If you’ve been relaxing by the pool lately and noticed you’ve got some uninvited guests buzzing about, you’re not alone. Wasps are especially active during the warmer months here in the Charente and surrounding areas — and they love your pool as much as you do only they’re a little less fussy about who’s already in the water !
But why exactly do wasps gather around water, and what can you safely do about it? As local, French-qualified pest controllers based near Ruffec, we get asked this a lot. So here’s what’s really going on…
Wasps Need Water — Especially in Hot Weather
Just like us, wasps get thirsty in the heat. But for them, water isn’t just for drinking. They also use it to:
- Cool down their nests by dropping tiny water droplets inside
- Build their nests — mixing water with wood fibres to make a papery material
- Hydrate themselves and feed their young
But why your pool?
Pools, paddling pools, bird baths, and even dripping taps are irresistible to wasps, particularly in the height of summer when natural water sources are scarce.
They’re drawn to shallow, still water where they can safely land. Steps, pool edges, and anything that floats including toys make perfect pitstops!
Scents and residues from sun cream, drinks, icelollies and sweat can also attract them to pool areas. Showering or even just washing your hands could make a difference.
Did you know?
Despite citronella being a popular deterrent, neither wasps nor hornets seem particularly bothered by it at the moment. In our experience, peppermint, spearmint, and eucalyptus oils (as strong as you can tolerate!) stand a much better chance of keeping them away.
Top tips for keeping them away:
Skim your pool regularly to remove floating debris or attractants.
Avoid leaving sugary drinks or food out or on you.
Place a shallow dish of water with pebbles or stones well away from your pool — they prefer these and will often use them if they’re easy to access.
If they’ve already found your pool, you’ll need a mix of a deterrent in the pool area and an alternative water source nearby to encourage them to move on.
Why You Might Be Seeing More Wasps This Year
The wasp population can vary from year to year depending on the weather. A mild winter and warm spring can mean:
- More queens surviving hibernation
- Earlier nesting activity
- Larger, more active colonies by mid-summer
This makes them much more noticeable when you’re trying to cool off poolside.
What else can you do…
While it’s impossible to eliminate wasps from your garden completely
- Check for nests: If you notice a steady flow of wasps coming and going from one area, take note of where they might be going and coming from
- Call a professional: If you suspect a nest, it’s best to call in a trained pest controller, especially for wasps and hornets, which can be dangerous if disturbed.
Need Help with Wasps or Hornets?
We’re based in North Charente and cover the surrounding areas including Deux-Sèvres, Vienne and Charente-Maritime. We specialise in the safe removal of wasp and hornet nests (including Asian hornets) and can also relocate bee swarms where possible.
📞 Contact us today for fast, friendly and fully insured pest control.