Fake wasp nests don’t help much. Decoys can deter paper wasps, but the most dangerous wasps that nest in the ground and in wall voids will not be affected.
Fake wasp nests sound like an elegant solution to a thorny problem: wasps taking over your property. And there’s something to it. Some paper wasps and aerial-nesting hornets will avoid nesting close to a rival colony. They don’t want the competition or conflict that comes with neighbors. But fake wasp nests are not reliable enough to be an ongoing solution. The evidence base is thin and inconsistent.
The larger problem, beyond simply being inconsistent, is that fake wasp nests only work on aerial nesters. Yellowjackets, which are the wasps responsible for most stings, are not bothered by decoy nests. These are the ones behind picnic raids. They’re the ones nesting in old rodent burrows underground or inside the wall voids of your home.
If you are looking for a way to deal with the nastier wasps that cause the most stings, the best methods are as boring as they are effective. First is to walk around your property in the spring and look for nests early. Golf-ball-sized wasp nests can often be taken down on your own if no one in your home is allergic. Basketball-sized ones are dangerous and require an expert with specialized equipment. The other major factor comes down to food discipline. Seal trash, cover drinks, and clean grills. Deny them the food they need to thrive. And if you find yourself in over your head, you can always reach out to a professional to deal with the current infestation and treat the site to discourage rebuilding.
If you think you may have a wasp infestation on your property, Mosquito Squad of New Hampshire Lakes can help. Mosquito Squad removes nests and treats the sites wasps favor. This can help you protect your summer with service that outperforms the decoys.
