The 7 Best Wasp Deterrents to Keep Your Patio, Garden, and Deck Safe This Summer
You’ve prepped the patio furniture, chilled the drinks, and fired up the grill—and then the wasps show up like they were on the guest list. If your outdoor space has turned into a wasp war zone, you’re not alone. Wasps are one of the most unwelcome summer crashers, especially around decks, patios, and gardens.
The good news? There are plenty of proven strategies to keep wasps away—without turning your backyard into a hazmat zone.
Below, we’re sharing the 7 best ways to deter wasps, deal with an existing wasp nest, and protect your outdoor space all season long.
1. Spot and Remove Nesting Sites Early
Wasps are planners. Once they’ve picked a prime location for their nest, they’re not leaving without a fight—unless you stop them before they get settled.
Check these high-risk areas around your home:
- Under deck railings or eaves
- Inside grills, birdhouses, and patio umbrellas
- In fence posts, play sets, or porch ceilings
- Behind shutters or outdoor light fixtures
If you see a small paper-like nest forming, remove it early, ideally in the evening when wasps are less active. Here’s what to know before attempting removal and how to spot which species you’re dealing with, according to Penn State Extension.
2. Use Scent-Based Wasp Deterrents
People often ask: “What smell do wasps hate?” Turns out, wasps are pretty picky.
Wasp-repelling scents:
- Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place them near seating areas, eaves, or known nest spots.
- Clove, geranium, and lemongrass oil blend: A research-backed combo that’s even more effective when used together.
- White vinegar spray: Mix vinegar and water 1:1 and spray around high-traffic areas.
These natural wasp deterrents offer a safe, non-toxic way to create invisible barriers—especially helpful for families with kids and/or pets.
3. Eliminate Outdoor Food + Drink Temptations
Wasps love what you’re serving—especially meat, sugary drinks, and fruit. If you’re wondering how to keep wasps away from your patio, one of the easiest answers is: stop giving them a reason to show up.
Quick fixes:
- Cover drinks and food when entertaining outside
- Rinse soda cans and juice bottles before tossing them in outdoor bins
- Avoid placing sweet-smelling candles, lotions, or perfumes near outdoor seating areas
- Keep trash bins tightly sealed
Hosting a BBQ? Clean up any spills immediately—wasps can detect sugar from several feet away.
4. Set Up Decoy Nests to Signal “Territory Taken”
It may sound weird, but it works.
Wasps are territorial, and most species won’t build a nest within 200 feet of another one. That means if they think there’s already a nest nearby, they’ll move along.
What to try:
- Hang paper decor nests from hardware stores
- Make your own using brown paper bags stuffed with newspaper and tied off with twine
- Place them in shaded areas like eaves, trees, or fence lines
It’s a simple, affordable wasp deterrent that works before they commit to building.
5. Seal Off Entry Points and Hiding Spots
Wasps don’t just build nests out in the open—they love cozy, forgotten corners. Cracks, gaps, and unsealed crevices are like Airbnb listings for wasps.
Where to seal:
- Gaps between deck boards
- Cracks in siding or fascia
- Gaps around vents or soffits
- Loose boards or lattice panels
Use caulk, expanding foam, or weather-resistant sealant to close off easy entry points. The cleaner and tighter your space is, the harder it is for wasps to settle in.
6. Choose Wasp-Resistant Landscaping
Not all garden plants are created equal. Some naturally repel wasps—others roll out the welcome mat.
Great wasp-repelling plants:
- Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Citronella grass
- Wormwood
- Basil
These plants smell great to humans and add serious curb appeal to your outdoor space. Avoid planting fennel, yarrow, or Queen Anne’s lace near seating areas—they’re wasp magnets.
7. Call in Professional Help for Persistent Problems
Paper wasps and yellow jackets may build in hidden or hard-to-reach areas, and their behavior can vary by species. For a helpful overview of local wasp types, visit this Missouri Botanical Garden guide.
If you’ve already got an active wasp nest, or your prevention tactics aren’t cutting it, don’t wait for a sting to make the call.
At Amco Ranger, we specialize in:
- Locating and safely removing hidden or high-risk nests
- Using strategic, non-disruptive wasp deterrents
- Providing long-term, eco-friendly pest control solutions
- Customizing treatments for decks, patios, gardens, and more
Don’t defend wasps alone. If your situation has grown bigger than you can handle, our pros will evaluate your property, eliminate any active threats, and help you keep your outdoor areas clear for the season—so you can enjoy all summer long.
Learn more about our wasp control services ➡️
Request a FREE inspection to get started! ➡️
Don’t Let Wasps Crash Your Summer
…or any season, for that matter.
Whether you’re sipping sweet tea on the deck or chasing toddlers around the sprinkler, your yard should be a sting-free zone. With the right preventative strategies, natural wasp deterrents, and backup from a pro when needed, you can enjoy your space—without the buzzkill.
Are you ready to protect your home from wasps?
