8 Things I Stopped Doing That Were Attracting Wasps

We used to see wasps around the porch constantly. Every time we tried to relax outside, there’d be one circling our drinks or checking out the eaves. I thought it was just part of summer until I started paying attention to what was actually drawing them in.

Turns out, a lot of the stuff we were doing—or not doing—was basically rolling out the welcome mat for them. Once we made a few changes, the difference was immediate. These are the habits I stopped, and they really did help cut down on the wasps.

Leaving Sweet Drinks Outside

Wasps are drawn to sugar, and anything from a juice box to leftover soda in a cup can bring them in fast. We used to leave drinks sitting out while we played in the yard or worked on projects.

Now we cover cups when we’re outside and bring them in when we’re done. It’s a simple habit shift that stopped them from hovering around every time we set something down.

Ignoring Old Nests

Even if a wasp nest looks abandoned, it’s not always safe to ignore. Some species return to old nests or build new ones in the same spots year after year.

Now we check under eaves, around the porch roof, and in the shed regularly. If we find a nest—even a small one—we take care of it early before it turns into a bigger problem.

Letting the Trash Pile Up

Wasps love anything with food residue. If the outdoor trash bin is overflowing or not sealed well, it quickly becomes a buffet.

We started rinsing food containers before tossing them and making sure the bin stays closed tight. Even moving it a little farther from the main hangout areas helped.

Leaving Pet Food Outside

I didn’t think much about the bowl of leftover dog food on the back porch, but wasps definitely did. Any protein or sweet residue can bring them in.

Now we bring the food in as soon as the dog’s done eating. It’s a small change, but it made a noticeable difference in how many wasps started buzzing around.

Overripe Fruit in the Yard

If you’ve got fruit trees or even tomato plants in the garden, anything that falls to the ground can attract wasps. They’re especially drawn to soft, overripe fruit.

We started picking fruit a little earlier and clearing the ground more often. It helped with other pests too—not just wasps.

Avoiding Repairs Around Eaves and Siding

Gaps in siding, soffits, or porch ceilings make perfect hiding spots for nests. We had a few loose boards and didn’t think much of it until we found wasps moving in.

Now we patch holes and seal gaps before summer hits. It’s one of the best ways to cut off nesting spots before they settle in.

Using Strongly Scented Products

Perfumes, lotions, and even some laundry detergents can attract wasps. We noticed they’d come closer when we were wearing floral or fruity scents.

Now we skip the sweet-smelling stuff when we’re working outside. It doesn’t mean you have to smell bad—just go for milder, cleaner scents during yard work or porch time.

Leaving Food Out After Grilling

Grill scraps, crumbs on the table, and sticky barbecue sauces can all bring in wasps. We used to leave the cleanup for later and ended up with company we didn’t want.

Now we wipe things down as soon as we’re done eating and keep food covered as much as possible. It’s not about being perfect—just not leaving bait out longer than necessary.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.