Where You Grow Your Flowers Can Affect Your Backyard Wasps

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There are literally thousands of different wasp species that might be flying around your yard, but in general, these insects are good for the garden. Some help pollinate plants, and some that have scary-sounding names actually help control aphids and other pests. However, there are those, like yellowjackets, that are known for being aggressive (especially anywhere near the nest) and can sting multiple times in quick succession. You definitely want to keep them away from the house. Unfortunately, among the things that attract wasps to your home and garden are flowering plants and vegetables. So experts recommend moving these away from areas you use frequently, especially decks and patios, to help prevent you and the kids from getting stung while you're trying to relax or play.

Of course many of us like to have flowers near the house for their color and scent. The solution is not just where you grow them, but what types you grow. There are lots of flowering plants that can actually deter wasps. For example, you can plant basil, mint, and sage near a kitchen door as a handy herb garden. Marigolds, geraniums, and citronella (a type of lily) are pretty flowers you can grow in pots for the patio. So you can still keep areas near the house looking bright and lively while also controlling your backyard wasps.

Where you grow your flowers, and what you grow, can make an important difference, but they aren't the only things that attract wasps to your yard. Sugary food leftovers or drink spills are like sending out an invitation for wasps to dine, so be sure to clean up right away. One top tip is to check out how to prevent wasps from building nests near your home in the first place. An established nest can contain thousands of insects, so it's easy to see how stopping them before they get started can make a huge difference to the numbers. If you do find a nest, be very careful. Wasps can release pheromones if threatened or killed. These act like an alarm to call other wasps to help them, and could increase the danger. Products like Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer Spray are popular and may be effective, but it might be safer to call a licensed exterminator.

While killing wasps is perhaps a last resort, protecting your family is obviously a priority. There is a vinegar hack to keep wasps away from your home, but bear in mind its success depends on attracting wasps in order to trap them, so be sure not to hang it close to the house.