Preventing Stinging Insects Around Your Patio

Finding a wasp nest on our patio can turn a relaxing evening outdoors into a panic. Thankfully, there are a few techniques you can use to prevent stinging insects from taking over your patio and control wasp and hornet colonies before they get out of hand. 

1. Clean Eaves and Gutters Regularly

Keeping the eaves, gutters, rafters, and beams clean helps prevent wasps from establishing their nests in these areas. Regularly inspecting these areas also lets you see any wasp nests beginning to be built before they get too big, so you can act quickly when removing them. 

2. Wipe Down Patio Furniture

Wasps forage for sweet and protein-rich foods to bring back to their nests. Any sugary or greasy residue left on tables or chairs from spilled beverages or snacks can attract foraging wasps and encourage them to keep coming back. A little cleaning goes a long way for wasp prevention. 

3. Relocate Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

If your garbage and recycling cans are usually stored near your patio, you are bound to see foraging wasps flying by. This includes highly aggressive wasps, like yellow jackets. Relocating trash and recycling cans away from the home will redirect foraging wasps away from your patio and reduce the number of stinging insects you see.

4. Knock Down Wasp Nests

The best way to remove a pest is to… well, remove the pest. Check out our blog on Safely Removing Wasp Nests to learn how to knock down wasp nests, and when in doubt, call in a professional pest control company, like Mosquito Squad Plus, for assistance. 

Remember to always try to identify the wasps you have in your yard. Managing mud daubers, for example, is easier and less risky than tackling a bald-faced hornet infestation. For more information on common wasps and their nests, check out our blog on Wasp Identification and call your local Squad for assistance. 

Wasp Nest… What Next?

Whether it's helping you identify a wasp nest, inspecting your lawn for problem areas, or performing a wasp control service, Mosquito Squad Plus’s comprehensive pest control solutions help you protect your property from pests and take back your outdoor spaces. Services vary by location. Call your local Squad today to schedule your next service and get a free quote!