Plants That Can Attract Wasps to Your North Carolina Home
If you're a homeowner in North Carolina, you might find some benefits from having some wasps around your property. For instance, wasps can help control insect populations harmful to gardens, like aphids and caterpillars. However, when wasp populations get out of hand, they can become a safety hazard, especially for small children, pets, or anyone allergic to wasp stings.
Knowing what types of plants attract wasps can help you design your landscaping based on what you'd like to accomplish. Below, we'll discuss the general types of plants that typically attract wasps and provide a list of common plants you'll want to avoid planting to make your property less appealing to wasps.
What Types of Plants Attract Wasps?
Wasps are generally attracted to plants that produce large quantities of nectar or have bright, vivid colors. Flowering plants, with their fragrant aromas and rich nectar, are a primary attraction for wasps. These insects are also drawn to plants that host insects they prey on, providing them with a food source. Fruit-bearing trees or shrubs can attract wasps as well, especially if the fallen fruit begins to ferment. Native plants are highly desirable to wasps since these insects have evolved alongside them and are well-adapted to their specific features and cycles.
5 Common Plants That Attract Wasps
1. Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's Lace, also known as wild carrot, is a common plant in North Carolina that can attract wasps. This plant's flowers are large and flat, creating a platform that is easy for wasps to land on. The nectar of Queen Anne's Lace is easily accessible, making it an attractive food source for wasps.
2. Fennel
Fennel is another plant that is known to attract wasps. This hardy perennial has bright yellow flowers that produce nectar throughout the summer. The plant also attracts aphids, a common prey for wasps. By providing both a food source and prey, fennel is a major attraction for wasps.
3. Sunflowers
With their large, bright yellow heads, sunflowers are easily spotted by wasps. Besides their aesthetic appeal, sunflowers produce lots of nectar, attracting wasps looking for food. The sunflower seeds also attract insects that wasps prey upon, making it a double attraction.
4. Raspberry Bushes
Raspberry bushes may also attract wasps to your property. Wasps are drawn to the sweet smell of ripening raspberries and may also feed on the fruit. In addition, the bushes can provide a suitable shelter for wasps, making your garden a potential nesting site.
5. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a beautiful plant that's often used in landscaping. However, it's also a favorite of various wasp species, including paper wasps and yellow jackets. To prevent wasps from being attracted to your goldenrod, keep it trimmed and under control.
Tips for Avoiding a Wasp Problem on Your Property
If you're not keen on attracting wasps to your property, here are some additional tips that may help:
- Keep your garbage cans tightly sealed.
- Don't leave food or drinks out in the open for extended periods.
- Avoid planting fragrant flowers close to entrances or outdoor seating areas.
- Regularly inspect and seal any openings or cracks around your home where wasps may get inside to build nests.
- Inspect your attic, garage, and outbuildings for wasp nests.
When in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional pest control service like Sage Pest Control. They can help identify potential problem areas and provide effective solutions for keeping wasps at bay. With the proper precautions and planting choices, you can enjoy a beautiful and wasp-free North Carolina home. So go ahead and embrace your green thumb; just remember to do it with caution!
Charlotte Bee, Wasp & Hornet Removal
When you need safe, reliable removal of stinging insects, count on Sage Pest Control. Our team provides effective, eco-friendly solutions to rid your property of wasps, bees, and hornets. Contact us today for a free inspection and quote! Keep your home beautiful and safe with help from the experts at Sage Pest Control.