Who doesn’t know it? You quickly open the windows to air the room and suddenly you hear a hectic, loud humming noise. Especially in the period between July and September, there is a high probability that the noise is coming from a wasp. This is because they are very active at this time of year in search of protein and sugar-rich food for their offspring.
Of the approximately 700 species of wasps in Germany, it is mostly only the “German” and the “common” wasp that forage near humans.
What should you do if you encounter a wasp in your home?
Provide escape routes for wasps, such as open doors and windows. During the hours of darkness, only leave the lights on that illuminate a way out for the wasp. If the wasp settles on a smooth surface, you can carefully place a glass over it. Then slide a firm piece of paper under the glass and carry the paper with the glass outside, where you can then release the wasp. But don’t push the wasp and don’t blow at it under any circumstances. This is because the carbon dioxide contained in the breathing air is an alarm signal for the wasp, which can make it aggressive and thus provoke an attack (sting).
Wasps are very valuable for the natural ecosystem. They are also a protected species, which is why they should not be killed.
What options are there to prevent wasps from visiting living spaces?
- Only open unlit rooms at dusk and in the dark
- Spray the frames of possible entrances with essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus oil. Vinegar water is also said to have a deterrent effect on wasps
- Avoid leaving food or sweet drinks open in the living areas
Or protect your home with professional fly screen elements!
These are available for almost any building opening and reliably and sustainably prevent the entry of “uninvited guests”.
Find out more about how to protect doors, windows and light wells with fly screens:
(Image source: wasp eating schnitzel by Ran)
