How to Get Rid of Wasps with Vinegar

Co-authored by Chris Parker

Last Updated: August 12, 2024 References

A beautiful summer day in the backyard can take a terrifying turn when a wasp starts buzzing around your ice cold lemonade. Thankfully, you can get rid of wasps using vinegar instead of resorting to harsh pesticides. We’ll show you how to make both a wasp repellent spray and a wasp trap using vinegar and a few other common household items.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Vinegar and Water Repellent Spray

Download Article

White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work equally well for repelling wasps without killing them. Spray bottles are inexpensive and can be found at any home improvement, convenience, or general merchandise store.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Wear protective clothing. It’s important to keep yourself safe from stings any time you’re dealing with wasps. They’re more aggressive than bees and will attack or swarm when they feel threatened. Wear long sleeves, gloves, closed-toed shoes, and a hat with netting to cover your face, neck, and shoulders.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- In the event of a swarm, cover your face and run to the nearest indoor shelter. Open and close the door as quickly as possible to prevent wasps from getting inside.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Wasps and bees have different venom, and being allergic to one does not mean you’re allergic to the other. If you or someone in your home is allergic to wasps, contact a pest control professional to get rid of them for maximum safety.
Advertisement
3
Spray the repellent around your frequently used outdoor living spaces. These might include patio furniture, garage doors, or play equipment. Spray around all entry points to your home to prevent wasps from sneaking in through the back screen door or a cracked window. The mixture will not kill the wasps, but the scent will drive them away from the area temporarily.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Spray at dusk or at night when the wasps are least active to avoid stings and swarms.
4
Re-spray the mixture frequently. This spray is a temporary fix and needs to be repeatedly reapplied to keep wasps away long term. Start by spraying daily for the first 7 days, and then frequently as needed.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- This mixture is not effective for nest removal. However, spraying often and early may help prevent a new nest from growing larger and more established.
- If you took down a wasp nest earlier in the season, you can also spray the area with vinegar and let it soak to prevent wasps from coming back.
- Don’t use the spray on an inhabited nest. You will only get a bunch of angry wasps.
5
Substitute vinegar and peppermint oil for a more potent spray. 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of peppermint oil mixed with 16 fluid ounces (470 mL) of vinegar (or a combination of vinegar and water) creates a stronger spray that is deadlier to wasps. Try this if the vinegar and water solution becomes less effective over time.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Use this spray in the same locations with the same frequency as the vinegar and water mixture.
- Planting peppermint near your wasps’ favorite spots will also help drive them away. They hate the smell!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Vinegar Wasp Trap

Download Article

Use scissors to cut just underneath where the curve starts. The remaining part of the bottle should be a straight cylinder. You will use these pieces to assemble your trap.^{[7]
X
Research source}
The inverted neck will work like a makeshift funnel for your bait mixture (and the wasps’ entrance into the liquid trap below). Check that the rims of the funnel and cylinder are lined up so the bottom of the funnel does not sit too low in the trap.^{[8]
X
Research source}
You can use scissors, a knife, or another sharp object, or try a single-hole punch. String, yarn, or an old shoelace are great materials for a handle. If you’re making multiple traps, you can also use these holes to string them together.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Mix apple cider vinegar, apple juice, water, sugar, and dish soap to make the bait. Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, using roughly 2 parts of all the liquid ingredients, ½ part sugar, and a few drops of dish soap. Stir the mixture together slowly to avoid creating bubbles in the dish soap.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the water, meaning the wasp will drown more easily. It will also dissolve their outer coating, killing them quickly.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
Leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the top of the mixture and the bottom of the funnel so the wasps cannot latch onto the funnel to escape.^{[12]
X
Research source}
6
Hang your trap on a tree branch or fence post away from busy areas. An elevated trap will attract more wasps than one set on the ground. Experiment with sturdy tree limbs, plant hooks, fences, and other strong fixtures to see which location is most effective. Choose a spot that is at least 10 yards (9.1 m) away from high-traffic areas like patios, play equipment, or garage doors.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Create several traps and hang them around your yard to cover a wider area.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
7
Empty, clean, and refill the trap every 2-3 days. You may need to do this more frequently in hot weather since the heat will cause water to evaporate out of the trap. Check the trap after a heavy rain in case the trap flooded and needs to be drained and refilled.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Check to make sure the trapped wasps are dead before disposing of them. An escapee will fly back to the nest and warn the colony of the trap.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Bury the dead wasps or seal them in a bag to throw in the garbage. Avoid crushing them, since their bodies release a scent that will rile up any other wasps in the area.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
8
Add extra bait if the trap is not enticing enough. If you notice very few wasps wandering into your trap, try adding seasonal baits to the mixture. Add cooking grease in the spring when wasps are craving protein-rich food. In the summer, try jam or extra sugar.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Do not use honey. This will attract bees, who are nonaggressive and important pollinators.
- If you find yourself catching insects other than wasps, experiment with other bait including sweet-smelling laundry detergent, fruit juice, soda, or beer.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
9
Use the vinegar and dish soap mixture in a spray bottle to kill individual wasps. Carry a plastic spray bottle of the mixture with you while working in the garden or enjoying time outdoors to deal with pesky wasps on the spot. Spray the wasp until it is saturated and no longer moving.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- You can also try placing a full trap next to you while you’re working outdoors to prevent wasps from harassing you.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I prevent the wasps from entering our house?

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

First, seal all entry points in your house to prevent the wasps from entering. Check for cracks, gaps, and openings around your house. Next, locate any wasp colonies around your home, such as under eaves, in attics, or in nearby trees and bushes. If the infestation is severe or you're allergic, consider calling a professional pest control service for assistance.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0