Keep wasps at bay

Are you one of those people who starts screaming as soon as they see a wasp? Do you sit still or do you flail around because you’re panicking? We have some bad news for you: more and more wasps will come out of hiding now the larvae are full-grown. We can’t change the fact that these nasty stingers exist, but we can give you tips to keep the chance of being stung to a minimum. 

It’s easier said than done, but don’t panic!

Keep calm

Yes, we know you don’t want to be stung. But, you’re panicked and your first reaction is to jump out of your chair and run away. Or maybe you will try to beat the wasp away with your hands. However, try not to do this! You will only run a greater risk of being stung. Try to sit still and don’t move. Wasps will never sting without being provoked, as they usually sting when they are upset or panicking. So, when you’re panicked, they will react by stinging. Next time you see a wasp do your best impression of a living statue and wait until the wasp has flown away.

Sugar

Wasps are attracted to sugar, so any time you’re eating something remotely sweet they will zoom around you. Unless you were planning on staying inside all summer, you more than likely will encounter a few of these annoying insects. To diminish the chance of being stung, try not to attract them by staying away from deodorant and perfumes. Use a scentless antiperspirant and skip on the perfume. Since wasps like sweet smells, they’ll be less likely to come after you if you don’t smell like a sugary treat.

Flower

Apparently, wasps are not only attracted to sweet smells but also to bright colours that make you look like a flower. They love bright colours like yellow, purple, red and blue as it makes you look like an attractive field of flowers and that means a nice sweet snack for wasps. Neutral colours like white, green and light brown are unattractive to wasps.

Food

If you’re eating outside, try to cover your food and drinks when you’re not using them. Wasps are looking for (sweet) food, so they would like to have a taste of what’s on your plate. Cover your food so they can’t smell it. Wasps like protein-rich foods such as meat and fish, so cover these as well as sweet foods.

We have made a list of nifty tricks to keep wasps at bay. Go on to the next page to read all about them!

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