17th January, 2026
What Attracts Wasps to BBQ Areas During Summer?
There is nothing more Aussie than firing up the BBQ on a warm summer afternoon. The food is ready, the drinks are cold, and everyone is relaxed. Then suddenly, unwanted guests arrive. Wasps start circling the table and hovering near your food.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many homeowners deal with wasps during summer gatherings. Understanding what attracts wasps in summer helps you stop the problem before it ruins your outdoor time.
Why BBQ Areas Attract Wasps in Summer
Wasps do not turn up by accident. They follow food, water, and smells that help them survive the heat.
Protein Draws Them In
Early in summer, wasps look for protein to feed their young. Raw meat, cooked sausages, chicken scraps, and pet food all act as strong attractants.
Sugar Becomes the Main Target
As summer goes on, their diet shifts toward sugar. Soft drinks, fruit platters, sauces, and alcohol spills quickly attract attention. This is why people often notice wasps around bbq tables rather than gardens.
Water Is a Big Factor
During hot days, wasps need water to cool their nest. Pet bowls, leaking taps, condensation on bottles, and wet grass can all pull them into your outdoor area.
Wasps in Backyard Areas Are Often a Warning Sign
Seeing one or two wasps is common. Seeing many at once is different. Repeated activity usually means a nest is close by.
Homeowners often notice wasps in backyard spaces flying the same path again and again. This behaviour usually points to a nest in the roof eaves, wall gaps, trees, or garden structures.
If you disturb that nest while cleaning or moving furniture, wasps can become aggressive very quickly.
Keeping Wasps Away From Food Without Making It Worse
Swatting wasps or spraying them often increases aggression. Instead, focus on prevention and control.
Here are simple ways of keeping wasps away from food during outdoor meals:
- Cover food with mesh covers or sealed containers
- Clean BBQ surfaces straight after cooking
- Clear plates and scraps quickly
- Keep drinks covered or use lids and straws
- Move bins away from eating areas
These steps reduce smells that draw wasps closer.
Why Professional Help Matters
Wasps defend their nest aggressively, especially in summer. Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times. DIY sprays often fail because they do not reach the nest or remove the queen.
At Mr Pest Controller, our technicians handle wasp problems safely and properly. We locate the nest, remove it correctly, and prevent repeat activity.
As part of The Mr Group, we also understand how pest control connects with overall property care. A well-maintained home reduces nesting opportunities and future infestations.
If you suspect a nest or your BBQ area feels unsafe, professional treatment is the safest option.
Take Back Your Outdoor Space
Your backyard should be a place to relax, not something you avoid. With the right prevention steps and expert support, you can enjoy summer without constant interruptions.
If wasps are affecting your outdoor area, do not wait for the problem to grow.
Request a free quote from Mr Pest Controller today and enjoy a safer, stress-free summer at home.