These DIY Tricks May Help Stop Wasp and Yellowjacket Problems in Illinois

Summer hasn’t even started in Illinois yet, and I’m already over the stinging insect problem in my yard. The time to wage war is now, so here are some DIY tricks to help us in the battle.

Painful Illinois Yardwork

Two days ago as I was starting to take out flats of plants to our garden, I was greeted by a very unpleasant visitor right in the middle of my palm:

I've been stung by plenty of nasty insects in the past, but I think this one was a wasp, and the sting STILL hurts, itches, and is swollen several days later. (Maybe it's because I basically squeezed that wasp's stinger right into my hand as I grabbed onto the edge of the flat tray?)

Thankfully, I survived this painful experience, but it is one I have no intention of reliving anytime soon.

DIY Wasp, Hornet, and Yellowjacket Control

With two children, two dogs, and occasionally two pet rabbits wandering around in our yard, I prefer to try DIY pest control options before resorting to chemicals.

1. After doing a little research, I learned the biggest key to getting rid of yellowjackets, wasps, and hornets in your yard is to find the nest first.

These little demons like to hide underground, under decks and patio furniture, inside grills, and basically anywhere your foot might accidentally step. Make sure to treat nests at dawn or dusk when the insects are less active and more likely to be in the nest.

2. Hornets, wasps, and especially yellowjackets, LOVE food and sugary drinks. Make sure all garbage is covered and don't leave anything sweet outside for too long.

3. Mix essential oils with distilled water to spray around highly populated areas of your yard. BeeAware suggests using these two mixes:

Essential Oil Mix 1:

Clove

Geranium

Lemongrass

 

Essential Oil Mix 2:

Clove

Geranium

Lemongrass

Rosemary

4. DIY traps can help reduce the population too. Here's one I plan on trying this summer:

One word of caution: honeybees might find these types of traps appealing too, so you might want to search for other options if protecting the bee population is important to you.

To see more easy and effective DIY prevention ideas, check out beeawareallergy.com.