Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Nintendo Switch 2 Tariff tracker Best Mattress Wordle Today Banish wasps from your home using this one non-toxic household item that pests hate Camilla Sharman 14 April 2025 A natural approach to warning off wasps When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) While enjoying the warmer weather, I’ve noticed that one pest has been relishing it too. When I’ve been out in my backyard and inside my home, I've caught sight of a few pesky wasps hovering around. And as the temperature continues to climb, I know they will start to celebrate the warmer climes in greater abundance, if allowed. Although I appreciate that all living creatures want to benefit from the warm weather, I’d prefer to keep wasps away from my home and avoid the threat of them building a nest. You may like Forget chemicals — I banished spiders with this simple household ingredient 3 pests to watch out for this spring — and expert tips to prevent them But, rather than choosing a harmful approach to banish wasps or paying out for a pest removal expert, I favor a non-toxic solution to keep the wasps at bay. Luckily, there is an ingredient you probably already have in your kitchen that you rely on each morning to make a fresh brew. Chris Hutton, storage expert and owner of Adam’s Selfstore, recommends using coffee grounds as a natural, no-cost deterrent, which keeps the wasps away before they decide to move in. Wasps on the move (Image credit: Shutterstock) During the spring, wasps scout for quiet, undisturbed corners of our home to build their nests. Lofts, wall cavities, boiler cupboards and spare rooms are all hot spots that wasps will be happy to call home. And although we often associate wasps with plaguing a summer barbecue while we grill food and sip a cool beer, Hutton explains that it’s early spring when they are most opportunistic. They quietly enter properties while our windows are still closed. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Once a queen wasp settles undisturbed, she’ll build a nest that can grow in size unnoticed until it becomes a dangerous problem and must be professionally removed. Oxo Good Grip Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 07.5 Gallon:$22 at Amazon This compact compost bin is ideal for everyday countertop use and measures 7.5 (h) x 6.6 (l) x 6.4 (w) inches. The lid can be removed for easy emptying and also locks down to contain odors. The interior is also smooth to prevent foods and liquids from building up. How to deter wasps before they settle (Image credit: Shutterstock) Hutton says there is a simple solution to deter wasps before they settle, and it’s an ingredient you’ll find in your kitchen compost. In fact, it has more than one use, as I’m already saving this kitchen waste item to help create a healthy lawn. "The smell released by smouldering coffee grounds overwhelms their senses and makes an area feel unsafe or unsuitable to settle in.” He recommends using coffee grounds as a natural, no-cost deterrent to prevent wasps from settling in your home. “Wasps have a surprisingly strong sense of smell,” says Hutton. “They rely heavily on scent to identify potential nesting areas, and they’re incredibly sensitive to certain odors, coffee being one of them. The smell released by smouldering coffee grounds overwhelms their senses and makes an area feel unsafe or unsuitable to settle in.” This solution is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners looking for a greener method to keep wasps away, while it’s cheap and safe to use around pets. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Hutton recommends following these easy steps to stay ahead of wasps before they move in: 1. After making your coffee, allow the used grounds to dry out completely. 2. Place a spoonful in a fireproof container; something like an old metal dish, ceramic ramekin, or ashtray works well. 3. Carefully light the grounds with a match or lighter and let them smolder like incense. 4. The slow burn releases a strong, smoky aroma that wasps find overwhelming. Hutton adds. “If you’ve had nests in certain areas before, a quiet loft corner or behind an air vent, place the coffee ground burner there once or twice a week.” Where to place the coffee grounds For the best result, Huttons recommends placing the coffee ground where wasps may enter or explore — think loft spaces, window sills, attic hatches, and near extractor fans. The trick can also be used outside to deter wasps from spoiling a BBQ. So, when you’re enjoying your morning brew, remember to save your grounds to prevent wasps from invading your home and causing an infestation. More from Tom's Guide Discover 7 things that are attracting pests to your home And 9 natural pest repellents — 9 ways to save money and skip the exterminator Discover 7 ways to keep bugs out of your home Today's best OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin deals $32.95View $32.99View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices See more Home News Camilla Sharman Social Links Navigation Staff Writer, Homes Camilla Sharman has worked in publishing and marketing for over 30 years and has covered a wide range of sectors within the business and consumer industries both as a feature, content, and freelance writer. As a business journalist, Camilla has researched articles for many different sectors from the jewellery industry to finance and tech, charities, and the arts. Whatever she’s covered, she enjoys delving deep and learning the ins and out of different topics, then conveying her research within engaging content that informs the reader. In her spare time, when she’s not in her kitchen experimenting with a new recipe, you’ll find her keeping fit at the gym. In the pool, stretching at a yoga class, or on a spin bike, exercise is her escape time. She also loves the great outdoors and if she’s not pottering about in her garden, she’ll be jumping on her bike for a gentle cycle ride. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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