Wasps are drawn to decks and patios by food, sweet drinks, and open trash. They also like having easy access to sheltered spots under eaves, railings, and furniture where they can build nests.
Wasps are the worst of all party crashers. When they decide to make trouble for you, there’s usually a reason for it. And often, it comes down to food and real estate, both of which are manageable.
Food is the obvious draw, but their appetites vary based on the time of the year. Early on, wasps hunt protein. You’ll find them going after meat and grill scraps. As summer goes on, they start to crave sugar and go for soda, juice, fruit, dessert, and sticky residue. Open trash and recycling bins are a magnet for wasps all season. Even hummingbird feeders can be a problem.
As for real estate, decks and patios have plenty of it for wasps. They like sheltered, protected spots. Just to give you an idea, here’s some of where we’ve seen wasps: under eaves and overhangs, beneath deck railings and stairs, under seats and tables of patio furniture, inside grill covers, in wall voids, and in the corners of pergolas and awnings. That’s a lot of places. A nest can easily be found in any of them.
Making the space less inviting comes down to removing the things that attract pests. It helps to keep food and sweet drinks covered and wipe up spills promptly. Use lidded trash bins and set them away from the seating area. Beyond that, check potential nesting sites and knock down nests early in the season while they are small. (But don’t do this once they’re bigger than a golf ball—that can be dangerous without help.)
If you're tired of sharing your deck with wasps all summer, Mosquito Squad of West Denver can help. Mosquito Squad treats for wasps and other stinging pests and helps clear the nests around your outdoor space, helping you protect your patio by reducing the wasp population.
