a wasp in a car tries to get inside a coke bottle

Avoid Stinging Hitchhikers: How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

Imagine driving down the road, enjoying a beautiful summer day when suddenly you hear the distinct buzzing of a stinging insect inside your car. The fear of getting stung while driving can turn any pleasant road trip into a dangerous experience but try not to panic. Pull over as soon as you can safely. Keeping stinging insects out of your car is not only safe for you but others on the road as well. Keep reading to learn how to keep these flying nuisances out of your car!

Why Do I Have Wasps in My Car?

Wasps are attracted to cars for a variety of reasons. Understanding why stinging insects are attracted to your car can help prevent them in the future. Some reasons wasps are drawn to your car include:
  • Heat:  Wasps are cold blooded insects so the warmth radiated from cars on a hot day can turn your car into a wasp spa. Wasps may build nests inside sitting cars due to the captured heat in the interior or engine bay.
  • Location: Parking next to things that attract wasps such as flowers and garbage cans or near a wasp nest increases the likelihood of a wasp making its way into your car.
  • Sweets: Wasps love sweets. They can smell them from over 20 feet away! Leaving open sweets or drinking in your car will attract wasps to your car.
  • Open Windows: Many people will leave their windows cracked on a warm summer day. An open window is a free invitation for a wasp to hop in and take a ride!
  • Dead Insects: Most drivers know the bane of dead insects on the grill of their car. In addition to being a pain to remove, these dead insects release a pheromone that will let wasps know where to find their favorite snacks.

How to Prevent Wasps in Your Car

To keep wasps from invading your car, it is important to ensure your car is kept tidy. Remove any leftover food, especially sweets, and wash off any bugs that may have their untimely end in your grill. If wasps seem to be flocking to your car, it might be time to ditch the floral, sweet smelling air fresheners. While they make your car smell nice, the sweet scent can attract stinging insects. Instead, try using peppermint, citronella, anise or clove essential oils that will keep your car smelling nice and repel wasps.  When parked, roll up your windows and avoid parking next to areas that are known to attract wasps, such as flowering plants, trash cans, or picnic spots. If your car has been parked for a long period of time, check the engine bay, interior and trunk for any nests that may have been built while your car was not in use.  Also, check the surrounding areas for active wasp nests. Contact a professional exterminator to remove any nests you find.

Arrow Environmental Services- The Stinging Insect Experts

No one likes an uninvited hitchhiker on their Sunday drive. Finding wasps or wasp nests in your car means it is time to call Arrow Environmental services! Dealing with wasps on your own can be hazardous and leave you with painful stings. With our innovative, environmentally friendly practices, we are able to eliminate any pest problem safely and effectively. If you are having problems with wasps or any other pests around your car or home, contact Arrow Environmental Services today! Our highly trained staff are available six days a week to help identify your needs and provide the highest level of service!