A pool is a highly relaxing place to get away from scorching heat, or for kids and pets to have fun. But what if you notice wasps around? It becomes a matter of great concern because their sting can cause health hazards, especially to those who have an allergy to wasps. The reason these wasps hover around the pool is the easy availability of water. Wasps not only drink water and satiate their thirst, but they also carry water to their nest for their family. In this blog, we discover different ways to keep wasps away from the pool and also find out the reason for their presence.
Why Are Wasps Attracted to the Pool?
The primary reason for their affinity towards pools is water requirements. Wasps find a perfect place around the pool as a source of continuous water. They also find it interesting to build nests and lay eggs in the surrounding area. The other reason is that they are fond of the chlorine smell.
Additionally, flowers and grass with their scent and vibrant color also attract wasps. If you bring any sugary drink or sweet-smelling food near the pool, wasps get attracted as they get a source of food.
Ways to Keep Wasps Away From the Pool
Finding various ways to keep wasps at bay is important to have a peaceful time around the pool. One of the two methods may help you.
1. DIY Bottle Trap
Begin by gathering essential materials needed, such as scissors, a soda bottle or water bottle, greasy items such as cooking oil, and sweet eatables like honey, soda, or sugar water to serve as bait. Then, prepare the trap with the following steps:
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Remove the cap from the bottle
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Cut the bottle in half. The top part works as a funnel
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Then, apply the greasy material to the top half of the bottle
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Fill the bottom half of the bottle with the bait to attract bees. Make sure the bait is quartered in the bottle
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Now, place the top half of the bottle upside down in the bottom half of the bottle
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Finally, place the trap at a distance from the pool and wait for wasps to fall into the bottle due to the greasy top.
2. Use an Artificial Nest
Wasps tend to avoid building their nest in an area where another nest is already built. Hence, you should take advantage of this fact. Grab a brown paper sack, crumble it into an oval shape, but in an imperfect shape to resemble the nest. Twist the open end a bit, shut it, and then hang it near the area where wasps are active.
3. Maintain Cleanliness Around the Pool
Maintaining cleanliness around the pool area will naturally keep wasps away. Keep the area free from food, drink, fruit, meat, and pet food. If a drink spills near the pool, wipe it quickly. All these basic cleaning hacks can make the task easier.
4. Cover the Pool When Not in Use
This is one of the simplest ways to keep wasps away from the pool area. Cover the pool completely when not in use. Apart from wasps, debris, and other bugs can also be avoided.
5. Keep Aromatic Plants Away From the Pool
Fragrant blooms of plants attract pollinating insects, so it’s advisable to keep aromatic plants away from the pool area. Then, wasps may not disturb you near the pool.
6. Plant Herbs Near the Pool
Planting herbs near the pool has a double advantage: one, you get to enjoy freshly grown herbs, and second, wasps dislike the smell of herbs like mint and lemongrass, so they will stay away.
7. Diesel Fuel
It’s an interesting fact that wasps get attracted to the smell of diesel, so fill a small bottle with diesel and keep it near their nest or where they are seen. You will be amazed to see the number of wasps trapped in the bottle.
8. Dryer Sheets
Placing a few dryer sheets around the pool can deter wasps because they don’t like dryer sheets and would prefer to stay away from the sheets.
9. Place an Alternate Source of Water
Wasps wander around the pool in search of water, so if you give them an alternate water source away from the pool, their invasion can be controlled. You can put shallow water bowls and pebbles around the pool, but far away from the pool.
10. Lemon and Cloves
Follow this simple method and deter wasps from the pool area. Cut a lemon in half, stick cloves in the cut lemon, keep it in a plate, and leave it outside around the pool area.
When Should You Seek the Help of a Professional?
Though wasps can be controlled using DIY methods if the infestation is limited, there are situations when wasps invade in bulk and build nests. Then, you should seek professional help. This is because professionals use safe methods to remove the nests.
Conclusion
To enjoy the pool with family and pets, it’s a practical requirement to keep wasps away from the pool area. There are several ways discussed above in this blog to deter them. Choose the best option for your home and consult a professional when these methods don’t work effectively.
