If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on your patio, only to be interrupted by buzzing bees and aggressive wasps, I know exactly how frustrating it can be.
As a gardener and someone who loves spending time outdoors, I appreciate the role bees play in pollination. But I also understand that sometimes, you just want to sit back with a drink and not worry about getting stung.
That’s why I love this simple, hanging a brown paper bag filled with plastic bags near my patio or pool. It might sound too easy to be true, but trust me, it works!
How This Trick Works
Bees and wasps are highly territorial creatures. Hornets, in particular, are aggressive and will fiercely defend their nests.
Other flying insects, especially wasps and bees, recognize the danger and avoid areas where they think a hornet’s nest is already established.
By hanging up a brown paper bag that mimics the shape of a hornet’s nest, you can trick these insects into staying away, without harming them.
What You’ll Need
- A brown paper bag (lunch bags work well)
- A few plastic bags
- String or twine
That’s it! No chemicals, no traps, no sprays, just a quick and easy DIY solution.
How to Make a Fake Hornet’s Nest
1. Stuff the paper bag: Crumple up a few plastic bags and place them inside the brown paper bag. This gives it a full, rounded shape like a real hornet’s nest.
2. Twist the top: Gather the opening of the bag and twist it tightly to seal it. You can also use a small rubber band to keep it secure.
3. Tie a string around it: Use a piece of twine or string to tie around the twisted top. This will make it easy to hang.
4. Find the perfect spot: Hang your fake nest near areas where you want to keep bees and wasps away. Good locations include:
- Patios
- Pool areas
- Outdoor dining spaces
- Garden seating areas
5. Enjoy a buzz-free zone: Once hung, bees and wasps should naturally avoid the area, thinking it’s already occupied by a hornet colony.
Does This Work for All Wasps and Bees?
This trick works best for paper wasps, yellow jackets, and some types of bees that are naturally cautious about hornet nests.
However, if you’re dealing with a persistent wasp problem, you may need to hang multiple fake nests around your space.
Other Tips to Keep Wasps and Bees Away
While this trick is great, you can combine it with other natural deterrents for even better results:
- Plant bee-repelling herbs – Peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus naturally deter bees and wasps.
- Keep food covered – Sugary drinks and exposed food attract wasps, so keep things covered when dining outside.
- Use clove, lemon, and cinnamon scents – Wasps dislike strong, spicy smells. Rubbing lemon slices with cloves on your table can help.
