Car is one of those assets we all care deeply about. No matter the make, model or condition, nobody wants it to get dirty let alone find wasps inside. It’s not only stressful to spot pests in a car but it can also hit your wallet if there is a lot of damage inside the car. Unfortunately, Florida’s warm summer days bring lots of pests and some of them eventually find their way into the cars. Those tiny reddish yellow swarms might look harmless almost like just another bug flying around but they’re far from friendly. Wasps can damage your car’s interior and exterior and worse, their sting can cause painful or even allergic reactions. Their one look can singlehandedly ruin your day and send your mood into panic mode! We can already guess what you’re thinking: “How to Remove Wasps from My Car”, fair question! While it can be a little tricky, all it really takes is some knowhow, a bit of courage and a few smart moves down the road.
Let’s talk about it!
Why are Wasps in My Car?
Naturally, seeing wasps in your car would make you think what’s going on, why they came into your car and where they came from? Just like any other insect, wasps look for warm places with easy access to food. Read below to find why and how all of a sudden wasps find their way to your car:
- The first reason they’re in your car is simply because of the comfort it provides. They might have built a small nest somewhere inside and are enjoying the warmth your car unintentionally offers.
- Another reason is food. Most of us eat in our cars. Snacks, coffee runs, meals. Those tiny crumbs and drink spills can easily attract wasps. And even if there’s no actual food left behind, the smell alone can pull them in.
- Lastly, wasps are drawn to bright, shiny areas (ever noticed them flying around streetlights or lamps?) Your car’s glossy exterior can have the same effect.
How to Remove Wasps from Your Car?
Removing wasps from your car can take little time as you are dealing with pests. But you can definitely get the job done and put an end to their entry in your car. Here is what you should do to remove wasps:
Locate the Nest
Look for the nest. If there are lots of wasps flying in & around your car, this indicates they have made a nest somewhere in. Look for the nest and clean it thoroughly.
Get Insecticide Spray
You can easily grab an insecticide spray from any nearby store. Make sure it has a long nozzle so you can spray from a safe distance. If feels risky, call your local pest control service– they know exactly where to target and how to target.
Be at a Safe Distance
It is very important to be at a safe distance when applying wasp spray, as wasps will scatter and they hit you (not necessarily, but potentially), so it’s better to be at a distance of 10-15 feet. (Pro Trick: Stand with the wind blowing behind you. This keeps the spray moving toward the wasps, not back in your face and if they happen to come in contact with you, you can run the opposite direction). After spraying, leave the area for the next 24 hours. Do not open the car door as movement will disrupt the process. Let the product do the job.
Nest Removal
Upon 24 hours, open the car doors and look for the nest. Next, remove it and clean all the dead wasps carefully. Make sure you wipe the area with sanitizer to avoid potential harm.
Close the Entry Points
Lastly, seal the entry points where you think the wasps are coming in. Carefully look at the door panel as they are definitely coming from there. The point in your favor is, there are not many entry points for wasps to come in, so don’t ignore the potential ones. (Pro Trick: Use silicone sealant for small gaps and double-check rubber linings around doors and windows.)
Extra Steps That Can Help You Get Rid of Wasps in Your Car
It’s always better to find a remedy before it becomes a need. Apart from the ways mentioned above to get rid of wasps in your car, here are two additional factors you should keep in mind for early prevention:
Park Your Car Wisely
Where you park your car really matters. Avoid parking under trees or in overly warm areas. Go for cooler, shaded spots instead. Wasps love warmth, so keeping things cool will make your car way less inviting. (I once made the mistake of parking my car under a big shady tree. It was summer and the spot looked perfect. A week later, I opened my car door and heard that unsettling buzz. Turns out, there are countless wasps in my car. Lesson learned, the hard way!)
Consider Seasonal Timing
Wasp activity peaks in warm months and drops during winter. In summer, be extra alert about open windows and entry points. In winter, check under the hood or mirrors for old or inactive nests before driving.
Do the Cleanup at Night
Timing is everything when it comes to cleaning out wasps. If you try to do it in the middle of a hot summer day, they’ll be active and flying everywhere. It’s way easier to handle the cleanup at night or early in the morning when it’s cooler outside. During those cooler hours, wasps slow down a lot. That gives you the perfect chance to safely clear the nest and clean your car without dealing with them scattered and flying around.
Preventive Measures to Take if there are wasps in your car
They say prevention is better than the cure and we truly second that! If you have already followed preventive measures, the chances of finding wasps in your car would be quite low.
Here is what you can do:
Maintain Cleanliness inside Car
The one thing all exterminators, pest control companies or even rabbit hole search will tell you is to clean your space & that will drastically decrease the presence of wasps in your car. Make a habit of thoroughly cleaning the interior of the car every once in a while. This will not only remove any potential wasps but would also increase the efficiency of your car.
Seal the Potential Entry Points
You will get to see the potential or existing sealing points during car interior cleaning. Remove them then & there and clean the spot afterwards with sanitizer. If you see any potential entry points, seal them by tape or any adhesive.
Put Natural Repellents in the Car
There are plenty of natural repellents that can help you remove wasps from your car. You can use essential oils like peppermint, clove or lemongrass in any form. Sprinkle them on cotton balls or place them around different spots in your car. These oils have a strong fragrance and wasps absolutely hate strong smells. You can also try orange or lemon peels. You can also go with dish soap water. Try it; it works wonders against wasps.
Park Your Car in a Cool Place
As mentioned above, wasps love warm places, so the key to keeping them away is cutting down that comfort. Park your car in a cool spot – somewhere like a basement or shaded garage. This will reduce the chances of wasps settling in and if there are any already inside they might leave on their own once the environment becomes less favorable. Don’t forget to change your parking spot every once in a while just to keep things in check.
Some Fun Facts About Wasps
We’d love to share a few fun (and slightly shocking) wasp facts with you! Did you know the term “paper wasp” actually comes from the way they build their nests, it looks just like handmade paper? Or that when the weather gets cold all the worker wasps die off, leaving only the queen alive to start fresh in spring. Wasps have a very short life span except for the queen!
Dave’s Pest Control - Effective Wasp Removal Service
Dave’s Pest Control is a proud veteran & family-owned business that has been serving Floridians for over 45 years. With decades of experience and local expertise, we understand the pest challenges you face; that’s why we guarantee safe pest control for your complete satisfaction! Our wasp control service is quick, effective and just around the corner!
Conclusion
Summer and humid weather can attract wasps to your car but no need to panic. You can get rid of them by using smart strategies. Start by carefully checking for any nests and cleaning them out completely. You can use any insecticide spray (preferably one made specifically for wasps) and make sure to seal all possible entry points afterward. Wasps might find their way into your car but as the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” It’s not inevitable; you can absolutely avoid it with a few simple precautions. Try parking your car in cooler areas since wasps are drawn to warmth and switch up your parking spot often, so they don’t get too familiar with your vehicle. If you need to clean or spray your car, do it at night or during cooler hours. Wasps stay still in lower temperatures and this will give you a much better chance to remove them completely & safely.