Whenever there’s a wasp at a barbecue, it always goes for me. I instinctively sacrifice my food and drink – offering it up – but that doesn’t make a difference. So I freeze as it hovers around me, unsure whether to swat it away or turn tail and run, and then laugh uncomfortably as others jest ‘Oh, he likes you!’ But why? Why does he like me?
Sometimes it seems a wasp just won’t leave you alone. But what’s going on here; is it our clothes, our smell, our mannerisms, our food? I spoke to two experts to find out. Turns out, there are a lot of factors at play. Here’s what’s making you a walking – or running and screaming – target.
What colours attract wasps?
Let’s start with the clothes. Wasps are sensitive to colour; they must be to find the flowers they need to collect nectar.
‘There isn’t strong evidence that certain colours consistently attract wasps the way they attract some other insects,’ says Ralph Masferrer, director of technical and training at Aruza Pest Control. ‘But bright floral patterns can sometimes cause wasps to investigate because they resemble flowering plants. We generally recommend wearing lighter coloured, solid clothing when spending time outdoors, especially around landscaping or outdoor meals. More importantly, avoid loose clothing that can trap a wasp against your skin, since that’s when stings often occur.’
Brandon Runyon, entomologist at Swat Pest Management, agrees: ‘All your flowers are attracting wasps and other insects. If you are wearing a brightly coloured shirt such as bright white, yellow or a bright floral pattern you are inviting those wasps.’
So bright and bold patterns are a no-go if you want to steer clear of roaming wasps. It’s good to apply that to towels and swimwear if you’re looking to spend some time by the pool this summer too!
That also means if your garden is filled with colourful flowers, wasps are likely to come exploring, so try not to position your furniture close to where they will find all the action.
What scents will attract wasps?
What’s just as important is what a wasp can smell.
Ralph continues: ‘Strong floral fragrances can attract wasps because they mimic the scent of flowers where wasps naturally forage for nectar. Perfumes, scented lotions, body sprays and even some shampoos can increase the likelihood that a wasp investigates you. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, especially during the warmer months, it’s a good idea to minimise heavily scented products.’
So, it’s worth thinking twice before dousing yourself in perfume! It you’re particularly afraid of wasps, you might want to switch to unscented options, such as hairspray and body lotion. Although sweet smells aren’t the only thing doing it for wasps.
‘I know it is a hard ask right now but try and stay cool when outside because the wasps are attracted to our sweat,’ advises Brandon. ‘In our sweat is lactic acid and other minerals they need. The CO₂ you put out is also attractive to wasps as they use CO₂ for predator detection and finding sources of fermented foods.’
So, the overall rule seems to be don’t smell! Perfumes and sweet scents will lure wasps in, as will our sweat. You can always use a portable handheld fan to keep a cool head, and wearing the right material of clothing will help, too. Cotton and linen is far more breathable compared to polycotton. Opt for lighter scents if you can’t go without.
What about food and drink?
Wasps are known to be sugar scavengers, drawn to an open can of Cocoa Cola, or the remnants of a jam doughnut, but what can be done to keep them off the guest list?
‘Wasps are opportunistic feeders, so they’re attracted to whatever is easy to access’ says Ralph. ‘Sugary drinks, fruit, desserts, soda and alcoholic beverages are major attractants. During late summer and early autumn, you’ll often notice yellowjackets becoming much more active around outdoor meals because they’re searching for sugar. To reduce the risk, keep food covered, clean up spills promptly, use bins with tight fitting lids, and always check canned drinks before taking a sip. Every year people are stung after a wasp crawls inside an unattended beverage.’
Wasps have a different appetite depending on the time of year. Early in the summer, they need protein to feed their young, so other insects and meat become the predominant food source. That’s why a wasp might prefer your hotdog over the fizzy drink in May! But once the larvae have grown and flown the nest (literally), which happens at the end of July or August time, the adults will make the switch to sugar to feed themselves. Either way, you should keep food covered.
What to do if a wasp comes near
To swat or not to swat, that is the question. Personally, I just run away, but I’m not sure that’s the answer either.
Ralph surmises ‘Most wasps are defensive, not aggressive. Swatting, waving your arms or trying to hit the insect often causes it to perceive you as a threat. If a wasp lands on you, stay calm and move slowly. In most cases, it will leave on its own if it doesn’t feel threatened. We remind customers that understanding insect behaviour is one of the best ways to prevent unnecessary stings.’
So, there you go. Keep calm and carry on is the ruling. But if you want to avoid having a stand-off with a wasp in the first place, follow the advice above. If you’re noticing lots of wasps around your home lately, try to find the source of the attraction and remove it (or seal it). It might be your bins (including the compost), fallen fruit, pet food or there might even be a nest. In that last case, it’s always best to get a professional in to remove it. Check out how to get rid of wasps for more expert tips.
Try to avoid killing wasps where possible; they’re still an essential part of the ecosystem, and it might be a bee!
