Driving away ground wasps is possible with home remedies in a gentle and natural way. However, very few variants are effective quickly.

In a nutshell

  • Removal of the nest allowed only in special situations
  • Earth wasps are a protected species
  • Odorants are the most commonly used
  • if in doubt, involve nature conservation
  • not all home remedies are effective

Drive away ground wasps

Driving wasps out of your own garden is only necessary and permitted if they pose a threat. This is the case, for example, if:

  • there is an allergy
  • it is a high traffic area
  • Pets use the area
  • Children playing in the garden

There must therefore be a significant impairment for the expulsion or relocation of the nest to be permitted. On the other hand, if it is in the natural corner of the garden or right next to the compost, you must leave it alone due to the need to protect the animals. Otherwise there is a risk of heavy fines.

Source: Soebe, Vespula vulgaris, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Notice: The nest is only inhabited for one year. After just one season you will no longer have any problems.

prevention

Driving away earth wasps before they even settle in the garden is possible with the appropriate prevention. The following measures are used for this:

  • Don't leave fallen fruit lying around
  • do not keep rotten or rotting wood in the garden
  • do not dispose of leftovers in the compost
  • don't eat in the garden
  • regular fertilizing
  • regular lawn mowing
  • blasting or watering
  • Scarify in spring

Due to the many activities, the rest of the wasp queen is disturbed when she tries to build a nest. Another advantage is that your lawn is well maintained and the plants can grow vigorously.

demarcation

If wasps have nevertheless settled and they must not be moved, a clearly visible boundary can ensure that the area is at least not entered. This significantly reduces the risk of bites.
If only adults move in your garden, a circle made of stones is sufficient. For smaller children and pets, a type of fence can be built using posts and a tarpaulin or wire. This variant is much more visible and also safer.

create distraction

Distractions can help to keep the wasps away from the table at least quickly. These include, for example:

  • vinegar
  • Leftover meat or sausage
  • fruit juice
  • overripe fruit
  • sugar water

Bowls filled with it and placed at a great distance attract the wasps and keep them away from other places. So this home remedy is worth at least trying.

smells

Earth wasps are kept away from some smells. We introduce you to the most effective ones.

Burning coffee grounds

An old home remedy for wasps is burning coffee grounds or coffee powder. It should be effective quickly, is inexpensive and easy to use. However, this remedy only helps to drive away ground wasps directly at the table and not if they have already created a nest in the garden.

Tip: Another possibility is, of course, to distribute bowls of burning coffee around the entry holes.

citronella

Citronella candles are known to keep mosquitoes away. But they should also be effective quickly on wasps. Since the smell alone has a deterrent effect, it is also gentle and natural.

incense sticks

The smoke and smell are intimidating. They are cheap to buy and can be used directly on the nest, on the table or in the house.
As for the aroma, you can choose the one you personally prefer. However, strong aromas are preferred.

tea tree oil

The essential oil does not smell pleasant to all people. But not for ground wasps either. You can therefore put the oil directly around and on the nest, drizzle it over damp cloths or set up an aroma lamp.

incense

Frankincense is more commonly known from church or Christmas. However, the smell can be off-putting. Possible forms of application are:

  • volatile oil
  • incense cones
  • incense sticks

copper coins

Copper coins are said to help keep wasps and snails away. However, the effect is more than controversial.

you can interrupt an ant trail with copper coins

Plants & Herbs

Plants and herbs give off an intense scent that earthflies can't stand and stay away from.

basil

Basil is natural and easy for repelling wasps. The smell is not liked by the insects, so they stay away. Placing the plant on the balcony, terrace or even in front of windows is therefore a good home remedy.
In the garden, you can also plant basil directly in a circle around the nest.

Notice: On the one hand, the herb is healthy and tasty and therefore also a wonderful enrichment for the kitchen and health. On the other hand, rubbing the leaves helps to release a more intense smell and thus act as a deterrent.

garlic

Just adding garlic plants to the garden can help make it unattractive to wasps and other insects. However, sliced tubers or garlic oil are also options that can be applied directly to the nest.

lavender

Lavender and lavender oil can not only drive away ground wasps. They also serve to deter other unwanted insects. It is therefore best to plant several of these plants in the garden.
As an essential oil, lavender is even better and more versatile to use. For example, it can be placed on a damp cloth or in an aroma lamp.

lavender

cloves

Cloves have many qualities and benefits, including their comparatively pungent and aromatic smell. Halved lemons studded with cloves can help as a distraction at the table.
Dried and crushed cloves can also have an effect.

cloves

lemon

The fresh citrus scent is extremely pleasant for the human olfactory nerves. Wasps, on the other hand, should flee from it. For this it is supposedly sufficient to halve a lemon and put it down or add cloves. Lemon oil can also be used.

Notice: Experience has shown that the scent does not help against wasps. Especially when the fruit is already very ripe and therefore sweet, lemons are more attractive than repellent.

frequently asked Questions

When can the nest be covered?

By October at the latest, the fertilized female wasps have moved to their winter quarters. Then, for example, a stone slab can be placed over the entry holes. This prevents resettlement.

Are insecticides allowed?

No, these are forbidden because wasps are under nature protection. They also harm the environment. Fines are also possible here.

Can the nest be relocated?

Yes, that is possible. However, you should inform competent and experienced people for this instead of trying it yourself. Nature and animal protection can help you with this.

Are ground wasps dangerous?

Stings are rare and only dangerous for people with allergies. Expulsion or resettlement is therefore not absolutely necessary in every case.

What are natural predators?

Possible are bee-eaters, wasp-eaters and red-backed shrikes as well as the honey buzzard. So offer the birds a suitable habitat in the garden to maintain a natural balance.

Category:

Animals in the garden