How To Keep Wasps Away From Your Deck | Unlock Informed Choices with Us

How To Keep Wasps Away From Your Deck

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As summer approaches, homeowners get excited to enjoy their outdoor spaces, especially their decks. But when wasps start buzzing around, a relaxing afternoon can quickly turn into a stressful situation. These pests aren’t just annoying — they’re a real threat, especially if you or your kids have allergies. Thankfully, there are plenty of practical ways to keep wasps away and take back your outdoor living space.

In this article, I’ll explain why wasps are drawn to decks and share practical solutions to keep them at bay. Whether it’s simple cleaning tips, natural repellents, or tech-driven approaches, you’ll find a variety of options. These strategies will help you and your family enjoy your deck without constantly worrying about wasps ruining the fun.

Why Wasps Like Your Deck

Understanding what draws wasps to deck areas in the first place helps in finding solutions. Wasps primarily seek out three things —  food, water, and shelter. Decks often provide easy access to all three, making them prime locations for wasp activity.

Leftover crumbs from outdoor meals, sugary drink spills, and pet food left outside serve as food sources on decks. Small puddles from rainstorms or irrigation systems provide water sources. Decks also offer plenty of nooks and crannies where wasps build nests that protect them from weather.

8 Strategies To Keep Wasps Away From Your Deck

There are plenty of practical ways to keep wasps away from your deck. From simple preventative steps to active deterrents, you’ve got a range of options to choose from depending on your situation and what works best for you. I’ll cover eight of these in the next section.

1. Seal Cracks and Holes

One of the most effective ways to prevent wasps from establishing nests on or near your deck is to eliminate potential nesting sites. Wasps, especially queens, actively look for tiny cracks and crevices in safe structures to build their nests.

To address this, carefully inspect your deck and the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes. Then, use caulk or wood filler to seal any openings you find. Pay special attention to areas where different materials meet, such as where the deck connects to the house, and always remember to also check under the deck, as this is a prime location for wasp nests. Sealing these potential entry points helps homeowners keep wasps from making a home in or around their deck area.

2. Keep Your Deck Clean

Keeping your deck clean serves as a simple step to deter wasps. Food scraps and sugary spills act like an invitation to a buffet for these insects. You can reduce the chances of attracting wasps by keeping your deck clean and clutter-free. Here are some steps to minimize the attraction:

  • Clean up food and drink spills immediately after outdoor meals.
  • Wipe down tables and other surfaces regularly.
  • Store outdoor trash cans away from the deck area and make sure they have tight-fitting lids.
  • Avoid leaving their food dishes on the deck if you have outdoor pets.

3. Use Repellent Sprays

Repellent sprays are an easy way to keep wasps away from your deck. You can choose between commercial options or make a homemade version. For commercial sprays, look for products specifically designed to repel or kill wasps. Follow the instructions closely, including how often to apply them and any necessary safety precautions.

If you prefer a DIY approach, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap to help the mixture stick to surfaces. Just spray this solution around the perimeter of your deck and on surfaces where wasps tend to land. Don’t forget to reapply these repellents regularly, especially after rain, to keep them effective.

4. Install an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

If you’re looking for a high-tech solution, ultrasonic pest repellers are a great solution. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that annoy wasps and other insects but are typically inaudible to humans. An ultrasonic repeller is most effective placed in an open area of your deck where it won’t be blocked by furniture or other obstacles. Make sure it stays protected from the weather. While ultrasonic repellers work well, their range is limited. If you have a larger deck, you might need to use multiple units to cover the entire area.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Keep in mind that some pest repellers emit sounds that pets can hear, which may irritate or make them uncomfortable. If this becomes an issue, consider exploring other solutions.

5. Set up Food and Water Lures

The goal is to draw wasps away from your deck, not to increase their presence in your yard. This might sound strange, but setting up food and water sources away from your deck can help keep wasps away. This strategy provides an alternative that’s more attractive than your deck.

Start by putting a shallow dish with sugar water or fruit juice at least 20 feet away from your deck. Then, make sure to clean and refill it regularly to keep it effective.

6. Install Wasp Traps

Wasp traps do a great job of cutting down the number of wasps buzzing around your deck. These traps lure wasps in with attractive bait and prevent their escape. You can purchase commercial traps or make your own using simple materials.

To make a DIY wasp trap, cut the top third off a large plastic bottle. Invert the cut-off portion and place it back into the bottle to create a funnel. Then, fill the bottom with a mixture of sugar water and a drop of dish soap, and hang the trap away from your deck area.

Whether you use store-bought or homemade traps, empty and clean them regularly for maximum effectiveness.

7. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils offer a fantastic way to repel wasps naturally, thanks to their strong scents. Oils like peppermint, lemongrass, clove, geranium, and citronella work particularly well.

To use them as a wasp deterrent, mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture around your deck, paying extra attention to spots where wasps might land. Make sure to reapply every few days or after it rains. This approach helps keep wasps away and fills

8. Plant Wasp-Repelling Plants

Adding specific plants to your deck landscaping can naturally and beautifully deter wasps. Plants like eucalyptus, mint, citronella grass, wormwood, and marigolds tend to keep these pesky insects at bay. Think about planting them in pots around your deck or nearby garden beds. These plants will help ward off wasps and increase the beauty and fragrance of your outdoor areas, making them a more inviting place to relax.

Additional Wasp Prevention Measures To Consider

If you’re a homeowner struggling with pesky wasps, combine different approaches for the best results. These additional tips boost the effectiveness of the strategies I mentioned above.

Diversion Tactics

Diversion tactics effectively redirect wasps away from where you relax and live outdoors. You’ll enjoy your deck with fewer interruptions by providing wasps with an alternative habitat or feeding ground.

One idea is to set up decoy nests. Wasps are territorial and usually avoid building nests near others. Place these fake nests at various points around your property to discourage them from coming too close to your deck.

Or, you can provide alternative water sources. Position bird baths or decorative water features away from your deck to lure wasps, keeping them hydrated and occupied farther away.

Professional Pest Control

If you’re dealing with a severe wasp infestation, I recommend reaching out to professional pest control providers. This help often proves to be the best solution. These experts come equipped with the right tools and knowledge to safely and effectively remove wasps. 

Consider calling in the professionals if you notice multiple large nests near your deck, have concerns about allergic reactions to wasp stings, or if your DIY methods aren’t working. Getting help from professionals can give you peace of mind and help you reclaim your outdoor space.

Nest Monitoring

Pay attention to any increase in wasp activity. This activity often signals a nearby nest that needs your attention. Using a flashlight helps you inspect dark or hard-to-reach areas easily.  These simple measures build a solid defense strategy to keep wasps away from your deck.

Keeping an eye on wasp nest activity around your property helps with the early detection of potential issues. Regular inspections prevent minor problems from turning into significant infestations. Check common nesting spots like eaves, attics, and under-deck areas at least once a month. 

Final Thoughts About Keeping Wasps Away From Your Deck

Keeping wasps away from your deck doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By combining these eight strategies, you significantly reduce wasp activity and enjoy your outdoor living spaces once again. From simple cleaning habits to natural repellents and strategic planting, you have plenty of solutions to match your preferences and situation.

To succeed, you need to stay consistent and take a multi-faceted approach. What works best depends on your specific environment, so experiment with different methods. With these tools available, look forward to enjoying your deck throughout the summer months, free from the worry of wasps spoiling the fun.

Think you need professional help to rid your space of wasps? Use the tool below to connect with local pest control pros.

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