Wasps on the balcony: How to properly protect yourself from stings!

Wasps on the balcony: How to properly protect yourself from stings!

Summer is here and with it a frequent visitor to balconies and terraces: wasps. The small, flying insects are often perceived as a nuisance, but they are useful helpers in the ecosystem and effective pest controllers in gardens. Mercury points out that the German wasp and the common wasp in particular appear most frequently in late summer. These species are particularly interested in sweet dishes and meat, which attracts them to people and barbecues, especially in the warm season.

There are tried and tested tips to avoid threatening encounters with wasps. Covering food and putting away leftovers are basic measures. In addition, hectic movements should be avoided, as carbon dioxide in people's breath is perceived as an alarm signal for insects.

Behavior near wasp nests

If a wasp nest is discovered near the house, it is important to maintain a safe distance of around three to four meters. Wasps usually don't attack for no reason, but they will attack if they feel threatened. Even though wasp stings are painful for most people, they can pose a significant danger to allergy sufferers. It is therefore advisable to think about relocation, especially when there are children or people with allergies, as this can also prevent damage to parts of the building if a nest is too close.

In late summer, when the wasps become particularly intrusive and increasingly look for sugar, it is advisable to keep your distance from the nest and follow the entry rules for your own garden. Bafu advises that if there is a wasp threat, a professional should be called in to carry out relocation.

Natural repellents and safety tips

A simple home remedy for wasps is a water mist. Fill a spray bottle with water and gently spray in the direction of the wasps to drive them away. Other safety tips include using drinking straws outdoors and wiping children's faces and hands thoroughly after eating. In addition, trash cans and compost should be covered and fallen fruit collected in a timely manner.

Wasps are protected in Germany, which means that their nests should not be removed arbitrarily. This is only permitted in valid cases, such as an acute risk for allergy sufferers, and should be carried out by professional pest controllers.

For healthy people, waiting for the wasp nest to clear is usually a viable option. The nest often resolves itself by November or December. A calm demeanor around wasps and a certain amount of patience can help ensure a safe and harmless coexistence with these insects.