Trick to Stop Wasps at Picnic: Why They Crash Your Meal
Trick to stop wasps at picnic gatherings is something every outdoor food lover needs to know. Sunny days invite us outdoors for al fresco meals, but these occasions often attract uninvited guests – wasps. These insects, particularly the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica), are notorious for appearing suddenly when food is around.
Although they may seem like pests, wasps play an essential role in nature. They are valuable pollinators and also act as natural pest controllers by preying on flies, caterpillars, and aphids. Learning a little about their behavior can help you enjoy your meal without fear.
Trick to Stop Wasps at Picnic: Stay Calm and Still
If a wasp hovers near your food, your first reaction may be to swat it away. But sudden movements signal danger. Wasps associate erratic motion and heavy breathing with predators, triggering their defensive instincts. Instead, remain calm and avoid flapping your hands. Keeping still makes you less of a target.
How to Stop Wasps at Picnic by Watching What They Eat
Every worker wasp is on a mission to collect food for the colony. Depending on the season, she may take a chunk of ham, a sip of jam, or a taste of your sugary drink. By observing what the wasp is interested in, you can anticipate what to offer her.
The Wasp-Offering Method
Here’s the simple trick: give the wasp her own share of food. Place a small portion of whatever she took – a bit of meat or something sweet – a short distance away from your picnic spot. The wasp will focus on this offering, leaving the rest of your meal undisturbed.
Over time, you can move the offering further away to create a safe zone. This method is widely used in outdoor dining settings to prevent wasps from constantly buzzing around people’s food.
Will One Wasp Bring a Swarm?
Unlike bees, wasps are poor recruiters. They don’t perform dances or call large numbers of nestmates to food. At most, a few more wasps might arrive by chance if the nest is nearby. However, too many wasps in one spot usually discourages others from joining. trick to stop wasps at picnic.
Why Wasps Want Protein in Summer and Sugar in Autumn
Wasps’ food preferences change with the season. Early in summer, they crave protein like ham, chicken, or insects. This is because worker wasps must feed growing larvae, which are carnivorous.
By late summer, the larvae pupate and no longer require feeding. At this stage, workers shift their focus to sugary substances for energy – which is why your jam tarts and lemonade become irresistible.
Fascinating Facts About Wasps
- Wasps have a distinctive “wasp waist”, allowing them to bend and sting prey effectively.
- Adult wasps mainly consume liquids such as nectar, while larvae rely on solid protein.
- When larvae are fed meat or insects, they reward workers with a sugary secretion – a kind of food exchange system.
Coexist Peacefully with Wasps
Instead of viewing wasps as picnic destroyers, think of them as natural pest controllers. By offering a small distraction portion of food and avoiding sudden movements, you can enjoy a peaceful outdoor meal.
With a little knowledge and patience, it’s possible to balance your love for summer picnics with respect for these important insects. trick to stop wasps at picnic.
