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How to Prevent Ground Wasp Nests

Wasps are predatory insects in the same order as ants and bees. There are many ground nesting wasp species that search for burrows or rodent holes in the ground to lay their eggs in. Sometimes ground wasps can find their way into your lawn in search of places to nest. Wasps deliver painful stings that can lead to swelling, itching and even anaphylactic shock in persons allergic to their venom. There are many simple and effective ways you can prevent wasps from building their nests in your lawn.

Things You'll Need

Insecticide dust
Peppermint

Instructions

- 1
  Locate any ground wasp nests on your property. Look for wasp activity around the entrance hole of the nest and treat the entrance at night when wasps are least active with an insecticidal dust.
- 2
  Reapply the insecticidal dust the next day if there is still wasp activity. Seal the ground wasp nests with dirt once you are sure the wasps are all dead.
- 3
  Plant some peppermint around your home and lawn. The wasps are repulsed by the strong smelling plants and will build their nests elsewhere.
- 4
  Inspect your home and lawn on a weekly basis for wasp activity. Treat any nests you find with insecticidal dust and fill any rodent holes or burrows in your lawn with dirt to prevent wasps from nesting in these places.
- 5
  Deter wasps from building nests in your lawn by eliminating all food and water sources. Do not leave food or drinks uncovered. Wasps can remember food sources and will continue to search an area for some time after the food source has been removed.

Insects & Science