What's the very best way to repel WASPS? Normal insect repellents don't work...?
Answers:
on the islands we dont have all the creature comforts like you folks in the usa so we use a simple formula soap and water we simply put it in a spray bottle and squrt the suckers you can use joy or any dishwashing solution it works for us ,and if you are on the outside and you are permitted to light a fire do so and place some green bush or grass on it (not marijuana makes them high)it drives them crazy and they will stay away.
Other answers:
This answer applies to UK. Wasps are seriously attracted by SUGAR especially in September. They are seriously attracted to children who scoff sweet stuff all day. All around a child's mouth will be irristable to a wasp if the child has been at the jam, into the sweets, drinking high sugar drinks. So the very best way of all to avoid getting wasps and kids together is not to feed the wee one sweet things when there is a possibility of wasps. Obviously if you go to theme parks with thousands of kids all with sticky jammy faces it is wasp heaven. But if your mite has a totally clean face it's the other mothers who'll be dealing with wasps
This answer applies to UK. Wasps are seriously attracted by SUGAR especially in September. They are seriously attracted to children who scoff sweet stuff all day. All around a child's mouth will be irristable to a wasp if the child has been at the jam, into the sweets, drinking high sugar drinks. So the very best way of all to avoid getting wasps and kids together is not to feed the wee one sweet things when there is a possibility of wasps. Obviously if you go to theme parks with thousands of kids all with sticky jammy faces it is wasp heaven. But if your mite has a totally clean face it's the other mothers who'll be dealing with wasps
they hate smoke
i find that fire pits work, if you have access to one, wasps and other insects dont like the smoke or the heat it gives off, other than that i dont know.
There's not really any good way to repel them, you pretty much need to buy a wasp killing spray (Raid and some others make them) and/or find the source, the nest. If you're on vacation, just take a fly swatter or a bottle of the spray, because you can't keep them away.
If you are around your house, the best thing to do is kill them using wasp spray on their nest. That will at least cut down on the number hanging around. Try using yard guard too. Try skin so soft too. It works a little. I have recently heard of a bug spray and sun block combo that may help too. Good luck.
Any major hardware store (ACE, OSH, Home Depot, Lowes) has several different wasp-specific solutions in their pest control aisle. Most involve some kind of semi-gelatinous foam that is sprayed onto the nest.
If you have a large nest complex or multiple problems, of course, it's best to call a professional.
However, for "spot trap" kinds of things, I believe wasps are attracted to fatty proteins as well. You might want to try the old trick of a propped open glad bag with some raw bacon in it. Place a few some distance away from your picnic or eating site, and you may draw enough away for it to work.
i usually run around in mad circles becoming increasingly hysterically waving and flapping my arms screaming WASPSSSSSSSS HELPPPPPPP MEEEEEEEEEEE .. its a kind of stand off game ... they either get bored chasing you and buzz off .. or they sting you !!
Such is life !
I don't have a good answer, but I do have ideas.
1. Don't let her wear perfume or any sweet smelling lotions.
2. Try an item with Picaridin in it. This is a product similar to deet used by Cutter. It repels mosquitos, flies, ticks maybe it will do Wasps also.
3. Get her a can of Spectracide Wasp & Hornet Killer to keep around her. My doctor's son was fine playing in the yard around them as long as he could see that can! It is green and has a 27 ft jet spray.
4. As for traps, they use a fruit juice concentrate. Cut a couple of 2 liters in half, fill them with that or some Mt. Dew and place them away from the picnic tables, kids playing, etc.
5. At your house, spray around the yard, on the eves of the house, and anywhere else you may get a nest a few times a year with Triazicide or Bug Stop Clear. This item contains Lambda Cyhalothrin (spelling) and will keep the area free and clear for a few months.