Some of Arlington’s own top chefs are currently competing in the famous annual DC Brgr Bash. And our chefs aren’t the only ones that love a good outdoor barbecue. This time of year, the streets of Arlington are flooded with the wonderful odors of good food on the grill.

Summer is also the time when wasps can smell a picnic from miles away and swarm in to invade. Most people with wasp nests in their yard are looking for the most natural approach possible to get rid of this terrifying pest. The ideas below aren’t foolproof, but they may just do the trick:

1)Use soap.

When you’ve identified a nest in your hard, the last thing you want to do is knock it down, as that can create an angry swarm that could be dangerous for you and your family. Instead, prepare a solution with dish soap and other household detergents that you can spray at the nest with a hose. Specific instructions can be found with a quick Google search for “soap solution for wasps.” Make sure you’re standing in a position where you won’t be noticed easily.

2)Use a false nest.

Because wasps are so territorial, they won’t build a nest in an area that’s already been claimed by another colony. You can use this instinct to your advantage by hanging a false nest near your house. You can find false wasp nests at Amazon and other retailers, or create your own with a crumpled-up paper bag hung up with twine.

3) Set a trap.

Glass traps come in a variety of prices and sizes, and tend to work well when you are vigilant about replacing the bait inside. You can also find instructions online for creating your own glass wasp trap out of plastic water bottles.

4)Take precautions.

As long as you have wasps in your yard, be careful about putting out meat products, foods rich in sugar, and pet food in areas frequented by you and your family members. That may mean foregoing your backyard summer barbecues until the problem is eradicated. Also, watch the perfumes and lotions you put on before you step outside – if you smell too much like a flower, the wasps will go crazy over you!

With any control measure for wasps, it’s important to wear long, tight-fitting clothing and only treat at night or early in the morning. If you need a light source during the darker hours, cover a flashlight with red paper to keep wasps from flying directly into the light.

Finally, if you have allergies or feel at all nervous about confronting wasps yourself, it’s best to call in the experts. The team at Green Pest Services understands the life cycles of wasps and uses methods that are effective and safe for your family. Contact us today!