The Buzz About Wasps: What Attracts Them and How to Keep Them off Your Yard in Calgary

Ever had that moment when you're lounging in your backyard, enjoying a cold drink, and suddenly you're…not alone? A wasp zips by, and suddenly, your peaceful afternoon turns into a high-stakes game of "Who can stay calm the longest?" Spoiler alert: it's not you.

Why do these tiny (but mighty) party crashers love your yard so much? It almost seems like they’re targeting you! It’s not like you’re leaving them bite-sized invitations to come over.

Well, we’re here to tell you just what draws wasps to your happy haven and how you can send them buzzing off for good.

Wasp Magnets: What’s Attracting Them to Your Calgary Yard?

If your yard is the talk of the town in buzz-land, it’s time to consider why that might be the case. Here’s a rundown of the top attractions turning your outdoor space into wasp central:

• All that sweet stuff. Wasps don't just have a sweet tooth; they’ve got a whole mouth full of sweet teeth! Open soda cans, juicy fruit spills, and that forgotten slice of melon can turn your yard into a wasp's favourite diner. Got fruit trees? That, too, can be a wasp magnet, especially when the fruit starts to ferment and fall off.

• All that meaty stuff. It's not just sweets; wasps love their proteins, too! After all, who understands the benefits of bulking up more than those mean wasps?
• Standing water. A wasp’s gotta drink, right? Stagnant water sources like birdbaths and puddles are their go-to bars, serving up the moisture they need to thrive.
• Floral scents. Your garden might be a paradise for you, but it’s also prime real estate for wasps. Wasps are naturally drawn to flowers for nectar. If your yard has a lot of blooming plants, especially brightly coloured ones, it can be an attractive spot for them.
• Food debris. Wasps love a good picnic, too. Leaving food out can turn your barbecue into their party.
• Trash and compost. If your compost bin smells like last week's dinner, it's calling over the wasps for a feast on the decay. It’s not just the leftovers; even open garbage is an invitation wasps can’t resist. They know they’ll find food and friends (other insects!).
• Bright colours. Wearing that floral shirt might make you feel like blooming, but it could also invite wasps who mistake you for a giant flower.
• Shelter and nesting sites. Your home's nooks and crannies are the perfect secluded resorts for wasps, great for setting up their summer homes.
• Outdoor pet food bowls. These are like drive-thrus for wasps, offering quick and tasty protein snacks.
• Certain lighting. Those cozy patio lights do more than set the mood; they can also summon insects who think it’s a food party.
• Rotting Wood. Wasps are crafty builders. They use fibres from your wooden deck or shed to construct their complex homes. Some species of wasps, like yellow jackets, are attracted to decaying wood. If you have old wood piles or decaying tree stumps, you might be inviting them to settle in.

Proactive Strategies to Win the War on Wasps

Your Calgary yard deserves to be a wasp-free zone. But before you start stocking up your arsenal of bug swatters for the next wasp infestation, here are some strategies you can try to keep them at bay:

• Maintaining a Clean Yard: If you see a wasp, remember it isn’t there to visit. It’s looking for something to take back to its nest. Keeping your yard free of food waste and ensuring all garbage containers are tightly sealed can dramatically reduce wasp attraction. Regular clean-up after meals outdoors is crucial, especially if sugary foods or proteins are on the menu.
• Regular Inspection of Potential Nest Sites: Act as the neighbourhood watch, keeping a close eye on wasp activity. Proactively peek under eaves, inside grills, sheds, and attics for the tell-tale beginnings of wasp architecture. Catching these buzz-builders early can halt their nesting plans. Removing nests when they’re small or just beginning can prevent larger infestations.
• Water Management: Like many creatures, wasps need water to survive, but you don’t have to make it easy for them. Eliminate standing water sources where wasps can hydrate. This includes maintaining gutters and downspouts to prevent pooling and covering or removing any containers that might collect rainwater, such as buckets or plant saucers.
• Garden and Plant Choices: While some plants attract wasps, others can help keep them away. Avoid planting sweet-smelling and bright flowering plants directly near living spaces. Instead, opt for natural repellents or at least those plants that are known to be less appealing to wasps. Additionally, keeping bushes and trees well-trimmed reduces the number of places wasps might consider for their nests.
• Brightening Your Space: Wasps are attracted to dark, secluded spaces for nesting. Increase the lighting around the exterior to discourage wasps from settling in. Bright lights, especially in areas like garages and under eaves, can make these spots less inviting for wasps looking for a new home.
• Secure Outdoor Dining: If you love dining al fresco, make sure to serve food in covered dishes and promptly clean up any spills. Use tightly sealed containers for food storage and trash to ensure that aromas don’t lure in curious wasps looking for their next meal. This extra layer of vigilance can save your next barbecue from becoming a buzzing affair.
• Calling in the Pros: When DIY wasp-repellent methods fall short, professional interventions like our BuzzShield® Insect can provide that robust defence against wasps.

We treat your yard and create a protective barrier that discourages wasps from settling in. It’s designed to target the pests you don’t want while minimizing impact on the environment and non-target species. This service includes regular maintenance checks and treatments that ensure wasps don’t become a recurring problem.

Already Dealing With A Waspy Situation? Here’s What to Do

If you notice increased wasp activity or a wasp nest in your Calgary yard, the first thing you shouldn’t do is panic. Stay calm and keep a safe distance. Resist the urge to swat at wasps or spray the nest; this can provoke the colony and escalate the situation.

Swatting or disturbing the nest might lead to aggressive behaviour, putting you and others at risk.

Instead, turn to our BuzzAttack™ Wasp Nest Removal service for a safe and effective solution. We specialize in safely removing wasp nests, ensuring that your backyard is a safe space once again, free from buzzing intruders.

For more on staying safe when you’ve found a wasp nest, check out our blog, What NOT to Do When Dealing with Wasp Nest Removals.

Keep the Sting Out of It With Buzz Boss

Remember, keeping your backyard wasp-free is not just about battling the current buzz but setting up defences that last all season long.

With our wasp and hornet pest control service, you're not just reacting; you’re proactively keeping them out.

On the other hand, if you've spotted a nest, our wasp nest removal service is your go-to for quick, safe eviction.

Buzz us for a free estimate, and let's make your outdoor gatherings the talk of the town—for all the right reasons! Serving proudly across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and the Okanagan.