What Scents and Foods Attract Wasps?

July 16, 2026

Wasps play an important role in nature, but they can quickly become an unwanted guest around your home or outdoor gathering. Knowing what attracts wasps can help you reduce the chances of them lingering near your property.

Common scents and foods that attract wasps include:

• Sugary drinks and desserts
• Ripe or fallen fruits
• Meat and grilled foods
• Open garbage and recycling bins

Sweet-smelling perfumes, lotions, and floral fragrances

Wasps have a strong sense of smell and are especially drawn to sweet foods and beverages. Sodas, fruit juices, candy, cakes, and other sugary treats are common attractants, particularly during the warmer months. If you're enjoying a picnic or backyard barbecue, keeping food covered and cleaning up spills promptly can help discourage wasps from stopping by.

As summer transitions into late summer and early fall, many wasps begin seeking out sugary foods for energy. At the same time, protein-rich foods like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and other grilled meats become attractive as they gather food for their colony. Fallen fruit beneath trees can also become a feeding spot if it's left to decay.

Strong fragrances can attract curious wasps as well. Floral perfumes, scented lotions, hair products, and even brightly scented candles may resemble the aromas of flowering plants that provide nectar. While wearing fragrance doesn't always guarantee wasp activity, choosing unscented products during outdoor events may help reduce unwanted attention.

If wasps continue to gather around your home or you've discovered a nest on your property, it's best to avoid disturbing it yourself. Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services provides safe, professional wasp inspections and removal services to help protect your family, guests, and property. Addressing wasp activity early can reduce the risk of stings and help you enjoy your outdoor spaces with greater peace of mind.

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