Wasps can be a real nuisance in summer. As soon as you sit comfortably on the terrace for coffee, the annoying insects are already there. Again and again one hears or reads that copper coins protect against wasps. But is that really the case, or is it just a fairy tale? How is this supposed to work? What effects does copper have on insects? We'll show you what's behind this tip.
Summer time - wasp time
The wasps are out by August at the latest. Then the time of reproduction and brood care is over and the insects are looking for food. Of the eight wasp species common in Germany, only two are annoying to humans:
- the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
- the German wasp (Vespula germanica)
These two types love our cake, the jam bun and even the grilled sausage. The other wasp species usually give people a wide berth.
by the way: Did you know that the wasp and the bee are related? They share the same carnivorous ancestors. Honey bees evolved into herbivores about a hundred million years ago and are now one of the most popular insects.
Copper coins against wasps
For many years, the belief that copper coins help against wasps has persisted. In summer there are often small bowls with small change made of copper on the tables in the cafés and beer gardens to drive away the pests.
The proponents of lore are certain that the effect unfolds like this:
- Copper has good conductivity
- Sunbeams cause the coins to heat up
- Increased effectiveness by rubbing vigorously with your fingers
- Development of an unpleasant odor for the insects as a result of the warming
- Creation of an insurmountable barrier for the animals
- Insects are driven away
- Use of other copper objects possible
- Advantage: no chemicals, no harm to the animals
tip: Even if everyone wants a coffee table without a visit from wasps, you should not forget that the wasp is a protected species and has an important place in the ecological cycle.
Myth or Truth?
Hardly any story is as persistent as that of copper coins against wasps. There is no proof of this. Biologists, ecologists and conservationists are not convinced of the effectiveness of copper in driving away the black and yellow pests. Irrespective of this, the belief in the home remedy persists and spreads more and more through the Internet. It's best to try it yourself.