Copper is said to repel wasps. That would be nice, right? Put out a few copper coins, stretch a copper wire and the annoying insects will leave you alone. But is that really true? Find out below whether copper keeps wasps away and what other home remedies do.
Can copper repel wasps?
Copper is not suitable for repelling wasps as it does not emit any substances that disturb or deter the insects. Wasps are more likely to be influenced by the ethereal, herbaceous smells of plants such as lavender, basil or incense, but here too the effect is limited.
The thing about home remedies against wasps
There are many home remedies for late summer wasp plagues circulating, especially on the vastness of the Internet. There are a few rumors and half-truths floating around here (or written). You can be skeptical about some of the advertised wasp home remedies. There is indeed something to be said about some methods: for example, wasps find ethereal, herbaceous smells, such as those of lavender, basil or frankincense plants, to be repulsive. Whether this will drive them away is another matter. At least not from a coffee table served with fresh plum cake.
Most home remedies for wasp repellent are only partially effective. They are:
- Depending on the situation and
- Seasonal
Edging the terrace with a lavender bed can certainly irritate wasps, but only if there is no strong attraction on the terrace in the form of open jam jars or juicy grilled steaks. However, when you relax on a deck chair, you tend to get more peace and quiet.
In addition, the scent of wasp-repelling plants naturally tends to be concentrated during the flowering period. The appearance and vehemence of wasps is also seasonal - from August onwards they are particularly numerous and active.
Copper has virtually no effect
Given the widespread belief that copper coins drive away wasps, the effect does not even increase depending on the situation or season. Even if some wasp sufferers enthusiastically proclaim that they have found a certain effect, the scientific community agrees that there is nothing wrong with this method.
Copper is toxic to lower organisms and is also used against snails - but the metal only attacks the snail slime and does not kill the animals. Copper can't do anything against wasps. In solid, compact form, the metal is not caused to change its physical state in the slightest by air or the heat of the sun. So it doesn't emit anything that could bother wasps.
And even if it smelled unpleasant to her, it's like lavender: it will never stop her from a salmon roll or a sugar nut danish. A wasp worker who has to work all day for a huge state cannot afford to turn down such an opportunity to eat just because of some unpleasant side effects.
