Use paper bag against wasps: whether a dummy wasp nest really works and how to build it

What helps against wasps – a question that probably all of us ask ourselves every now and then in summer. Regardless of whether you are genuinely afraid of the insects or just annoyed by their constant presence, any tip or measure to drive them away is welcome. After we have already introduced you to some deterrent scents and also wasp traps, today we are going to talk about another interesting trick that is currently circulating on the internet and is supposed to work wonders. You should be able to use a simple paper bag against wasps. In the following, we explain what purpose this should serve, how exactly it is used and whether the trick works at all.

What is the bag supposed to be used for?

Surely you’ve seen a wasp’s nest before, be it on TV, internet or even live. So you know the typical nest shape, which is reminiscent of a gray balloon. It kinda looks a bit like an inflated paper bag, don’t you think? And it is precisely this similarity that should benefit you when you want to drive away wasps.

You want those pesky insects that just want your food on the table to see the fake wasp nest, thinking another colony is already living nearby, and then flee. In fact, there is a great deal of competition between wasp colonies when it comes to foraging food for both the offspring and the adult insects. But does the theory with the dummy paper bag against wasps actually work in practice?

Wasp nest dummy DIY – Does it really work?

According to experts, this claim is nonsense. Because a wasp not only recognizes the other nests by their appearance, but can also smell them. However, since the false wasp nest does not emit any such scents, there is simply no point in using a paper bag against wasps. And even if you can fool the wasps this way, that’s still no reason for them to leave.

But there are also other opinions that claim that the insects prefer to avoid confrontation with other populations. You can find out for yourself what is correct by trying the trick anyway. It would definitely be an interesting project to do with the kids too. So if you’re curious, you can build a wasp nest dummy yourself using the following instructions:

Use paper bag against wasps: How to make the wasp nest dummy

All you need to build this type of wasp trap is a paper bag. Alternatively, you can also use baking paper, bread wrapping paper or a simple newspaper. Just make sure that the material has a natural gray to beige color.

So that the paper bag can help against wasps, you now have to shape it. If you can’t do it with your bare hand, you can blow it up a little or fill it with crumpled newspaper. Then tie the open end with string. Finished! Newspaper should also be easy to shape, but if you find it a bit difficult, you can blow up a balloon and wrap it in the newspaper. You can then burst the balloon simply by pricking the paper with a needle (careful, it might get loud!). Alternatively, you can simply crumple up paper and use it for stuffing. Just be creative and find the best technique for you.

So that you can keep the wasps away from the table, you should use the dummy hang up nearby. This can be the canopy over your dining area, the porch or even the next wall of the house.

You can also buy dummies. They are reminiscent of paper lanterns and are therefore also pretty to look at.

which Alternatives to the paper bag against wasps are suitable?

If it turns out that the paper bag against wasps has no effect, you can of course simply use the classic remedies against wasps instead. Certain scents have proven to be particularly effective for insects in general. For example, the wasp shuns the smoke from burning coffee, but also cloves, citrus scents, garlic and certain essential oils. You can also set up bait a little further away from where you are to easily lure the insects away.

But not only repellents are practical if you want to keep wasps away. Of course, you should also avoid scents and products that in turn attract these animals. Of course, this does not mean that you are no longer allowed to eat outside. But at least cover the food and put away what you will no longer be consuming or dirty dishes right away. Deodorants and perfumes as well as colorful clothing can also attract swarms of wasps.