a great way to repel these pests naturally. Plus, you can use the spearmint leaves in your cooking or make some refreshing iced tea!
If you don’t want to plant spearmint, you can also try using mint essential oil. This oil has a strong minty smell that will deter yellow jackets and keep them away from your home. You can either put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it around your home or add it to a diffuser. Either way, the smell of mint is a great way to keep these pests away from your property.
Make Sugar Traps
One of the most effective ways to get rid of yellow jackets is making sugar traps. These traps work by attracting the yellow jackets with sweet smells, and then they get stuck in the trap and can’t escape. You can make your sugar trap at home using simple ingredients. To make your sugar trap, you’ll need a plastic bottle, some sugar, water, and a piece of cardboard. First, cut the plastic bottle in half to have a top and a bottom.
Then, mix equal parts sugar and water to create a syrup. Next, pour the syrup into the bottom half of the bottle and place the top half upside down on top of it. Tape the two halves together so the yellow jackets can’t get out. Finally, make a small hole in the cardboard and place it over the top of the bottle. The yellow jackets will attract the sweet syrup and fly into the bottle. Once they’re inside, they won’t be able to escape and will eventually drown.
Use Cucumber Slices
You can also keep yellow jackets away from your home by using cucumber slices. These pests are not fans of cucumbers, so placing them around your property will help to deter them. You can either put sliced cucumbers on plates around your home or in the garden or make a spray using cucumber peelings and water.
To make the spray, blend equal parts cucumber peelings and water. Then, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and use it to mist your property. Again, the cucumber smell will help to keep yellow jackets away.
Keep Trash Cans Clean
Another great way to prevent yellow jackets from being attracted to your property is by keeping trash cans clean. These pests are attracted to the smell of garbage, so if you have a dirty trash can, it’s more likely that they’ll be drawn to your home. To keep yellow jackets away, regularly empty and clean your trash cans. You can also try placing a lid on your trash can to keep the smell contained. Finally, if you have a compost bin, keep it covered as well. While this won’t deter any yellow jackets already on your property, it can go a long way to help avoid them showing up in the first place.
Smoke Out The Nests
If you notice the yellow jackets have already set up a nest on your property, the best thing to do is to smoke them out. This will force them to leave the nest, and they won’t be able to come back. To smoke out a yellow jacket nest, you’ll need to purchase a smoke bomb from your local hardware store.
These bombs are specifically made to generate a lot of smoke, and they’re one of the best ways to force the yellow jackets out of their nest. Once you have your smoke bomb, light it and place it underneath the nest. The smoke will rise and fill the nest, causing the yellow jackets to flee. Once they’re gone, you can safely remove the nest. Just be sure to do this at night when they’re less active.
Hire An Exterminator
If you’re struggling to get rid of the yellow jackets on your own, hiring an exterminator is best. They’ll be able to safely and effectively remove the pests from your property. In addition, exterminators have access to pesticides that are not available to the general public to quickly and efficiently manage the problem. In most cases, one treatment is all it takes to get rid of the yellow jackets. So, if you’re looking for a guaranteed way to get rid of these pests, hiring an exterminator is your best bet.
Conclusion
Yellow jackets can be a real nuisance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them away from your home. Following the tips above can help you deter these pests and keep them from being a problem. But, no matter what route you choose, make sure to take action soon; these pests can be very harmful if they’re allowed to nest in your home. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about dealing with yellow jackets, it’s always best to let a professional handle the problem.
