How to Keep Hornets Away

Are you looking forward to warmer temperatures on the way and summer evenings on your back porch or deck? Relaxing in the beautiful Southern Oregon outdoors is a perfect way to decompress from the workday. However, you may not be looking forward to the abundance of wasps and hornets that may also enjoy your living space when temperatures heat up. Here are a few tips you can take advantage of to keep hornets away from your porch in the summer so you can enjoy your outdoor living area under your awning. A little planning in the winter and spring will pay off down the road.

What are wasps and hornets?

There are many species of wasps and hornets, yet often we refer to the entire group as hornets. One of the most common in Oregon is the yellow jacket. Because these insects are black and yellow and come with a stinger, many people refer to them as bees–which they are not. Wasps and hornets do serve a purpose–they eat other pests that can destroy your garden, like aphids. However, they are very territorial and can become highly aggressive. Stings can hurt and cause ongoing pain and swelling. If you disturb a nest, you may find a swarm of these flying fighters headed your way.

Tips to Keep Hornets Away From Your Outdoor Living Space

Once you’ve invested in a beautiful awning and created your dream outdoor living space, keeping it free from outdoor pests and hornets is essential. Hornets are more active in hot weather, so you’ll see more of them towards the end of July and into September. However, there are many actions you can take as you’re prepping your patio in the spring to be ready for the warmer months.

1. Use wasp and hornet-repelling plants in your landscaping and deck decor. There are several beautiful plants that wasps and hornets don’t like. Having several containers of geraniums and filling flower beds around your deck with marigolds, mint, basil, wormwood, and pennyroyal will detract the pests from your living area.
2. Place hornet traps on the opposite side of your yard. Hornets and wasps will be attracted to the traps, so it’s best to encourage them to travel away from your porch or deck. Place traps in an area of your yard furthest away from where you spend time. Never hang traps off of your retractable awning or near windows or doors.
3. Turn on a fan or two during meal times. Insects like hornets and wasps are attracted to the smell of food, particularly meat. Use a few fans outside while grilling and eating on your deck. The air will de-intensify the scent of the food and make it harder to find, plus insects are less likely to fly into the wind.
4. Cover garbage cans and compost bins. Keeping these items enclosed will eliminate one more thing in your yard that attracts hornets and wasps. If possible, store garbage and maintain your compost far away from your living space.
5. Eliminate holes and hiding spaces in the ground. Different species of wasps and hornets make their homes in various ways. You are likely on the lookout for paper-like nests stuck to the shady sides of roof rafters, awnings, or behind window shutters. Those can be removed carefully using products from your local hardware store or hiring a professional exterminator. However, many hornets in Oregon make their homes in the ground. They look for decomposing tree trunks, cracks in dry soil, unfilled holes, and other cavities to build their nests. Fill these in during the winter to prevent them from becoming homes to pests in the summer.

Add a Retractable Awning for Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space

At Deluxe Awning Company, we help homeowners create their ultimate outdoor living spaces with superior solutions for retractable screens, awnings, and more. Our team will work with you to evaluate your space, understand your goals, and discuss the options that will be best for you.

We’re a small family business serving Southern Oregon for 39 years. We specialize in quality custom canvas awnings for homes and businesses, and we’re confident you’ll be wildly satisfied with the workmanship behind your new Deluxe Awning. Contact us today to learn how easy adding a retractable screen or awning to your doors, windows, or patio is.